“From Grass to grace” – Former Chelsea player has no regrets about joining club despite what Mauricio Pochettino did to him

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Mauricio Pochettino: A Divisive Figure at Chelsea

Popular but Controversial

Despite his relatively short stint at Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino managed to leave a lasting impression. Many within the club held him in high regard, with reports surfacing early in the summer suggesting some players were already nostalgic about his departure in May.

However, not everyone shared this sentiment. While the 52-year-old, now coaching the USA national team, earned respect from some quarters, he also faced criticism from players who felt overlooked or mistreated during his tenure.

Malang Sarr’s Frustration with Pochettino

One vocal critic of Pochettino’s management is Malang Sarr, a defender who endured a tough spell at Chelsea. During his four years at the club, Sarr made just 21 appearances and often found himself sidelined, both literally and figuratively.

The situation reached a boiling point when Pochettino claimed not to recognize Sarr during a press conference. This public dismissal, Sarr later revealed, left him deeply hurt.

“I took it badly,” Sarr admitted in an interview with L’Equipe. “It shouldn’t have happened. He knew me—he even tried to sign me at Tottenham. I didn’t ask for an explanation.”

Despite this, the 25-year-old insists he harbors no regrets about his time at Chelsea, though it’s clear his experience under Pochettino was far from ideal.

Cesare Casadei’s Unhappy Stint

Another player left disillusioned by Pochettino’s management is Cesare Casadei. The young midfielder began the 2023/24 season on loan at Leicester City, where he worked under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s current boss.

However, Casadei’s fortunes took a downturn after being recalled to Chelsea in January. He managed just 71 minutes of Premier League action under Pochettino, a situation that understandably left him frustrated.

“I wasn’t very happy,” Casadei admitted. “Everyone would like to play a bit more.”

This season hasn’t been any kinder to the 21-year-old, who has yet to make a Premier League appearance. With midfield stars like Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez ahead of him in the pecking order, his chances of breaking into the first team appear slim.

Future Prospects for Sarr and Casadei

For both Sarr and Casadei, leaving Chelsea seems inevitable. While Sarr’s tenure at the club ended on a sour note, Casadei’s development has been stifled by limited opportunities.

One bright spot for Casadei has been Maresca’s faith in him during their time together at Leicester. Maresca has provided the Italian with playing time in competitions like the Conference League and Carabao Cup, acknowledging his potential even when Pochettino did not.

A Manager Who Divides Opinion

Pochettino’s time at Chelsea highlights the complex dynamics of football management. While he earned admiration from some, others like Sarr and Casadei felt overlooked and underappreciated. As the Argentine continues his journey with the USA national team, the mixed legacy he left at Chelsea serves as a reminder of how difficult it is to balance the expectations and aspirations of an entire squad.