Mauricio Pochettino could not hold back his frustration regarding Romeo Lavia’s injury.
The Belgium international is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea, after arriving from Southampton for €62.1m.
Questions about whether Lavia can make his debut sparked a spiky response for the Chelsea boss, who stressed that rushing back the midfielder is not the way to go.
“You are pushing when the players are not playing. Lavia is similar to Nkunku in he arrives and cannot make his debut. After nearly six months maybe he can be involved with the team. He is doing well but he still needs time for his best form”, said the Chelsea manager.
“All of the players after a big period, they are desperate to be involved. Even a message for the player. They cannot make the mistake. They want to be involved but we are competing and the competition is serious.
“They need to train really hard every day, because they need to be an impact every time they go to the pitch. It is not pre-season games. For many things it is an excuse, for many it is I want to play, if I cannot play I cannot perform. You need to understand but players need to understand it is not charity to job and play. We need to win.”
Pochettino continued to speak about the feelings from the player, and club regarding the seriousness of the injury.
“The environment of the player also are disappointed. I am disappointed to have a player who should be important for us not playing. It is not because I do not believe in them. It is too many players are training and playing six months and are more ready them”, said Pochettino.
“It is about the moment, today, who is ready to compete and ready to compete and can add to the team. Maybe I am talking too much but come on, it is annoying me. Not you.
“People around the player, or the player. I am disappointed, the club is disappointed it is investing big to perform and score goals, pay the salary every month if you are injured or not performing.
“Who suffered for the coaches, for the club. It is to get the right balance.”
