Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea FC, has come forward to defend Moises Caicedo, the club’s expensive summer acquisition who cost a hefty €116 million.
The Ecuadorian midfielder, who joined the Blues from Brighton, was expected to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge but has yet to fulfill the high expectations set by his price tag.
Pochettino, demonstrating patience with the 22-year-old talent, who had also attracted interest from Liverpool, believes in Caicedo’s potential despite the initial challenges. Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s weekend match against the Seagulls, the Argentine coach reflected on Caicedo’s performance and his transition to London.
“It’s a process. It’s challenging to analyze and compare a player from season to season, it’s not fair. It’s a different environment, a different moment. He arrived when we were already playing Premier League matches, without any preseason. It’s an emotional situation with him. Then he got injured playing for the national team and didn’t have time to rest or recover. Now we have time for the players to rest, settle in, and focus on Chelsea. It’s unfair to compare players from different seasons,” Pochettino said.
Caicedo had previously formed an impressive midfield partnership with Alexis Mac Allister, who also left Brighton this summer to join Liverpool. While Mac Allister has already carved out a notable role in Jurgen Klopp’s team, Caicedo’s place in Chelsea’s starting lineup is threatened by the young Romeo Lavia, expected to be among the top 11 once fully recovered from his injury.
