Pochettino Acknowledges Chelsea’s Height Challenge, Finds Strategy Ahead Of Everton Clash

Mauricio Pochettino, the Chelsea manager, acknowledges a significant challenge facing his team—height difference—and unveils a strategic plan to combat Everton’s physical advantage in the upcoming match.

Recognizing the importance of height and physicality in the Premier League, Pochettino admits that Everton boasts the tallest squad on paper while Chelsea ranks among the shorter teams.

Also, Chelsea has faced issues defending against headed goals, conceding in their last four matches, including their recent encounter against Manchester United. In contrast, Sean Dyche’s squad has yet to concede a headed goal this season.

Addressing how he intends to tackle the height disparity in the upcoming game, Pochettino conveyed to reporters, “Height can indeed pose a problem for us. We must adopt a more aggressive approach and strive to prevent conceding opportunities like corners or free-kicks from wide areas. Our strategy needs to be clever; we aim to obstruct their strengths. In football, it’s about our game approach, attitude, and using cleverness to minimize the chances for opponents to leverage their strengths.”

Expressing his concern about recent defensive lapses, Pochettino emphasized the need for improvement. He stressed the importance of organizational changes and a stronger desire to prevent crosses, indicating that defensive improvement requires collective responsibility rather than attributing blame after the opposition delivers a cross.

Reports suggest that Chelsea opted not to sign Declan Rice, a player who later joined Arsenal, during the summer transfer window. Instead, they secured Moises Caicedo from Brighton. Interestingly, Rice stands taller than six feet, while Caicedo measures at 5 feet 10 inches, identical to his midfield partner Enzo Fernandez.

As Chelsea prepares to face Dyche’s side, they aim to overcome the physical disadvantage and return to winning ways. The upcoming clash at Goodison Park promises to test Chelsea’s adaptability and determination as they confront Everton’s formidable physical presence.