When the Blues travel to Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday afternoon, they will be without Christopher Nkunku.
As well as talking about the match itself, Mauricio Pochettino also provided good news about the French striker’s possible return, even if tomorrow’s match is too soon for him.
“As for Nkunku, that is his daily assessment and in the last few days he has had the opportunity to take part in training,” said the head coach.
“Now we have to see how his body reacts and how it develops. We hope to have it repaired and ready for use by the end of the season.
Pochettino looked to the short term and gave his thoughts on tomorrow’s big game, when Chelsea and Manchester City meet at Wembley for a place in this season’s FA Cup final.
Pochettino insists that does not change the threat Pep Guardiola’s City pose, although there have been suggestions that their opponents may struggle
after losing on penalties to Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek. I know.
We know very well that playing 120 minutes in the Champions League is a huge effort and it is not always easy to recover mentally after missing out on the semi-finals.
“It will be as difficult for them as it is for us. We have to remember that they have a great team and the players who didn’t have a chance to play on Wednesday
could be just as good if they do play. Over the last six or seven years they have followed Pep’s philosophy, won titles and shown that they respect the ideas they brought to the club.
“I think this is a challenge for us because this club has done a great job and proven over the last six or seven years that they are at least one of the best teams in the world, if not the best. Because it’s a club.”
But the experience gained from lifting the trophy at Wembley earlier this season, losing in extra time to Liverpool
in the League Cup final, will help Chelsea achieve the difficult task they face tomorrow.
Although the incident did not end well, Pochettino believes a return to Wembley will be a positive for his players, who are
prepared for the game to go into extra time or penalties again. It’s probably done. “This experience could be a good moment for the team,” he added.
“Perhaps the players who have played repeatedly and have had the opportunity to play again will understand what it is like to play at Wembley.
This will allow them to be more rested, calmer and approach the game differently.
But it will be a completely different game, against a different club, in different circumstances.
The most important thing for soccer players and coaches is to always adapt to the situation.
“Things can always change, but the most important thing is to react correctly when something happens.
That should be important for us because it comes from the experience of already playing at Wembley and we know what it’s like to play at Wembley as a team.
“As far as extra time and penalties, we are ready, but a penalty is a penalty. If you look at what has happened in the
last few days in different competitions, you never know. Although we have practiced and have a clear idea,
it is difficult to guess what will happen in the end. But I’m ready.
The Blues go into this game in high spirits following their impressive 6-0 win over Everton at Stamford Bridge on
Monday night, and Pochettino will be hoping to carry that momentum into the weekend. “I’m happy with the way we trained this week and the way we played against Everton.
It was a great game. “We have to reflect that in tomorrow’s game, which will be really difficult.It’s a semi-final, but it’s like a final because you have to win to advance. Therefore, you will need the ability to fight energy.
