Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, finds the intimate confines of Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road, their home ground, reminiscent of a bygone era in football.
Despite the allure of this compact stadium, Pochettino anticipates a formidable challenge from the newly-promoted team when facing his youthful squad in the upcoming Premier League encounter.
Having encountered difficulties in their recent away matches, with four consecutive losses, Chelsea recognizes Luton as a challenging venue. Pochettino, expressing a sentimental fondness, shares, “I am an old man, I’m a romantic, I love the football from the past. And these kind of stadiums remind you when you start to play… These stadiums smell different.”
He emphasizes the distinct character of such stadiums, acknowledging their historical significance and authenticity, contrasting with the contemporary luxury. Pochettino reflects on the changing landscape of football stadiums today, yet he cherishes the authenticity that these venues evoke.
While Luton currently holds the 18th position in the standings, their home performances have proven demanding for opponents, with Liverpool settling for a draw and both Arsenal and Manchester City securing narrow victories after coming from behind. Pochettino anticipates a challenging encounter against Rob Edwards’ side, emphasizing their tenacity, hard work, and the formidable environment created by the fans.
“The stadium, the fans, and it’s a team who like to fight and work really hard. And it’s so difficult – if you watch the last few games in their stadium, it was tough for all the opponents,” Pochettino adds, recognizing the resilience displayed by Luton.
To achieve positive results, Pochettino emphasizes the necessity for his team to not only showcase good football but also match the opponent’s determination and ability to contest every ball. He sees this upcoming match as a valuable test for his team, particularly given their struggles against teams similar to Luton throughout the year.
Expressing his optimism and readiness for the challenge, Pochettino states, “For me, I’m happy to play there because it will be a good challenge for our young team and it will be a good experience.”
In addition, Pochettino confirms that long-time absentee Romeo Lavia, who made his debut as a substitute in the recent win over Crystal Palace, is once again injured. Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk is also uncertain for the match, with both players subject to assessment before the game.