Mauricio Pochettino exclusive: Chelsea boss on Marcelo Bielsa influence, says Premier League ‘really tough’ on return

Mauricio Pochettino, in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, says legendary Argentinian compatriot Marcelo Bielsa was “really important” in his development as a coach, but that he is determined to “evolve and adapt” his own philosophy as he settles into his role back in the Premier League with Chelsea.

It’s now nearly 11 years since Pochettino first arrived in England – taking over at Southampton in January 2013 – and where his high-energy, high pressing style helped drive a tactical evolution.

Now almost 15 years into his managerial career, the 51-year-old Argentinian opened up on how he and his staff attempt to constantly iterate their style.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Pochettino said: “Of course Marcelo [Bielsa] was a really important coach for me, but different coaches also were important to create my idea, my philosophy that I shared now with my coaching staff.

“We are a coaching staff that we are working [together] for 12-13 years; it’s our philosophy now, it’s not a ‘Mauricio’ philosophy.

“We really believe [in it], and we add our quality to create this philosophy. Of course we are open to evolve and to adapt to the new era, because football is changing.

“But also we are [here] to create different ways to play, different ways to approach the games. I think we are very creative and yes, always it’s our responsibility to keep improving, keep pushing, and try to be part of this sport that we love.”

Reflecting on his role at Chelsea and how it compares to his previous four jobs, at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, Pochettino added: “It’s a very exciting project here.

“It’s different to another club, it’s difficult to compare the different jobs before, this one is special.

“It’s a massive challenge, we are so happy to face this challenge, I hope we can succeed, and for sure we are going to succeed, because I think we have the talent, it’s only a matter of time.”

The tasks facing Pochettino in West London have been numerous, from gelling a squad coming together from many different leagues and backgrounds, to contending with a slew of injuries to the likes of Reece James and Wesley Fofana that have hampered his ability to select a consistent XI.

And it’s the former theme that he feels has been the biggest challenge of the role so far.

“For me the principal thing is to know each other, it’s to trust, it’s to build this confidence that you need, this bond that you need to perform on the pitch,” Pochettino said.

“But not only the players but with the whole staff, the whole club. That is the most important thing. And then to understand and to show that it’s a normal process to grow and build something, and knowing what we are doing.

“Showing that we are confident in our plan, in our way to operate, and that is the most important challenge – to show to everyone that we can trust each other, it’s an important thing to prepare the future.”

Pochettino last managed in the Premier League in 2019, leaving Spurs in the November of that year.

He led the club to a UEFA Champions League final in his final full season, and their highest league finish – in 2017 – during a storied period in North London, where he helped develop the careers of Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli among others.

“The process is always evolution, like in all the competitions,” Pochettino said, when asked how the English top flight has changed in the four years since his departure.

“The Premier League is the best in the world and of course every season it’s improving. It’s really tough. It’s so difficult to win the Premier League and to play every single week.

“That is why it’s the best [league], and everyone wants to be involved, players, coaches want to be part of the Premier League. I am enjoying it a lot, of course the demands, the capacity every day to be focussed because it’s about preparing every single game in the best condition.”

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Luton Town v Chelsea will be live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate with coverage from 11:00 on Saturday, December 30 ahead of kick-off at 12:30.