- Fernandez and Caicedo signed for huge fees
- Pochettino had doubts over both players
- Preferred Conor Gallagher to duo
WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea have invested heavily in players under Todd Boehly and Co., notably splashing out more than £100 million ($127m) each on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. However, Pochettino had doubts over the two midfielders while at Chelsea despite their massive transfer fees, according to The Athletic. The Argentine had question marks over whether Fernadez was “destructive” enough to play as a No.6 or had enough creativity to play further forward. Pochettino also felt Caicedo lacked “positional discipline” and felt both players did not have the “size and power” required to thrive in the English top flight.
.png?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The report adds that Pochettino’s favourite midfielder was actually academy graduate Conor Gallagher, who regularly captained the side last season in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell. The Blues are believed to be willing to sell the 24-year-old this summer due to concerns over meeting Profit and Sustainability Rules.
DID YOU KNOW?
Caicedo struck his first goal for Chelsea on the final day of the season with a stunner from the halfway line against Bournemouth, while Enzo missed the end of the campaign having undergone surgery on a hernia.
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND POCHETTINO
Chelsea will now search for a replacement for Pochettino. Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca have emerged as possible options for the Blues. Meanwhile, Pochettino is thought to be interested in taking over the England job from Gareth Southgate or heading to Manchester United to replace Erik ten Hag.
