How Mauricio Pochettino’s Tactical Approach Can Reignite Chelsea FC – Tactical Analysis

New managers bring a sense of optimism because we tend to project our desires onto them.

Regardless of the challenging situations they inherit or the increasing influence of sporting directors and boardroom ideologies, we attribute our hopes and biases to new managers.

Mauricio Pochettino can be seen as an intense coach who excels at nurturing young players and could effectively revitalise Chelsea by removing underperforming players and initiating a new era under Todd Boehly.

On the other hand, it is possible that, since Pochettino struggled to implement his football philosophy in a Paris Saint-Germain squad filled with egos, his successful methods are a thing of the past.

Pochettino may have the ability to navigate difficult relationships and complex transfer windows, rallying the players behind a unified tactical vision.

However, there is also a concern that his emphasis on patience and lack of silverware could lead to his downfall, similar to Graham Potters experiences.

Boehlys aggressive and disruptive approach has added to the existing chaos at the club.

As his one-year anniversary approaches, its a moment to reflect on the impact of three different managers, significant investments of £500 million, and the clubs disappointing league position, the lowest since 1996.

While there should be equal measures of pessimism and hope regarding the upcoming Pochettino era, football fandom often defies such balanced perspectives.

Fortunately for the optimists, this tactical analysis indicates that the current Chelsea squad is well-suited to the tactics that Pochettino employed during his time at Tottenham Hotspur.

This analysis suggests that if Pochettino style of play is unable to succeed under Boehlys ownership, it might be an indication that no one else can either.

Mauricio Pochettino Tactics & Formations

Pochettino draws inspiration from two footballing greats, Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola, to shape his tactical ideology.

He incorporates Bielsas aggressive pressing and high-intensity training, focusing on swarming packs overloading one flank before swiftly switching to the other.

He also emphasises defenders stepping out to confront opponents.

From Guardiola, Pochettino adopts positional play, meticulously instructing players on their positioning and movement within a choreographed pattern of triangles.

The goal is to stifle opposition counter-attacks by maintaining a perfect defensive shape and employing energetic counter-pressing.

Pochettinos approach involves utilising narrow attacking lines, dynamic full-backs, and fast one-touch football.

These attacking moves are complemented by a range of intricate automatisms — patterns in open play ingrained in the muscle memory through Pochettinos famously demanding double training sessions.

All of these tactical elements are reinforced by a rigorous fitness regiment and Pochettinos ability to forge strong relationships with his young and ambitious players.

He is known to eliminate outsiders ruthlessly but fosters intense bonds within his inner circle.

This approach, reminiscent of Bielsa, inspires intelligent footballers to give their all and go to great lengths for him.

During Pochettinos five-year tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, his tactical approach can be examined by focusing on the three middle seasons, excluding the bedding-in period and the subsequent decline.

In the 2014/15 to 2017/18 seasons, Tottenham displayed a high-octane pressing style, evident in their league rankings for metrics such as PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action) and high turnovers.

These statistics underscore the influence of Bielsas pressing philosophy on Pochettinos tactics.

In terms of ball possession, Pochettinos teams displayed a preference for executing switches of play, overloading one side of the pitch before quickly shifting the ball to the opposite flank.

Their combination of strong possession and progressive passes indicated their proactive approach and Pochettinos aim to integrate Bielsas vertical attacking lines with Guardiolas positional play.

Regarding formations and player involvement, during their peak years, Pochettino primarily utilised a 4-