Balancing act proves tough for Hodgson and Poch
Evening Standard|February 12, 2024
THE balance of youth and experience is an important thing in football - and neither Chelsea nor Crystal Palace have got it quite right.
Dom Smith
Balancing act proves tough for Hodgson and Poch

Tonight's meeting at Selhurst Park brings together two teams caught at different ends of that spectrum, but both must move closer to the middle ground.

Chelsea's challenge is establishing enough leaders in their young team.

Since the summer of 2022, the Blues have spent more than £1billion on a great number of players unproven at the highest level, almost all of them under the age of 25.

The average age of the team that beat Aston Villa 3-1 in last Wednesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay was just 22.8, and Chelsea's is the youngest squad in the Premier League.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has come in for criticism from sections of the club's fanbase in recent weeks, and the challenge he faces is enabling his inexperienced team to gather momentum and produce consistent results.

"[It is] time to be consistent", Pochettino said. "The way we approached the Aston Villa game is the way we need to approach [every] game." Thiago Silva, 39, is Chelsea's oldest firstteam regular by a decade, but his woeful display in the 4-2 defeat at Wolves saw him dropped against Villa, and his game-time could be limited in the second half of the season.

Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin February 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin February 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

EVENING STANDARD DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
The London Standard

Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?

Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now

time-read
3 dak  |
November 14, 2024
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
The London Standard

He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world

This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.

time-read
7 dak  |
November 14, 2024
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
The London Standard

How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining

After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution

time-read
4 dak  |
November 14, 2024
Money is worth less than time'
The London Standard

Money is worth less than time'

He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?

time-read
4 dak  |
November 14, 2024
London's Roman Amphitheatre
The London Standard

London's Roman Amphitheatre

Guildhall Yard, EC2V

time-read
3 dak  |
November 14, 2024
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
The London Standard

Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere

There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 14, 2024
Do we have to die?
The London Standard

Do we have to die?

One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no

time-read
4 dak  |
November 14, 2024
The London Standard

How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh

From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 14, 2024
London's best festive restaurants
The London Standard

London's best festive restaurants

The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 14, 2024
Rag'n'Bone Man
The London Standard

Rag'n'Bone Man

I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'

time-read
6 dak  |
November 14, 2024