Aaron Lennon has suggested that Mauricio Pochettino’s training methods could be responsible for Chelsea’s injury crisis.
Aaron Lennon worked with Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur and recently told VIBE with FIVE that the Argentine changing the training load did initially result in injuries but eventually helped him to become a fitter player.
The former England winger also denied that there was a rift between him and his old boss.
Chelsea have been plagued with injuries this season, with Reece James falling victim to another hamstring problem.
He had to bee taken off in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Everton and, understandably, was extremely annoyed after having to be withdrawn.
Aaron Lennon on Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea
Discussing his relationship with Pochettino, his training methods and what is currently going on at Chelsea on VIBE with FIVE, Lennon said: “That’s one thing, people always think, ah he maybe has this rift with Poch and it wasn’t, we actually had a really good respect, we had really good conversations and I took a lot away from him.
“He actually made me get even fitter. So, from pre-season he started doing different types of runs and I said it on a few interviews and people have taken it wrong like he’s causing injuries, and I’m like no he just changed the load. So, at the beginning there were a few injuries and it’s the same maybe at Chelsea but after that my body went to the next level of what I could do.
“My output saw so much more, I could do more sprints and you look at the likes of people like Harry Kane, that was pure fitness-wise of what he changed. I think one of the biggest things that took him to the next level was Pochettino made us all fitter players regardless.”
Chelsea players could really benefit from Mauricio Pochettino’s training
While Chelsea players may be picking up injuries because of Pochettino changing the load, potentially, based on Lennon’s words, it could bring long-term benefits.
If the Blues become a more fitter team over the long run, one that is capable of pressing sides off the pitch, who knows? Maybe things will be worth it.
Pochettino needs to find a way to win games without his injured players, though. Fail to do that, and he may not be at the club long enough to see the benefits of his training.
Chelsea currently sit 12th in the Premier League table. Drop any lower, and you would have to start fearing for his future.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
