Mauricio Pochettino, alongside the Chelsea squad, confronted the rainy ambience at Cobham today, persisting in their training regimen as they gear up for the impending Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool this Sunday.
With just three days remaining until the Blues step onto the renowned Wembley turf to face the Reds, the team has been diligently honing their skills at our training grounds in Surrey in preparation for the final showdown.
Despite the inclement weather conditions on Thursday morning, the squad maintained high spirits as they readied themselves for the upcoming journey to Wembley.
Among those demonstrating enthusiasm during the training session was Djordje Petrovic, who, true to the nature of a dedicated goalkeeper, emerged from the drills drenched and caked in mud.
The 24-year-old is poised to follow the path of his close confidant and former goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock, who was instrumental in Chelsea’s League Cup triumph in 1998. Ahead of Sunday’s monumental clash at Wembley, Hitchcock shared insights with Petrovic on what to anticipate, providing valuable guidance for the upcoming encounter.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher, a product of our esteemed Academy and a regular captain this season, was actively involved in the preparations. Should he earn a spot in the lineup against Liverpool, it will mark his debut appearance in a final as part of the Chelsea first team.
Gallagher’s recent performances have been nothing short of stellar, with three goals to his name in our last three outings. His contributions, including strikes against Aston Villa in the FA Cup and a brace against Crystal Palace in the Premier League, have been instrumental in our recent successes. As he steps onto the grand stage of the Carabao Cup final, Gallagher will be eager to add to his goal tally.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, Alfie Gilchrist, sporting shorts, displayed unwavering determination. Another product of our Academy, Gilchrist is poised for his maiden final with the senior squad. A lifelong supporter of the Blues, he has featured twice in our journey to the final, making appearances in both legs of the semi-final clash against Middlesbrough.
Enzo Fernandez also joined the session, gearing up for the journey to Wembley. With notable contributions in our Carabao Cup campaign, Fernandez stands as one of our top scorers this season in the competition. His goals against AFC Wimbledon and Middlesbrough have been crucial, and he now shares the top spot with Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke, each boasting two goals apiece.
Pochettino, set to address the media tomorrow afternoon ahead of the final, faces a challenging task in determining his forward line for the crucial clash.
Nicolas Jackson has notably excelled since his return from AFCON earlier this month, while Madueke and Palmer have both played pivotal roles in propelling the Blues to the final.
Adding to the selection dilemma is Christopher Nkunku, whose recent display of quality was highlighted by a superb goal during our recent visit to Anfield. His impact in turning the tide of the game against Crystal Palace in the Premier League further underscores his candidacy.
Additionally, Raheem Sterling, donning a new appearance in preparation for the final, remains a compelling option. The winger’s recent goal against Manchester City underscores his prowess, and his penchant for delivering standout performances at Wembley, a venue he knows well from his upbringing, adds another layer of consideration to Pochettino’s selection conundrum.