Gus Poyet talks exclusively to William Hill

Former Chelsea & Spurs player and Leeds, Brighton & Sunderland Coach Gus Poyet talks to William Hill about the start to the Premier League season of  some of his former clubs and what we can expect from them as the season progresses. Poyet focuses in on Chelsea and their recent red cards and also how impressed he has been with Sunderland’s start to the season.

Spurs are playing a much more conservative brand of football under Thomas Frank but it seems to be getting results. What do you think they can realistically achieve this season?

Gus: Thomas Frank is a very good Coach. I have followed him for a number of years and I am impressed with his philosophy of the game, the way he engages with his players and also the way he sets his team out. This is a step up from Brentford, but so far, he is doing a good job and spurs have already secured a big away win at Man City and Leeds, so there is plenty of good things he has achieved to give Spurs a good base to progress this season. His style is one I admire and with not a lot of injuries, Spurs have fielded a settled defence which has helped Thomas Frank get his ideas across. This season Spurs can 100% improve on last season in the Premier League and there should aim for a Champions League spot for sure. Domestically, they can look to go deep in the cup competitions as well as with the defence performing at solid as it is now, they just need the forwards to do enough, and they can look to try to get more silverware to add to the Europa League.

Based on what you’ve seen thus far, how do you rate two of your former clubs, Leeds and Sunderland, in terms of their survival prospects?

Gus: I am sitting here happy with both teams starts to the Premier League. For both clubs it was important to get points on the board early and Leeds had a very good win away at Wolves along with two home draws against top teams in Newcastle and Bournemouth. There is nothing against losing at Arsenal who will challenge for the title. So if Leeds can continue to pick up results at home and away against the teams around them, then they can look to avoid the relegation battle. But, it’s so important to keep your top players fit in this League and defensively, to not break up the defence. It won’t be easy but Leeds have set themselves up to compete well in this League and are playing with confidence that they can compete, which is huge mentally.

Looking at Sunderland and it’s a dream start for them. Winning 3-0 at home in your opening game to West Ham was a dream come true. They then proved it was no fluke but beating Brentford at home and then a big away win at Nottingham Forest. Granit Xhaka was a brilliant signing and he is leading the team so well with his experience. It is so important o have experience when you come into a League like the premier League and he is doing a fine job. Credit to the manager who had so many new signings to jel in but has done a very good role in doing so as the team seem to be working very hard for each other and with a massive home support, they are really putting on big performances at home which is vital.

As it stands, you would say Sunderland have a slightly better chance of survival having more points on the board but Leeds are looking competent as well to give it a shot to survive as well.

 What have you made of Chelsea’s start to the season?

Gus: It’s been a good start to the season for Chelsea given the club world cup and some of the injuries the team have suffered so far. Only a few games into the season and one thing the team must improve is the naïve sending offs which could have been avoided. I feel the team are in a good position to challenge for champions league football, but now need to show good consistency like the way they ended last season. With such a big squad, it’s key to rotate well and then get the top player on the pitch and off the injury table. New players are settling in and will find their feet as the season goes on.

After Chelsea beat Liverpool, do you consider the Blues to be Premier League title contenders this season or are they still a bit short? If so, what needs to improve?

Gus: I think they will be a bit short this season. But they can once again secure a Champions League spot. Sunday was a huge win for Chelsea following a few defeats which were of their own doing in getting silly red cards which them gave them an uphill struggle playing so many minutes with 10 men. In this League, you see first hand what playing 10 v 11 can do to you and the Brighton result was a real tough one to take, given Chelsea had started so well. Defensively they can improve and the goalkeeper position I feel. But, when you have Estevao performing like he did on Sunday, then Chelsea have a bright future with him, albeit you have to not over hype young players too much. It’s too easy to put too much pressure on him, but he looks to be very confident and comfortable in these surroundings and can really push Chelsea forward. With Pedro leading the line, Chelsea now have something different versus last season which can cause defenders problems.

 Joao Pedro has looked impressive since joining from Brighton, do you believe he is a forward that Chelsea have been missing in recent years?

Gus: Yes, they have missed a strong and powerful number 9 and Pedro really impressed in club world cup and he can replicate that form for Chelsea this season. I like him a lot, he is technically excellent and can score plenty of goals with the quality of midfield players to provide him with chances to score. I saw a lot of him at Brighton and was impressed with his worth ethic and general play, so look forward to seeing him score plenty of goals.

With Chelsea struggling with injuries at centre-backs, do you think the club failed to strengthen at the back in the summer?

Gus: Injuries are a shame for Chelsea. Especially at centre back. It’s so important to have a strong pairing who can regularly play together to build good momentum in defence. With changing players along the back four, it’s so important they work well as a group as you build confidence starting from the back and clean sheets. With such a big squad, Chelsea do have cover in defence and it’s important to give the other players a chance to play and look to establish a place in the first team.

Chelsea to finish top 4

After two red cards so far this season, what have you made of Maresca’s defensive approach having gone down to ten men?

Gus: For me it’s naïve from the players. They are making tackles they don’t need to make and need to be more aware of this as it harms the team heavily. As we have seen, teams are capitalising on Chelsea going down to 10 men and then Chelsea have a mountain to climb to get a result and then lose points because of this. It puts more pressure on the team and manager, when the players must take responsibility for their actions as there are free points given away by these mistakes. So I am sure Maresca is telling the players this as they can see the consequence.

 What would be a successful season for Chelsea in your opinion?

Gus: I believe it’s securing a Champions League place for sure. This is important for the growth of the club financially and to look to continue to improve the squad. If they can add a trophy as well, then this will definitely be a successful season. The League or FA Cup can be a nice addition to the many trophies Chelsea have won and will keep the fans happy as well.

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