EPL: ‘We need to grow up like a team’ – Pochettino tells Chelsea players

Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, emphasized the need for his team to mature and develop as a cohesive unit following their challenging start to the Premier League season.

On Sunday, Chelsea experienced a 1-0 defeat at home against Aston Villa, marking their third consecutive game without a victory or a goal.

This outcome solidified their poorest beginning to a campaign since 1978.

“We need to grow up like a team, not only in an individual way,” Pochettino said.

“In this type of game, we are competing and want to win and football is about winning. But also players, when they are young, need to learn, and experience and make mistakes.

“That’s why we feel disappointed as there are too many situations like this.”

Pochettino said Chelsea’s owners, who have spent around £1 billion ($1.22 bn) on new players since acquiring the club last year, are “disappointed” with the results but added that “they need to support the plan.”

Chelsea host Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday, after which they travel to face West London neighbours Fulham on October 2.