'Difference in that aggression' - Gus Poyet questions Chelsea approach to Sunderland defeat
Former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has questioned Chelsea’s mentality.
Former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has questioned Chelsea’s mentality in the weekend defeat to the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light.
Poyet, also a former Blues midfielder, believes Xabi Alonso’s side must learn from Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland and prepare for a similar physical test when they host Leeds after the international break. Chelsea sit fifth in the table with 16 points from 10 matches under manager Alonso but are already 11 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
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Poyet feels Chelsea need to rediscover the aggression and determination required to win difficult matches rather than relying solely on their technical quality.
“Sunderland went to the game with that old-fashioned mentality,” Poyet told Daily Mail Sport. “Pressure from the fans, noise, tackling, (an) ‘I’m gonna run over you’ (attitude). “Chelsea went on to try to play. There was quite a big difference in that aggression. We see teams that are looking so much for an identity that they forget the process to win games.”
Enzo Le Fee’s first-half penalty condemned Chelsea to a fourth defeat in their last eight top-flight games. Poyet believes Daniel Farke’s side are mentally stronger than Chelsea and will take encouragement from the weekend match at the Stadium of Light.
“Leeds will be saying, ‘Let’s go’,” said the Uruguayan. “Leeds are very solid, and very aggressive, so it can be that kind of game.
“More and more, through the years, the difference between the teams is mental. Right now, Leeds, as a team, are a little ahead mentally.” “Use this game against Sunderland when you play against Leeds,” said Poyet. “You cannot say, ‘We didn’t expect it’. Expect it! It’s going to be similar.”
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