Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he’s happy with Alfie Gilchrist’s display in Chelsea FA Cup fourth-round goalless draw with Aston Villa.
Levi Colwill was supposed to feature in the Friday night encounter, but the centre back pulled out before kick-off after sustaining an unexpected injury.
In Colwill’s place, Pochettino handed Gilchrist only his second start for Chelsea this season, with the 20-year-old filling in as a right-back.
The Chelsea academy graduate was later subbed off for Ben Chilwell on the 65th minute mark, after a yet another impressive display in Blue, and when asked about him in a post-match interview, Pochettino said: “Really good. Really good.
“The most difficult thing is to manage the stress. He knew he wasn’t going to play but then he was going to play. All the young ones need time to relax and not spend energy thinking before the game.”
The Chelsea boss also stated: “It’s really important for his career. He needs to compete with different players in his position.
“It’s important for all the academy players who have the opportunity to play to cope and show they can play for Chelsea. We are so happy in the way he’s producing.”