One thing that plenty of Chelsea managers have failed at before is paying attention to the young players available to them.
They’re always so concerned with keeping their jobs that their focus is on winning each game, not worrying about the club’s long term future. We always remember Maurizio Sarri being asked about some of the players in his squad playing at the U20 World Cup a few years ago – and saying he hadn’t watched.
There have been fears that things might go the same way now, with brilliant talents like Levi Colwill only willing to stay if they think they’ll get a chance. In his first press conference however, Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that he knows what he’s got on his hands, and he’s in fact already been in contact with his players currently playing at the U20 Euros:
“We spoke yesterday with Levi [Colwill] and Noni. [Madueke] One I know, Noni with Tottenham and Levi I don’t know but introduced myself and wished them the best. Spain vs England. I wish them the best and we are waiting for them to be with the team. I think they will join us in America.”
It’s a pleasant contrast from those bad old Sarri days, long may it continue! Let’s hope Levi and Noni can go win the trophy against Spain, then there will be no ignoring their amazing quality, and they can join up with the squad with a medal to show for it.
