Pochettino hosts BBQ at Cobham in gesture to Chelsea staff

Poch knows the way to anyone's heart

Mauricio Pochettino did not just use his first day at Cobham to drop a pitch perfect interview that may go viral for the amount of times I have watched it, but to make an incredible first impression on Chelsea staff members. The new boss boss hosted an Argentinian barbecue.

Following his media duties, Pochettino invited both football and non-football staff to get to know one another over an absolute feast. The asado is more than just the meat, vegetable and a few pineapples, it's about social connections - something the boss is keen to implement into a very fractured club.

One staff member lucky to take part shared that 'It was a great touch and a really good way for the head coach to introduce himself. It was very relaxed.' It's a tactic he's utilised pre and post-season at his other clubs. Tottenham even provided him with  a personalised BBQ. No word on whether that particular one will make it's way to the good part of London.

The Argentinian is all about positivity and is keen to foster a family feeling across the club. 

"It’s so important, and that is our philosophy we want to share here at Chelsea. I need to feel that you all are my staff, my people, and you need to feel I am your colleague. We need to work together, and all need to feel important.

"Football has changed in the last few years, it is important in every single area to have people with quality and the capacity to push us and myself to be better. We need leaders, not followers, in every single area and we will push every person to bring their best and give their best for the club."

It's no surprise that his first big gesture was at the training ground - which he no longer wants players to just think of as their workplace. He wants them to feel comfortable and that it's a place that belongs to them. Pochettino spoke candidly about the facilities at Cobham and the mentality he is trying to instil.

"It’s a fantastic, really nice training ground. The most important thing is players and staff need to feel that it is our home. It's not only a place to come to work, it's to come here and feel like home. Our responsibility is to help create this feeling and we are fully committed to trying to create a big atmosphere where people can feel really happy to work.

"I always believe that together we can achieve everything – you can’t put a limit. We are going to try to fight with this to be all together on a fantastic journey together."

Most players can count themselves unlucky on this occasion, with only a few returning in time to partake. Reece James, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell were among the stars back on Tuesday to face a formidable fitness regime as Pochettino tries to undo the Potter that's no doubt still festering.