It’s only start –Pochettino praises new Chelsea players

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was pleased with his team’s performance in his first competitive encounter in charge, a 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, and hinted at more fresh arrivals on the way.

Pochettino, Chelsea’s third permanent manager in a year, claimed the first 20 minutes at Stamford Bridge were difficult before his new-look side, which had four debutants in the starting 11, began to gain confidence.

“‘I’m so pleased with the performance overall’ the Argentine told reporters. “I think we deserved to win because we conceded only one shot on target against a team like Liverpool. It’s only the start, it’s only the beginning.”

Pochettino said he was happy with the way his players responded to going behind to a Luiz Diaz opener in the 18th minute. Debutant defender Axel Disasi equalised in the 37th and Chelsea dominated for much of the second half.

“When some difficult moments appeared, the team was there and then the crowd was fantastic,” he added.

Chelsea, whose new American owners spent over £600 million last season only for the team to finish 12th, remain linked with Brighton & Hove Albion midfield anchor Moises Caicedo, despite Liverpool announcing last week that they had a deal with the South Coast club to buy the player.