Chelsea’s upcoming clash against Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday has sparked intrigue among fans and players alike, with right-back Malo Gusto offering his insights into the club’s recent transformations under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Gusto believes that Pochettino’s influence has led to a significant reset in the mentality at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine manager, known for his tactical acumen and focus on player development, has implemented his unique philosophy since taking charge of Chelsea. His approach seems to have resonated with the squad, prompting Gusto to highlight the positive impact on the team’s mindset.
The upcoming final on Sunday holds significant importance as it serves as a potential barometer for gauging the progress made by Chelsea since their draw against City and subsequent impressive victories over Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. Defender Gusto, who has played a pivotal role in the team’s recent success while deputizing for injured captain Reece James at right-back, lauded his manager for his efforts in cultivating a winning mentality within the squad.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s influence has been instrumental in instilling a sense of resilience and determination among the players, evident in their performances on the pitch. Gusto’s praise for Pochettino underscores the impact of the manager’s tactical strategies and motivational tactics, which have contributed to Chelsea’s recent upturn in results.
As they gear up for the final showdown against Liverpool, Gusto’s acknowledgment of Pochettino’s role highlights the team’s collective commitment to achieving success under their new manager’s guidance. The final promises to be a significant test for Chelsea, offering an opportunity to showcase their progress and reaffirm their newfound winning mentality on the grand stage.
He (Pochettino) is here for this,” said the 20-year-old. “He knows he has to wake up our mentality, to wake up our desire to win everything. We are Chelsea and a big club like Chelsea has to win everything, to keep fighting. He helps us a lot. He has tried to show us the desire to win, to keep fighting against every team. He talks to us a lot about tactics, technique and everything. He is a good person as well. He tries to help us a lot on the pitch and off it as well. He is a good coach for this young team.
Gusto has been playing exceptionally well since joining Chelsea. He was signed from Lyon for £30.7 million in January 2023 and loaned back to Lyon for the rest of the season. This season, he has made a big impact in the team despite the initial challenge of captain Reece James being sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Gusto made the most of this opportunity and proved his worth in the squad. He has played 24 times in all competitions and has done a great job as an attacking full-back for Chelsea.
Gusto’s contribution extends beyond his defensive duties. He has made four assists in the league and has shown his ability to deliver precision crosses. His recent assist in the match against Crystal Palace was crucial in setting up Conor Gallagher’s equalizer. Gusto’s excellent performance has also been noted at the international level, as he made his debut for France in a match against the Netherlands in October.
Gusto’s rise as a key player for Chelsea reflects his enormous talent and potential. He has proven himself to be a versatile and dynamic player and is likely to achieve even greater success in the future.
“If I can play, I play. I’ve stayed focus on my football. I work every day to become better, to improve. That’s what I do.
“We are not similar, (James) and me. He’s a bit different, but when we are on the pitch we try to keep a mentality to score and to assist.
“I work for (getting better going forward). I have good cardio, good legs. This is my football. When I was younger, I was the same, running every day. When your team-mates see you run a lot, you want to run a lot with them.”
The defender came in for particular praise for the way he dealt defensively with City’s Jeremy Doku during Saturday’s draw at the Etihad Stadium.
“I came to Chelsea because I wanted to play against great players. I think the game was complicated, but it was good for me to learn.