Mauricio Pochettino to Chelsea: How Blues could line-up if Tottenham manager replaces Maurizio Sarri

Mauricio Pochettino to Chelsea: How Blues could line-up if Tottenham manager replaces Maurizio Sarri
Chelsea are reportedly keen on hiring Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino should Maurizio Sarri lose his job.Sarri, the former Napoli boss, was only hired last summer but finds himself under pressure following a period of poor form.6

Chelsea got back to winning ways on Saturday

Serious questions were raised after Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat by Bournemouth, and the pressure on Sarri has hardly eased despite Chelsea thrashing Huddersfield on Saturday.The Express claim Chelsea will battle Manchester United for Pochettino this summer, while Real Madrid are also known admirers of the Argentine.6

Will Pochettino soon be in the Stamford Bridge dugout?

But how could the Blues line-up under Pochettino? talkSPORT.com take a look below…

---

Pochettino has favoured a 4-2-3-1 system throughout his career, but since taking charge of Spurs he has become much more liberal with utilising alternate structures.This season Tottenham have started matches in seven different systems, playing primarily in a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-4-2 diamond, but also lining up in a 4-3-2-1, a traditional 4-4-2, and various different three-at-the-back formations.The north Londoners are one of the most versatile teams in the Premier League on a match-by-match basis, but Chelsea take the title over the course of the last few years.They played a 4-2-3-1 under Jose Mourinho before switching to a successful 3-4-3 when Antonio Conte was manager, while Sarri has stuck rigidly to the 4-3-3 system used to such success during his time at Napoli.The majority of Chelsea’s squad have proven adept at alternating between these formations with little adaptation time necessary, so Pochettino would have no trouble remaining tactically fluid were he to become the Stamford Bridge club’s next manager.6

Pochettino prefers a four-man defence

6

But has used the above three-at-the-back systems this season

The four-man defence Pochettino favours is currently used by Sarri, and it is likely he would stick with the back line the Blues are employing this season – David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger in central defence, flanked by Cesar Azplicueta on the right and Marcos Alonso on the left.Emerson is well suited to Pochettino’s high-pressing system so could flourish if chosen ahead of Alonso at left-back, while he could also favour Andreas Christensen over Luiz simply due to the Dane’s youth and consistency; Luiz is clearly the better defender, but remains prone to the occasional lapse in concentration.The trio of Luiz, Rudiger and Christensen could also all start if Pochettino decided upon a three-man defence, as all three have proven their ability in a three-at-the-back system when playing under Conte.Azpilicueta also played in central defence under Conte, but would likely be forced to play at right wing-back under Pochettino unless a new player is brought to Chelsea who is more natural in the position; Victor Moses, who played there under Conte, left Stamford Bridge on loan last month.Alonso and Emerson are so attacking they are more suited to playing at wing-back than at full-back, as has been proven recently when comparing their performances this season with those put in last season.Moving further up the pitch, Pochettino likes to play a ball-playing midfielder alongside more of a destroyer, with Harry Winks often partnered with Moussa Sissoko or Eric Dier.N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are perfectly suited to these roles, and Pochettino’s arrival would be great for the former as he would return to his best position having been forced to play an unnatural attacking role under Sarri.6

Many have questioned N’Golo Kante’s role in Sarri’s system

Christian Eriksen’s role for Tottenham is one Pochettino would struggle to replicate if he became Chelsea manager. The Denmark international is often fielded in various positions, including shuttling midfield in a diamond, central midfield in a 3-1-4-2, and, his natural role, number 10.But despite taking up all these positions on the field, Eriksen’s approach to the game remains similar; he drifts in and out of proceedings, finding pockets of space from which he can influence the match at his own pace.Eden Hazard could do the same for Chelsea, and is certainly the most natural Eriksen alternative were he fielded in attacking midfield. However, the Belgium forward has struggled to impress when playing centrally on previous occasions, and a player more like Ross Barkley – or Mateo Kovacic if he signs for Chelsea permanently – would probably do a better job in the deeper positions Eriksen takes up.In attack, Chelsea share many similarities with Tottenham – except when it comes to two specific players.Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Heung-Min Son all have doppelgangers in the Chelsea squad, with Pedro sharing Lucas’ directness and eye for goal, Willian, like Lamela, more skilful and individual, and Hazard being a goalscoring and chance-creatingbehemoth as Son has proven to be for Spurs.6

Hazard is tasked with scoring the majority of Chelsea’s goals as well as creating nearly all the chances for his team-mates

However, Chelsea do not have a striker as reliable as Harry Kane, and probably won’t have one unless they do the impossible and actually sign the England captain from Tottenham. Gonzalo Higuain scored twice in Saturday’s thrashing of Huddersfield, but he is nothing more than a short-term fix, and Chelsea’s recent history of buying strikers suggests they are unlikely to sign any sort of consistent goal-getter any time soon.Furthermore, the Blues cannot call upon a midfielder as prolific as Dele Alli.Sarri has struggled this term as Chelsea do not have a goalscoring midfielder like the one he could call upon at Napoli, Marek Hamsik, and Pochettino would have to find a player who can replicate Alli’s output in the final third.Barkley may be able to do that, and he’s certainly displayed an eye for goal on previous occasions, but he has some way to go to even be fit to lace Alli’s boots.Pochettino is clearly one of the best managers in the Premier League, and it is no surprise Chelsea would want him if the decision to hire Sarri turns out to be a bad one.Chelsea’s squad would clearly suit Pochettino’s tactics, while he is versatile enough to adapt his systems to get the best out of the Blues in the areas in which they do not match up to his footballing ideals.However, Chelsea will likely have to fight Manchester United and Real Madrid to hire Pochettino, while he would risk the ire of the Tottenham faithful were he to turn his back on Spurs to join their fierce London rivals.

---

Tottenham defender Danny Rose admits he may leave as PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea linked. Danny Rose has admitted he could leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Tottenham defender Danny Rose admits he may leave as PSG

---

Fans believe Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier should be worried after Declan Rice decides to play for England instead of the Republic of Ireland.
Barrack Apologizes After Saying Criticism Of Khashoggi Murder
gistjunction.com/2019/02/13/barrack-apologizes-after-saying-criticism-of-khashoggi-murder-is-a-mistake/
Barrack Apologizes After Saying Criticism Of Khashoggi Murder Is a 'Mistake' admin February 13, 2019 Colony Capital Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tom Barrack, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, apologized following backlash over his comments that it's a mistake to criticize the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
World Cup 2018: Eric Dier jumps to Raheem Sterling's defence

---

We can confirm that Phil Jones is at it again and Michy Batshuayi cannot help but point it out. No, not scoring an own goal - though he did poke the ball past Sergio Romero in comical fashion as

---

Raheem Sterling has written a letter offering encouragement and support to a young football fan who suffered racial abuse. Ethan Ross, who was the victim of racism, received the letter after his grandmother Sue, had contacted the Manchester City star.
Raheem Sterling sends inspirational letter to young fan who

---

Philippe Coutinho has offered a frank assessment of his miserable recent campaign with Barcelona, as he bids to get form back on track with the Brazil national team and show his true capabilities.
Man Utd vs Barcelona: Champions League boos will - goal.com

---

Leeds loanee Samu Saiz among multiple players arrested by Spanish Police on suspicion of match fixing Police in Spain have arrested several current/former players from Spain's top two divisions on suspicion of match fixing. Leeds United attacker Samu Saiz - talkSPORT 8 hours ago: Spanish police make arrests after match-fixing complaint
Soccer - Spanish players, officials held on suspicion of

---

Arsenal transfer news: Matteo Guendouzi to PSG latest as Barca join Pepe chase on Matteo Guendouzi. Paris Saint-Germain are said to be monitoring the midfielder and have been linked with a £
Arsenal Transfer News: Matteo Guendouzi to Psg Latest As

---

Manchester United vs Barcelona teams: Marcus Rashford starts Champions League clash, ex-Liverpool duo Suarez and Coutinho in visitors' XI. for Manchester United's Champions League match
Manchester United vs Barcelona teams: Marcus Rashford starts
hollywoodadviser.com/manchester-united-vs-barcelona-teams-marcus-rashford-starts-champions-league-clash-ex-liverpool-duo-suarez-and-coutinho-in-visitors-xi/
CONFIRMED United entertain Barca in the first leg of their quarter-final tie and here are the confirmed teams for both sides Marcus Rashford has been passed fit for Manchester United's Champions League match against Barcelona as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has handed him a place in the starting XI.
Marcus Rashford starts Champions League clash, ex-Liverpool

---

Women's World Cup 2019: England can beat any tea Udgivet 2019-06-08. Share this entry. England can beat any team in the world, claims Sue Smith
Women's World Cup 2019: Silky skills, weird team photos

---

Gunners photographer Stuart MacFarlane has hilariously trolled Tottenham over their shrine to the White Hart Lane centre-spot at their new stadium. Arsenal's legendary 'Invincibles' side needed just a point against their bitter rivals to claim the Premier League title in 2004.
Arsenal photographer trolls Spurs about centre spot shrine at

---

A goal song or goal celebration music is a piece of music, lasting about 30 to 45 seconds long, that is played in sports like football or ice hockey after a goal is scored. A goal horn sometimes sounds before the song is played, especially in the National Hockey League (NHL).
My painting of Cristiano Ronaldo. | wallpaper | Ronaldo real

---

Jul 12, 2017 · Another West Ham bid for Marko Arnautovic has been shot down by Stoke City. The Press Association says West Ham offered $26 million this time, and Stoke isn't budging when it comes to their big
West Ham determined to keep Marko Arnautovic after £35m bid

---

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among the clubs tracking Netherlands international winger Arnaut Groeneveld. The 21-year-old's performances for Belgian outfit Club Brugge have caught the eye so far this season, scoring five goals and creating four more in just 15 appearances.
Liverpool, Tottenham & Everton vying for signature of Arnaut

---

JOACHIM LOW has told Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels they will NEVER play for Germany again. part of a "new start" for the German national team in a Mats, Jerome and Thomas

---

Unai Emery labelled Danny Welbeck's injury "the worst news" after the striker suffered what appears to be a broken bone in his ankle in Arsenal's 0-0 Europa League draw with Sporting.
Danny Welbeck injury: Unai Emery reveals how injury affected

---