Mauricio Pochettino is convinced that his Chelsea squad deserved to triumph over Liverpool in their Premier League season opener at Stamford Bridge.
Following an intense 90 minutes of football, the match concluded in a 1-1 draw. Luis Diaz initiated the scoring for Liverpool with a cleverly executed finish, to which Chelsea’s debutant Axel Disasi responded with a close-range goal.
Both teams had goals disallowed through VAR interventions, with additional opportunities to further add to the scoreline. Nonetheless, Pochettino holds the sentiment that we were unlucky not to secure all three points during this afternoon’s match.
Speaking after his inaugural competitive game in charge, the Argentine expounded, “In the beginning, it was challenging. Liverpool had the upper hand for the initial 15/20 minutes. However, as we started to find our rhythm on the field, adopting our playing style, positions, and executing the strategies we’ve been refining in training, our performance escalated commendably.”
He continued, “We managed to score and then showcased an impressive display of performance and dedication. I am genuinely content with our performance and believe we deserved the victory. Against a team like Liverpool, conceding only one shot on target is a substantial testament to the players’ prowess.”
Pochettino emphasized, “This marks only the beginning. After six weeks of collaborative efforts, all I can do is express gratitude to the entire club staff across various departments. However, the players, they are the central figures.”
The match marked numerous debuts and milestones. Academy product Levi Colwill made his first appearance for the senior team. Summer signings Robert Sanchez, Disasi, and Nicolas Jackson were also part of the starting lineup.
Reece James, for the first time, donned the captain’s armband, a momentous occasion for the 23-year-old.
“After nearly six weeks of work, in consultation with the club, we decided to entrust him with the captaincy,” Pochettino revealed. “He’s an exceptional player and an exceptional young man who possesses a genuine fondness for Chelsea. He is a leader, and his teammates, as well as everyone in the club, hold him in high regard. The fans adore him too, making him the perfect choice to be the captain.”