Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Moises Caicedo, a key player for the club, has been facing challenges off the pitch recently. Pochettino disclosed to the Evening Standard that Caicedo, the club’s record signing, has been affected by the ongoing situation in his native Ecuador.
Despite being fit for the majority of the season, Caicedo’s performances have left some fans expecting more. The midfielder has formed a partnership with Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park, but even that duo has not escaped criticism.
Pochettino shed light on the underlying reasons for Caicedo’s underwhelming performances, citing the tense situation surrounding gang attacks in Ecuador. However, the manager mentioned that Caicedo has informed him that the situation has eased slightly, and the player is gradually improving off the pitch.
“He is okay now, he is better now, he feels better. He says the situation there is not normal but it is improving, and now it is more relaxed. It is true that a few weeks ago he was really worried,” said Pochettino.
Acknowledging the challenges in South America, Pochettino emphasized the club’s support for the player. He stated, “Normally, the club cares for him, and for everyone. If you have problems, the club is there to try to help us in different ways. It has happened. It is a good thing for the club to help the player because we need him in his best condition to compete.”
Caicedo is expected to feature prominently in Chelsea’s crucial EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge, as they aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg and secure a place at Wembley.
