Mauricio Pochettino has warned his Chelsea players tied down on long deals that they have to keep the club happy, not the other way around.
Chelsea have embarked on an incredible near £1billion transfer spree under their new owners since last summer, which has included the equally eye-catching policy of handing out deals of up to eight years.
The approach secures Chelsea’s assets for years to come and would also put them in a strong position if suitors come knocking.
However, it also throws up the possibility that at some point down the line they could find themselves stuck with players in no rush to leave or with more under contract than they can satisfy.
Chelsea have 20 senior players already locked in on deals that run until 2028 or beyond after this week’s arrivals of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Mauricio Pochettino warned Chelsea men on long deals they must show they ‘deserve’ to play
Romeo Lavia penned a seven-year deal after sealing his £58million move from Southampton
Pochettino said: ‘Talented players, players that the club spends money on, they have to show every day that they deserve to play.
‘My job is to be fair with everyone in the squad. Sign a player on an eight-year contract and if he is not involved, no commitment, he is not going to play.
‘It is our judgement. And they need to trust in our judgement. That we are going to do the best.
‘If you have an eight-year contract the player needs to be responsible and show respect, commitment and the quality that we expect from them. If not they are not going to play.
‘The players cannot be upset. We will be upset against the player. Because if we sign a player and are giving an eight year contract and the player is not willing to do what we expect him to do and is not playing, it is because of him and not because of us. The club and us are upset.
‘They need to give their best and show the talent we assume they have.’
Chelsea now have 20 senior players signed through to 2028 or beyond after arrival of Lavia
Chelsea’s summer clear-out has reduced the size of their bloated squad compared to last season though it still remains larger than Pochettino would like.
He added: ‘Players that are not happy. If they don’t want to fight for their place and feel part of the team playing or not playing, the door is open.
‘If the players have a clear idea that they need to compete for their place and it is the coaches who decide for every single game, it is easy.
‘If you [the manager] don’t have the support [of the owners and sporting directors], you don’t feel the situation and it is clear how it is now. That is why for clubs that are very successful the support of the manager is key, if not it is difficult.’
