Poch’s barbecue was ruined by rain as Chelsea stars were monitored by nutritionists

Sports

MAURICIO POCHETTINO hosted a BBQ for his Chelsea stars on Friday in the hope it will help them grill Leicester in the FA Cup.

But the players were not allowed to scoff at grilled treats without fat, chips or booze – all under the watchful eye of the club’s strict dietitians.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea BBQ was ruined by rainy weatherCredit: Getty

He had hoped to use the event as a bonding session for his playersCredit: Getty

Chelsea's stars were unable to drink and were closely monitored by nutritionists — Chelsea’s stars were unable to drink and were closely monitored by nutritionistsCredit: Getty

It also rained for much of the afternoon, but head coach Pochettino insists the team bonding session is a key ingredient in making his side a stronger unit.

Pochettino said ahead of the event: “The idea is to share between the players and the staff. The staff is also invited.

“I think there will be 120, 130 of us. The most important thing is that the players understand what it means to be a Chelsea player.

“But we have to take responsibility. I suggest a BBQ, but then there are two nutritionists who decide what to eat.

“We drink water, orange juice, no alcohol, don’t eat too much, eat proteins. Green salad, no fries.

“We will all be together. Of course, barbecuing does not mean that we will score goals afterwards, but it is of course about communication and feeling better.

“So that this is not just a training ground where you come to work. It’s home and we want to create a good feeling between everyone. To make people fight for the same thing: to win.”

Specialist sausages and succulent cuts of beef were on the menu for lunch, served after training under a giant marquee at Chelsea’s training ground in Surrey.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Pochettino says it is part of his master plan to transform his team of unknowns and untested rookies into a band of brothers.

He said: “We use different strategies. All players are different. They come from different countries with different backgrounds, different cultures.

Chelsea’s plans for a new £1 billion stadium

“Paying attention to that is quite a job. We analyze their profiles. Not only their physical profiles, but also their characters. It’s so important.”

Pochettino also says he welcomes the appointment of a permanent coach this summer, even though he appeared to take a different position some time ago.

Brentford’s Bernardo Cueva will join the club’s growing group of coaches as part of a wider strategy led from the boardroom.

Pochettino said: “That is an area they want to strengthen, to go further, to challenge the people who are here.

“We can’t go against the things that can help us get better and maybe help us win games.

“That’s the owner’s idea, that’s the sporting directors’ idea and we are very much in favor of it.”