Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and England legend Wayne Rooney have expressed their concerns regarding the club’s choice to assign the number nine shirt to striker Joao Pedro. They both regard this decision as a potential psychological trap for any forward.
Pochettino reflected on his time at Stamford Bridge:
When I was at Chelsea, I didn't want any player wearing the number nine shirt. It's all about the belief that anyone who dons that shirt will ultimately fail. This can mentally weigh on a player during a match. If they have a poor game, instead of focusing on their usual mistakes, they'll start blaming the nine on their back.
None of my players wanted that number, and I was completely fine with that. I didn’t want unnecessary thoughts cluttering their minds, especially as there is already plenty of pressure at Chelsea.
Wayne Rooney also vehemently condemned the decision from both the player and the hierarchy:
Honestly, I hate this decision from Chelsea. Joao Pedro scored 20 goals last season, gained confidence, and showed his ability. And then you give him the number nine? Chelsea need to get rid of that shirt. Seriously. That jersey has become a real curse at Stamford Bridge. I'm saying right now: don’t be surprised if Joao Pedro starts having problems. Chelsea should retire the number nine for good.
