Silva gives honest verdict on Caicedo and Fernandez ahead of Chelsea Fulham match
Silva gives honest verdict on Caicedo and Fernandez ahead of Chelsea Fulham match
Marco Silva has heaped praise on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo ahead of Chelsea’s visit to Craven Cottage on Monday night. The Fulham manager described the duo, who cost the Blues almost £250million, as ‘quality’ and expects them to enjoy a ‘very good fight’ in midfield against Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha.
“Enzo joined in January and Caicedo in the summer as well,” Silva said, as quoted by the Independent. “They’re quality. We are talking about two players they almost spent £250 million on. This speaks about the quality and about how much they wanted them in their squad.
“Plus [Conor] Gallagher in the midfield, they have the quality, the energy, they have the organisation to create a very good fight with our midfield line and I think it will be a very good fight because they have that quality.”
While Chelsea have numerous players out due to injury, Pochettino still has a wealth of options to choose from in midfield. One of which being another new signing in Cole Palmer, who impressed on his first start for the club against Brighton on Wednesday night.
When asked if the 21-year-old is in line for another start against Fulham, the Blues boss replied: “Yes, maybe yes. I’m so happy with his performance after only a few weeks with us.
“He was able to perform very well and fit very well in the team. He is a talented player, young talented player but I think he is in my mind to start on Monday.”
After progressing into the Carabao Cup fourth round during the week, Pochettino is eager to build upon the feel-good feeling at the club. He said: “I think it was a really important victory, not only because that victory puts us into the next round of the Carabao Cup, but to build our trust and for our confidence.
“I think another solid performance which we translate into a victory which the players need, the team need and the fans also need. The effort was fantastic from the team. This situation can make us stronger and make us confident for Monday.”
With Nicolas Jackson set to miss the Fulham clash due to suspension and Armando Broja having only recently returned from injury, Pochettino was also asked if he’s considering a false-nine. Raheem Sterling and Palmer have both previously played there for Manchester City.
“The most important [thing] is to adapt to the squad and the players that might be available and to try and perform, to find a way to perform,” said the Chelsea boss. “We can play with one striker or maybe without a striker. I think it’s a difficult few days, I need to think and come up with a decision.”