Mauricio Pochettino reflected on his 1997 strategy for securing Ronaldo and Erling Haaland’s current advantage in preparation for Chelsea’s match against Manchester City.

As he prepares Chelsea’s efforts to prevent Erling Haaland from scoring at Stamford Bridge, Mauricio Pochettino believes that VAR has made offensive endeavors that involve forwards easier. The Norwegian international has already amassed 15 goals in 17 appearances in 2023/24, having scored 52 goals in his debut season with Manchester City, making life appear effortless in the Premier League.

In the Premier League, Chelsea has conceded fewer goals than City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. On Sunday at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino will be looking to equip his squad with every possible tool to deny Haaland, notwithstanding a number of crucial errors that have resulted in goals.

Head coach 51 has experience competing against the best forwards in the world, having done so both as a manager and during his playing career. In 1997, Pochettino was a member of the Espanyol squad that defeated Barcelona with a clean sheet despite having a Ronaldo who scored 34 goals.

However, the former central defender was quick to admit that his success had been achieved through illicit means. Simply put, he believes that with greater protection, the legendary Brazilian would be unstoppable.

Pochettino stated, “And with VAR in place today, it is impossible to stop Ronaldo.” The player is challenging to stop for the defender along the defensive line. Prior to being mischievous, we were, indeed, that. Undoubtedly, the camera is present, allowing for the implementation of various strategies. “I can’t say it was easy, but being a defender is currently extremely difficult.”

The advantage of VAR has made it easier for offensive players such as Haaland or Ronaldo to achieve success, he continued. The defender is always careful not to commit fouls or remove items from the shirt, but previously every action was a battle akin to a war.

Upon initial examination, the assignment to maintain Haaland’s silence is undeniably formidable. The Blues head coach will play a significant role in the preparation of his backline.

“In order to beat him, you must run faster, concentrate, and attempt to anticipate him,” explained Pochettino. Due to the fact that he is tall, your approach to defense in the box must be crystal clear. You must leap ahead of him. You must not only impart knowledge to others, but you must also make them feel fantastic. “You must provide them with good tools; previously, we utilized both good and poor tools to stop the offensive players.”