Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Jamie O'Hara, has expressed his disappointment over Chelsea's performance this season under the management of Mauricio Pochettino. The pundit has described the club's performance as 'an absolute disgrace,' stating that he had higher expectations for the Argentine manager.
Pochettino was appointed as Chelsea's manager last summer, taking over a team that finished 12th in the Premier League table during the 2022-23 campaign. Given his previous successes and reputation in football management, there were high hopes pinned on him to turn around Chelsea’s fortunes.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Jamie O'Hara, said:
“It’s been an absolute disgrace this season Chelsea football club. 10th in the table. Give me John Terry, give me Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, what I’m watching now from this Chelsea team, it’s not the Chelsea I know. I know it’s a new era but this is not the team I was expecting from Pochettino.”
Chelsea have been biggest spenders in transfer windows
The Blues underwent a significant squad overhaul during the summer transfer window with several key players leaving and new ones coming in. Marquee players such as Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, and Cesar Azpilicueta left Stamford Bridge. In their place came British record signing (£115m) Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, and Nicolas Jackson amongst others.
Despite spending upwards of an astounding £400 million on new signings during this period - one of the highest spends by any club - results have not been forthcoming.
Chelsea continues to struggle in English top-flight football despite their heavy investment. Currently positioned at 10th place in the Premier League table after recording nine wins, four draws and nine losses this season; it is clear that things are not going according to plan for Pochettino’s side.
Another season without European football is on the cards
The Blues are currently 12 points adrift from making it into top four positions – a gap which seems increasingly difficult to close given recent performances including a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Liverpool.
O’Hara did not mince words when he labeled the club's season so far as a disgrace during his appearance on Sky Sports.
The Blues will next face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, February 4. This match presents another challenge for Pochettino and his squad to prove their mettle and turn around their disappointing run of form.
Chelsea's performance this season under Mauricio Pochettino has been less than satisfactory according to Jamie O'Hara. Despite a massive squad overhaul and significant investment in new players, the team continues to struggle in the Premier League. It remains to be seen how Pochettino will address these issues moving forward.
