Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (51) defends his decision to play Ben Chilwell (27) on the left wing.

“Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has defended his decision to play Ben Chilwell as a left winger,” the Evening Standard reported on July 15 (KST).

Pochettino started Chilwell on the left wing against Nottingham Forest in the fourth round of the English Premier League (EPL) before the international break.

Chilwell is a left fullback and wingback by nature. While he has plenty of attacking ability, he hasn’t been used as a winger in his career.

However, Pochettino opted to play him in an attacking role on the flank. Chilwell failed to register any offensive points and was replaced by Noni Madueke (21) in the 17th minute of the second half. Chelsea lost 0-1 at home to Nottingham and have just four points from four EPL games.

Pochettino said: “Ben Chilwell is a full-back, I know that. But he can also help the team in other positions,” Pochettino insisted.

“For me, Chilwell created more chances offensively than the other players overall. I think for the England national team, Chilwell played in a similar position to the one I played him in.”

Chelsea have lost key resources to injury. Summer signings Christopher Nkunku, 26, and Kani Chukwuemeka, 20, are currently out of the squad due to injury. With limited options, Pochettino has turned to Chilwell for an attacking role.

Pochettino said: “It is unfortunate for all the coaching staff to lose players to injury. Especially Nkunku and Chukwuemeka because 토토 they were in our plans. But we have to accept it and move on. That’s why we use players in other positions for the best balance of the team.”

Chelsea is having a rough start to the season. With just four points from four games, they host Bournemouth this weekend. It’s a tough situation due to injury absences, but Pochettino needs to turn things around somehow.