In a surprising turn of events, Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea Football Club, has shed light on his unwavering faith in the young talent of Armando Broja. This revelation has cast doubt on the prospect of Chelsea signing a new striker, following the unsuccessful attempt to secure the services of Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.
Reports reveal that Michael Olise, a forward for Crystal Palace, has declined a tempting offer to join Chelsea. Instead, he has opted to sign a fresh contract with his current club, merely days after Pochettino’s team reportedly tabled a £35 million ($44 million) bid to trigger his release clause.
The failure to secure the France Under-21 international Olise has left Pochettino’s squad seemingly short on attacking options, as they continue to seek a potent presence upfront. Adding to their concerns, Christopher Nkunku, a significant signing during the offseason from RB Leipzig, has suffered a knee injury that will keep him sidelined until December.
Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino is pinning his hopes on the return of Albania striker Armando Broja, who has been recovering from a knee injury that has kept him out of action since the conclusion of the previous year. This optimism stems from Pochettino’s reluctance to enter the transfer market for a new striker who might impede Broja’s chances of securing a spot in the first team, according to reports from AFP.
During a recent interaction with the media, Pochettino expressed his sentiments, stating, “I think at the same time we are keeping one or two eyes on Armando Broja because I think we can’t forget him. We cannot stop him, and to bring some profile of player that can stop his evolution… We really believe in him. He can be a really important striker for Chelsea. We need to be careful.”
Broja showcased his potential last season by making 18 appearances for Chelsea, scoring a goal in a triumphant 3-0 victory against Wolves in October. His impressive track record also includes a successful loan stint at Southampton the preceding campaign, during which he found the net nine times in 38 appearances.
In the midst of a spending spree that has seen Chelsea invest over £350 million in new talent, including the recent £53 million acquisition of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, Pochettino is emphasizing the need for flexibility within his squad. He stated, “We’re working of course, seeing all the options that we can manage in the market. All clubs are doing the same as us… But that is football and we need to accept that situation.”
In a candid moment, Pochettino responded to reports about his relationship with the players, addressing the perception that some consider him more a friend than a manager. He vehemently denied the notion, asserting, “I am not happy with this… Tell me the names of the players, because there’s something wrong if I am more friend than coach… You can be honest and be tough, and in the way that we can approach today, all the young guys can be my kids.”
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