Lesley Ugochukwu reveals key role Mauricio Pochettino played in Chelsea transfer
09/27/2023 05:03 AM
Lesley Ugochukwu says that Mauricio Pochettino played a key role in tempting him to Chelsea.
The Argentine boss is feeling the heat somewhat following a poor start to life at Stamford Bridge with the Blues winning just one of their opening six fixtures.
Ugochukwu joined the club from Stade Rennais for a fee of £23.2million after making 60 appearances for the French club over the last two seasons.
But when asked why he joined Chelsea, the 19-year-old says that the Argentine boss played a key part in his decision.
Speaking to Jim White, Ugochukwu said: “When I heard that Chelsea were interested in me I didn't ask myself any questions.
"I thought 'it's one of the biggest clubs in the world' so I had to go there.
"Every player wants to be in the best team with the best coach and Pochettino is part of that.
"In one of my first starts in the French league was against Pochettino [at Paris Saint-Germain] so when I came to the US he told me that I was one of the guys who made him love the league."
Asked if Pochettino can improve his game, he said: "100 per cent.
"He's a man who has a lot of experience with Southampton, Tottenham and PSG so he's trained big teams and now Chelsea.
"I'm 100 per cent sure that he's going to take me to another level, for sure."
A huge talking point at Chelsea this summer have been the long-term nature of the contracts handed out to new arrivals.
Ugochukwu penned a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge, but quizzed on the term of the contract, the midfielder said: "For now I'm just looking in the first year of the contract.
"I'm just looking at that to achieve good things, great things with the team and then after we'll speak about where we'll go.”
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