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Pochettino highlights Broja’s potential importance for Chelsea in the absence of Jackson
Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, stated on Friday that his team needs Armando Broja, 22, to step up and take Nicolas Jackson, 22, who is currently with the Senegal squad at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Pochettino is grappling with various injuries, and French striker Christopher Nkunku is not yet fully fit to start games.
Speaking to reporters before their FA Cup third-round match against Preston North End, Pochettino stated, “Armando has the opportunity to play a more significant role as one of our main strikers. Christoph (Nkunku) won’t start tomorrow due to issues this week, but he’ll be in the squad, and we need to be cautious with him.”
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Pochettino emphasized that Chelsea’s focus this season is on domestic cups, given their absence from European competition and their current 10th position in the Premier League. Chelsea, having won the FA Cup eight times, is determined to perform well in both the FA Cup and the League Cup, where they’ve reached the semi-finals against Middlesbrough.
Pochettino emphasized the importance of progressing in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, stating, “We need to try to go further in these competitions, taking it step by step, with the first step being tomorrow’s match.”
He highlighted the significance of these cups for Chelsea, especially since they are not participating in European competitions this season. Pochettino acknowledged the need for improvement in the Premier League to secure a European spot, and success in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup could contribute to that goal.
While expressing the desire to remain competitive in all three competitions, Pochettino mentioned that he wouldn’t make too many changes against Preston, treating the game with the same importance as a Premier League match.
Regarding Conor Gallagher’s future at the club, Pochettino admitted uncertainty, stating, “I cannot guarantee that I am going to be here tomorrow. In football, it’s different, and it’s between the club and the player. Only the player or the club can guarantee.”
