Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR makes life easier for the likes of Erling Haaland

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has boldly claimed that VAR gives the likes of Erling Haaland an advantage over defenders.

The Blues face off against Premier League leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, as Pochettino aims to build on his 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

In the lead-up to the clash, the Chelsea manager was discussing the last time he locked horns with Pep Guardiola - 26 years ago in a feisty Spanish derby.

Pochettino, who was playing for Espanyol at the time, helped his team to a 2-0 victory over Guardiola's Barcelona. However, Pochettino admitted that he could not have got away with playing as he did in the Premier League today.

"I remember that game — you can find some clips on YouTube," he told the Chelsea website. "I was doing some bad things and today I would be off after a few minutes! It was a special night. To get the victory felt really good.

"Today, with VAR, it would have been impossible to stop Ronaldo. Back then, we were 'naughty', there were no cameras and you could use different strategies. I wouldn’t say it was easy, but to be a defender now is really difficult.

The Italian then claimed the new technology favoured offensive players like Haaland.

"It’s easier now for offensive players like Haaland," he continued. "They have the advantage of VAR, so defenders are cautious not to foul or pull shirts. Before it was like a war in every single action.

Discussing how his team plans to deal with the free scoring Norwegian, Pochettino said: "You need to run faster, focus and try to anticipate him.

"You have to be clear how you are going to defend in the box because he is tall. You need to jump before him. You need to teach people things but you also need them to feel it. You have to give them good tools.’

Speaking about Guardiola, he added: "Now he has the experience, knowledge and the squad, and he’s a great coach. But we have to believe. Football is about belief and trying to develop and to create different strategies to get above them."

Topics: Mauricio Pochettino, VAR, Erling Haaland, Football, Premier League, Manchester City

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno