Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has come under more pressure following the 4-1 defeat against Newcastle last weekend. The Argentine boss had to watch on from the stands as the Blues’ unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end as he served a one-match touchline ban.
Pochettino had suggested he could cancel Chelsea’s scheduled day off on Sunday – but it appears this was an empty threat as Nicolas Jackson was spotted back in Spain visiting his former Villarreal teammates. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen continues to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the January transfer window.
football.london understands a move to sign the Napoli star mid-season is unlikely. However, reports elsewhere claim Osimhen is open to completing a switch to Chelsea.
Chelsea make Mauricio Pochettino sacking decision after Newcastle loss amid top four ambitions
Chelsea are set to continue backing head coach Mauricio Pochettino, despite growing pressure to turn performances and results around, according to recent reports. It comes after a difficult showing away at Newcastle following the international break, with the manager watching on from the stands following a touchline ban.
The Magpies have had their injury woes, but the returning Alexander Isak gave the home side the lead after 13 minutes of the first half. Raheem Sterling continued his good form by finding the back of the net once again, drawing the Blues level by the halfway mark of the match.
The second half didn’t go to plan though as two quickfire goals saw the hosts take full control of the tie from the hour mark onwards. Jamaal Lascelles gave his side the lead before Joelinton doubled that lead within a minute, pushing Chelsea into a difficult place to earn a result.
That was made even tougher when captain Reece James was shown two yellow cards, one for time wasting and another for a clip on Anthony Gordon. The former Everton star wasn’t done with his involvement there though, getting in on the act in the last 10 minutes to pile on the misery.
Victor Osimhen transfer latest as Chelsea plot January bid
Victor Osimhen is facing an uncertain future at Napoli ahead of the January transfer window. The Nigerian forward featured 32 times for Napoli in the Serie A last season, scoring 26 goals to get his hands on Golden Boot and the Scudetto.
football.london understands that Chelsea were keen on the Nigerian in the summer, but Nicolas Jackson was signed from Villarreal instead. football.london understands that the Blues certainly think Osimhen is acquirable, but a move in January is unlikely at present.
With Osimhen’s contract set to expire in 2025, a move could be on the cards in the upcoming transfer windows. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at all the latest news on a potential switch.
Chelsea are ready to bring their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen forward to the January transfer window, according to 90min.
The report states that Osimhen has long been Chelsea’s top striker target but the Blues began to explore other targets last summer when it appeared as though the Nigeria international would sign a new contract in Naples. Ivan Toney, Santiago Gimenez and Lautaro Martinez were among those being tracked.
What Nicolas Jackson did after Chelsea defeat as Mauricio Pochettino fuels training confusion
Nicolas Jackson has been spotted with his former Villarreal teammates over the weekend despite Mauricio Pochettino threatening to cancel Chelsea’s day off. The Blues put on a poor display against Newcastle as they were hammered 4-1 at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Pochettino suggested in his post-match interview that a normal way to react to such a poor performance would be to cancel the scheduled Sunday off in order to do extra training. However, this was not the case as Jackson was spotted back in Spain celebrating Villarreal’s win against Osasuna with his ex-teammates.
Pochettino refused to criticise his players for individual mistakes and instead slammed the lack of maturity and energy. “We were talking in the dressing room after the game, we should go directly to the hotel and sleep, and start to train early in the morning and not have a day off,” the Chelsea boss said.
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