Mauricio Pochettino has warned Chelsea that they will suffer a retaliation from a hurt Manchester United when they meet Erik ten Hag’s struggling club on Wednesday.
United suffered another setback in their sputtering season last weekend, losing 1-0 against Newcastle.
The defeat, which dropped United five points behind the Premier League’s top four, came just days after they lost a 3-3 lead against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Ten Hag’s team faces elimination from the Champions League in their last group stage match against Bayern Munich next week.
But first, they must battle to regain their domestic form, with Chelsea visiting Old Trafford before United hosts Bournemouth on Saturday.
Despite United’s troubles, Chelsea manager Pochettino insists his team is still a force to be reckoned with.
“I wouldn’t say now is the time to go there.” “We’re going to face a tough team because they want to win,” Pochettino told reporters on Tuesday.
“They have a lot of talented players.” We can’t let them transition because they’re keeping up with their attacking players.
“I believe we must be astute because they have pace with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who can transition extremely quickly.”
“By playing in their half, we can try to dominate and put pressure on them.” That will be the test for us.”
Chelsea is five points behind United following a sluggish start to the season.
Prior to Ten Hag’s hiring as United manager last year, Pochettino was linked with the job.
He refused to say whether he was relieved to have dodged the slew of on- and off-pitch issues that had plagued Ten Hag.
“You try to make me talk a lot!” I don’t want to make a blunder. I’m not the one to discuss what’s going on at various clubs. “I’m content here in this project,” he stated.
The Argentine eventually took over at Chelsea ahead of the current season, and Wednesday’s game will be his first meeting with Ten Hag since Tottenham’s 3-2 Champions League semi-final victory over Ajax in 2019.
“He’s an excellent coach.” “I remember facing him when I was at Tottenham in the Champions League semi-final against Ajax,” Pochettino added.
“I think everyone was talking about him and Ajax so for me he’s a fantastic coach and a great manager.”
Pochettino avoided handing Ten Hag any advise diplomatically, despite claims that the Dutchman has alienated members of his squad with his intensive training schedule and hardline approach to discipline.
Ten Hag disputed the allegations, and Pochettino stated, “I’m just a coach trying to do my best.” We are not qualified to offer guidance to my colleagues.
“It is not my responsibility to discuss what is going on in another place.” I’m extremely polite. I need to be considerate of another club.”