Pochettino started with injury updates, confirming that while Levi Colwill would be in the squad, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku would miss out. He expressed optimism about Nkunku's recovery but acknowledged the need for patience, stating, "He needs not only to recover but learn the league and culture."
The Chelsea boss shared his thoughts on the team's performance, acknowledging inconsistency but emphasising the growth of his young squad, saying, "We are a young team that started working four months ago. I want us to be mature."
Pochettino also commented on facing Newcastle, noting the challenge posed by a team built for the Champions League. He mentioned the tough competition within his own squad, particularly for Nkunku, cautioning, "In Chelsea, the expectation is always maximum. But we all need to understand with the injury, he is going to need time."
Addressing Reece James's fitness, Pochettino stated, "He is doing well and improving every day. We hope he can cope with 90 minutes." On the topic of young talent, he discussed the rise of Cole Palmer, emphasising the need to push players beyond their comfort zones for optimal performance.
As the press conference concluded, Pochettino reassured fans about the team's preparation for the upcoming match against Newcastle, expressing confidence in the strength and toughness of his squad. Chelsea aims to secure a crucial victory in their pursuit of Champions League qualification for the next season.