Gary Neville Podcast: Chelsea have potential but Reece James and Ben Chilwell must stay fit

Chelsea showed that they have “Lots of potential” to come from behind in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool, said Gary Neville. Gary Neville Podcast; The Blues played their first game under Mauricio Pochettino; The manager plays out fearing Reece James’ injury.

Chelsea’s performance in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool showed they have a lot of potential, says Gary Neville, adding that Mauricio Pochettino is the right manager to nurture that talent.

However, Neville warned that injuries to newly-appointed captain Reece James or vice-captain Ben Chilwell would “destroy” the manager’s plans if it happened.

Both played as wing-backs at Stamford Bridge. Bridge against Liverpool Helping Chelsea trail behind to collect points in Pochettino’s first game

Both James and Chilwell were substituted in the second half. Pochettino, though, explained that his captaincy change came from fatigue rather than injury.

After commenting on events in west London for sky sportsNeville said to Gary Neville Podcast What he saw was impressed.

‘James, Chilwell’s injury will ruin Poch’s plans’

“There is a lot of work to work with. Lots of potential And I think they have the right coach to turn that potential into a high-quality performance.”

“What we have seen [on Sunday] Well Chelsea has a great wing-back. But they both dropped. first game of the season

“That would ruin Pochettino’s plans. If you are playing wingback They must be outstanding players, high quality, attacking like wings. and defend like a full-back And they have that.

“But the big question mark is whether these two will stay fit. Those wing-backs are important and if they concede, they’ll be blown away. The whole thing might come crashing down a bit.”

‘There’s a lot to look forward to at Chelsea’

“I was a little worried about Chelsea in the first half hour. It’s a system change that’s unthinkable.

“They grew up in the game. And that was none at the end of last season – they were embarrassing at times. They threw away the towel.”

“They stood their ground and moved on. [on Sunday]A good example of two midfielders (Enzo) Fernandez and (Conor) Gallagher starting to dominate. There’s a lot to look forward to.

“What you see about Chelsea is the crazy nature of (Kylo) Muddrick, (Ian) Matsen and (Nicholas) Jackson. They are offside, playing too fast, no. cold in the penalty area ‘A bit too emotional, but Mauricio Pochettino will bring that to them on the training pitch.

‘Liverpool is not an ideal first opponent’

“Having both teams have this program in the first game wouldn’t be ideal.

“I came here with Manchester. United were in Jose Mourinho’s first season and it wasn’t the away game you’d want at Stamford Bridge for both teams.

“There are elements for both teams that are crazy. a little unorganized But it’s still early in the season and hasn’t finished yet in the transfer window.

“Maurizio Pochettino is the new manager and Jurgen Klopp is trying to adapt to this new squad.”

Pochettino: This is only the beginning

Pochettino said sky sports After the game that the performance of Chelsea and Liverpool was determined. “The minimum standard” for what he expects from his team this season.

“Second half I thought we were dominant and created chances,” said the Blues boss. “We only conceded one goal. and it’s a door.”

“Against a team like Liverpool, we’d appreciate it, but this is the start. It is the minimum standard.”

“I’m so pleased after six weeks of working together to see this kind of show. This is the starting point for moving forward and continuing to work.”

Pochettino: Jackson ‘brilliant’ | Losing Nkunku

Pochettino was especially impressed by the performance of Nicholas Jackson, who led the team with a strong performance on his Chelsea debut. Although he admits that Christopher Nkunku’s injury has left a gaping hole in his new attacking style,

“He was brilliant,” said the former Spurs boss. “The only problem is that sometimes he gets a little lonely and needs more help.

“He fought very well. I am happy with his performance. But we need to get the players closer to him. It’s about improving every day.

“We thought of players like Nkunku as the perfect combination, they did very well in pre-season.

“The plan is to play with him. but we have to adapt These things happen and we have to stay positive.”