Soccer Aid presenter Alex Scott pokes fun at new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino
Alex Scott, the former Arsenal player and current Soccer Aid presenter, has made a harsh jibe at the new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine has returned to management with Chelsea after taking a quick time out to lead the World XI in Soccer Aid, but Scott has not missed the chance to remind him of the short lifespans experienced by Chelsea managers.
Scott mocks Pochettino’s appointment at Chelsea
Pochettino has recently been appointed at Stamford Bridge, with his long-term focus on getting Chelsea challenging for silverware once more after a poor season by the Blues high standards. The west London club underwent a change of ownership last summer and sacked two managers, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, within a year. Pochettino has signed a two-year deal, but Scott made light of Chelsea‘s poor recent record in the dugout.
Hosting ITV’s coverage alongside Dermot O’Leary, she said, “World XI have gone and got themselves a new manager this year. Yes, new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino. Even though Dermot, I think he might last longer in this job than the other one. I’m just saying.”
Subjectivity in modern football criticism
Scott’s jibe at Pochettino is an example of the subjectivity in modern football criticism. As a former Arsenal player, she holds a bias against Chelsea and takes pleasure in reminding Pochettino of the managerial instability that has plagued the club in recent years. However, it is important to remember that Pochettino has an excellent record as a manager in England, having excelled at both Southampton and Tottenham.
Pochettino’s success in England
Pochettino made both teams more than the sum of their parts, guiding Tottenham to their best season in the Premier League, finishing second to Chelsea in 2017, and taking them to the Champions League final in 2019, eventually losing to Liverpool. En route, they saw off Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Ajax – the latter in dramatic circumstances.
It is also worth noting that Pochettino has since claimed silverware with Paris Saint-Germain, although his tenure in Paris was underwhelming with the Ligue 1 side unable to make inroads on the European stage, which ultimately saw the Argentine moved on. Nevertheless, his proven record in England suggests that he is more than capable of succeeding at Chelsea.
Editorial and advice
While Scott’s jibe may be entertaining, it is important to remember that it is just that – a joke. Chelsea fans will be hoping that Pochettino can bring stability to the club and lead them to success in the coming seasons. It is important to approach football criticism in a fair and objective manner, without allowing personal biases to cloud judgement.
As for Pochettino, he faces a tough task in turning around Chelsea‘s fortunes after a disappointing season. With a fully stocked squad following 12 months of heavy recruitment, he will have to make some major decisions with big names set to be moved on as doubts swirl over the futures of Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante. However, if anyone is capable of bringing success to Stamford Bridge, it is Mauricio Pochettino.
<< photo by Kenny Eliason >>
