One Chelsea player was allegedly late for the team bus earlier this season after popping home to have a nap following training.
That is according to Matt Law of the Telegraph.
In Law’s detailed analysis of how standard have slipped at Stamford Bridge, the reaction of the Chelsea squad to this particular incident is made clear.
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that the majority of Chelsea’s squad reacted to their unnamed teammate’s tardiness with just a “few smirks and the odd shake of the head”.
That should anger Chelsea fans, in all honesty.
Having a strong culture in which everybody respects each other and follows the rules is hugely significant for any football club – at any level – if they want to succeed.
That is why Erik ten Hag dropped Marcus Rashford in Manchester United’s clash with Wolves at Molineux earlier this season for being late, even though the England international was among the most in-form players on the planet at that stage.
The Dutchman wanted to instil a winning mentality at Old Trafford, and if more tardiness follows under Mauricio Pochettino, we hope the Argentine will have a similar response – it simply cannot continue if Chelsea want to be successful next season.
Chelsea must change their ways
The Blues can sign all the players they want this summer, although no amount of money spent in the transfer market can buy a winning culture.
Mikel Arteta has placed a huge emphasis on culture at Arsenal, weeding out troublesome players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Özil in order to get the right harmony in north London.
While the Gunners fell short in the Premier League title race this season, the Spaniard’s work has seen a major improvement at the Emirates Stadium.
With Chelsea currently in a similar position to Arsenal before Arteta took over, Pochettino would be wise to carry out a similarly ruthless approach towards some players, who clearly aren’t taking things seriously enough right now.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
