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Mauricio Pochettino worries about ‘too many players’ following a friendly win over Wrexham.
Concerned about the “too many players” in Chelsea’s squad, Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the importance of resolving their futures this summer.
The Blues defeated Wrexham in their opening encounter of the USA trip to win the preseason game. Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku, and Ben Chillwell also scored goals for the Blues after the half. Young full-back Ian Maatsen scored twice in the first half.
The manager agreed that there is a “need to assess and analyse” the team and take practical actions to lighten the overloaded roster while being pleased to begin his Chelsea tenure with a victory.
“There are too many players. We need to assess and analyse and see what happens with them in the season. Many decisions that we need to take. But it is good to have the opportunity to see all these young guys who can show their quality,” he told reporters. “It is important for them and for us to have a real assessment. For sure all have quality, they need time and space to show they can compete for a place in the squad.”
Chelsea has been actively selling players this summer, both to lower the size of their squad and to balance their books after spending almost £600 million ($775 million) during the previous two transfer windows.
They have already let go of 12 players, including stars like Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Mateo Kovacic. A number of other players, including Romelu Lukaku, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, appear to be leaving Stamford Bridge as well.
According to reports, Chelsea is already planning to sell more than £200 million ($253 million) in order to pay for new signings like Moises Caicedo, Rayan Cherki, Paulo Dyabala, and Elye Wahi.
On Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in the Premier League Summer Series, Chelsea will play again versus Brighton.