Mauricio Pochettino warns Chelsea owner Todd Boehly of repercussions if he buys Lionel Messi’s childhood club

Mauricio Pochettino started out his playing career at Newell's in 1986, before moving to Espanyol in 1994.

Mauricio Pochettino warns Chelsea owner Todd Boehly of repercussions if he buys Lionel Messi’s childhood club

Mauricio Pochettino warned Todd Boehly from investing in his and Messi's former club. (via

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino issued a stern warning to club owner Todd Boehly, if he opts to buy his and Lionel Messi’s former side Newell’s Old Boys. He warned of potential backlash from fans if they decided to invest in the Argentinean side.

Argentine president Javier Milei recently stated that Todd Boehly was willing to invest in the South American league. Argentinean side Newell’s Old Boys has been singled out, which interestingly happens to be Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino and 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi’s former club. Pochettino cautioned against potential fan backlash, indicating that Argentine football is not accustomed to outside investment.

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The 51-year-old manager ahead of the Blues match against Manchester City, expressed the challenges of club ownership in Argentina, noting the strong sense of belonging fans have with their teams. While agreeing that change is inevitable, he exclaimed the current mindset presents obstacles. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the president’s intentions to improve the country and vowed to support his efforts for a better future.

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It’s so difficult because Argentina is a country where it is not normally like here, where people arrive from outside and buy clubs. The fans, they feel they belong to the club and the club belongs to them, and it’s not easy to change the mentality.
Mauricio Pochettino said (H&T: The Sun)

These warnings come to light after the recent backlash that the Chelsea owners and their company BlueCo faced, from Strasbourg fans. Boehly acquired a majority share in the French club, facing strong opposition from its supporters.

Mauricio Pochettino urges Chelsea board to make Ivan Toney as the club’s no.1 summer transfer target

The Argentine manager has directed the Chelsea board to consider making a massive offer for Brentford forward Ivan Toney, making him their no.1 transfer target. The English forward is expected to end the Blues’ attacking woes, despite the club splashing a huge amount to acquire forwards like Christopher Nkunku and Nicholas Jackson.

Pochettino targets Ivan Toney
Mauricio Pochettino has urged Chelsea to make Ivan Toney their no.1 target. (via Goal and Sky Sports)

Pochettino has made Ivan Toney his No 1 target and has told the board that if he’s available they should get a deal over the line. Brentford have slammed a massive £100 million asking price for the English star, but Chelsea will first have to sell before they can spend due to financial fair play restrictions.

The Blues would also have to engage in an intense battle with fellow London rivals Arsenal, who might also be interested in signing the forward.

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