EXCL: Strong chance Pochettino now stays, Benjamin Sesko could arrive at CFC this summer, Victor Osimhen swap-deal unlikely, Tosin Adarabioyo contract demands, Much more...
The Inside Chelsea column with Ben Jacobs!
Chelsea were magnificent in their 5-0 demolition of West Ham on Sunday. They have been brilliant since the second half against Aston Villa, fighting back to draw that game before going on to beat Spurs 2-0.
Stamford Bridge is fast becoming a fortress again, and Chelsea are now one of the top four teams in the Premier League since the turn of the year.
All credit to Mauricio Pochettino and his players. There has been a noticeable change in mentality with a clear 'team-first' focus on show. The penalty row against Everton, and the humbling at Arsenal, have actually brought everyone closer together.
Pochettino will be most pleased by the fourth goal against West Ham. Noni Madueke could have easily shot from near point-blank range but instead deftly laid the ball to his left allowing Nicolas Jackson a tap in. Jackson now has 16 goals this season in all competitions, the same tally as Didier Drogba managed in his debut season with Chelsea.
Madueke’s selflessness deserves praise, but as importantly he was just smart. He looked up and realised Jackson was in an even better position than he was. Chelsea are maturing as a team, and now stand a strong chance of getting some form of European football.
As reported back in March, Ruben Amorim links with Chelsea have been exaggerated. The idea that the Sporting boss has been lined up to replace Pochettino is incorrect to my understanding. In fact, there has been no significant contact with Amorim since Pochettino was hired.
Amorim spoke with Chelsea before both Pochettino and Graham Potter were appointed, so it’s fair to say Chelsea's senior leadership team respect him and know his philosophy well. But it’s not thought he’s a frontrunner should a vacancy at Stamford Bridge become available.
And suggestions from Portugal that Chelsea paid for a flight to talk to Amorim, who was actually in London to meet with West Ham, have been dismissed by several sources.
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