Ben Chilwell lifts the lid on Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-season ‘mind games’ as the Chelsea manager puts his new team to the test with a grueling physical challenge.
- Mauricio Pochettino has taken his team to the United States for a grueling pre-season
- The former Tottenham manager employs a physically demanding style of play
- Ben Chilwell has revealed the intense sessions used to get the team in shape
Ben Chilwell has shed light on the grueling pre-season sessions new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has used to prepare his team for the upcoming campaign.
The Argentine officially took the reins at Stamford Bridge earlier this month and has set his sights on building a team capable of dealing with his physically demanding style.
Chilwell, who, injury aside, has been an ever-present for the Blues since joining in 2020, revealed the ways in which Pochettino is shaping his new team.
“We did the Gacon one day and we were meant to do 10 races,” said the 26-year-old. told Atléticoreferring to the former Tottenham manager’s preferred physical exam that requires players to run increasing distances in a fixed period of time.
“But we got to eighth and the manager, I still don’t know if he was playing a mind trick on us, said we could stop if we wanted.
Ben Chilwell made 31 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea in a disappointing season
Pochettino has been putting his new side to the test with his favorite fitness test
Chelsea continue their pre-season tour of the United States with matches against Fulham and Dortmund
“Everyone was on their knees after eighth and he said, ‘If you all complete the next two, I’ll buy you dinner.'”
‘Of course we’re all done, and now we’re looking forward to dinner! I’m sure it will come, but we haven’t had time yet.
The defender was one of the few players not linked to an exit in this summer window that has meant an important reconditioning of the squad.
Chelsea’s miserable finish to 12th in the Premier League last season led to the signing of Pochettino, as well as forwards Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, who are expected to rejuvenate an attack that scored fewer goals than two of the three. relegated teams.
The Blues are still looking for a deal for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, although the Seagulls’ stubbornness over price may have them looking elsewhere.
Chelsea’s preparations for their opening game this weekend against Liverpool continue with clashes against Fulham and Borussia Dortmund in the USA.
