Mauricio Pochettino has said elite managers ‘don’t necessarily have to win titles’ as he looks to win his first major trophy at Chelsea.
Chelsea host Newcastle in the last eight of the League Cup on Tuesday evening, as the Blues look to book a place in the semi-finals. Newcastle reached the final of this competition last season, while the Magpies thrashed Chelsea 4-1 in the Premier League last month.
Pochettino was asked what winning a trophy would mean to Chelsea this season, but insisted his team can not look too far ahead, given the tough test that awaits in Newcastle tomorrow.
“It means more for the people than us. It means a lot because we want to deliver for the club and for the fans. To lift a trophy is important,” Pochettino said at his pre-game press conference.
“It’s a priority when you’re at Chelsea to win a title, it’s important so it’s in our mind and objectives. Tomorrow we have to be ready to fight, to be ready to be closer to winning a title. We need to fight, we need to be aggressive, to follow our last game in the way we behave and improve in the way we play and to have the capacity to fight for every single ball.”
Pochettino has failed to win silverware during his time in English football, twice losing major finals while in charge at Tottenham. However, the Argentine insisted that trophies are not the only factor when assessing a manager’s credentials.
“You need to be at the right club in the right moment with the elements to win. To be an elite manager you don’t necessarily have to win titles.
“It’s important to analyse every project you’re involved in. It’s important for the club because it’s going to be a boost of energy and I really believe in the project.”
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