Chelsea have armed Mauricio Pochettino with another fantastic tool to ensure that he leads a successful project in west London

Chelsea sign ‘Southgate favourite’ as Boehly catalyses Pochettino project (Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Todd Boehly appears to be doing whatever is takes to ensure that Mauricio Pochettino hits the ground running at Chelsea. The 51-year-old has been armed with tools to launch a successful long-term project at Stamford Bridge but, with the Blues desperate for immediate results, they’ve made another appointment in the boardroom.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have appointed the FA’s head of performance Bryce Cavanagh – which comes as a major blow to England, who are preparing for next summer’s European Championship. The report states that the sports scientist has worked closed with Gareth Southgate’s players since 2016 and is credited with making the Three Lions one of the fittest in international football.

The Daily Mail add that Cavanagh’s appointment pre-dates the arrival of Pochettino and is viewed as a massive coup for Chelsea officials. The Australian’s appointment follows the return of Dr Chris Hughes, who was part of the Blues’ medical staff for four and a half years – from September 2012 to January 2017 – before leaving to join Tottenham.

Cavanagh and Hughes are expected to work closely with assistant coach Jesus Perez, who is thought to take charge of players’ fitness. In his first press conference as Chelsea manager, Pochettino explained why he – and, evidently, Cavanagh alike – are so excited by the project.

“The plan that they presented to me, when they were talking, there was many circumstances, different situations, things you care about, things I wasn’t informed on or didn’t know(?) because I was outside of the football club,” said the Argentine. “That’s why I trust in them.

“I said ‘you know better than me’. But from day one, first of July, I will be more informed (or control)? I’m not saying I will take all of the decisions. I think it will be easier to take all the decisions together.”

Then, on the biggest challenge he and his staff face, Pochettino replied: “To be honest, I’m still not trying to think in challenges or the most difficult challenges.

“For me, it is clear, it is most important to finish the squad, to have a very balanced squad. I think the club, in the plan was to reduce the number of players. That for me was the most important, to find the right profiles, the players we are going to add and of course, to try to create a group dynamic first in the training session and ground and try to work really well.”

Soucre: football.london