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In the wake of their recent Carabao Cup final disappointment, Chelsea found themselves entangled in a hard-fought 2-2 draw against west London rivals Brentford over the weekend, extending the shadows of frustration for the Blues.
This result maintains their grip on the 11th spot in the Premier League, a considerable 19 points adrift from the illustrious top four, with Aston Villa seemingly distant on the horizon. The echoes of discontent resonated loudly among the away fans, who expressed their disappointment through vociferous boos at the final whistle. Notably, chants in support of former owner and manager Roman Abramovich and the esteemed Jose Mourinho reverberated through the disgruntled stands.
Post-match, the beleaguered Pochettino acknowledged the fans’ grievances, stepping forward to absorb the brunt of their frustration. Urging supporters to direct their displeasure towards him rather than the players, he sought to shield the team from the turbulence surrounding their campaign.
Addressing the Chelsea faithful, Pochettino conveyed, ‘Yes, and if they want to listen, perfect. If not, what can I do? They’ll keep booing. I’m giving my best to this team. But we cannot blame the fans. My message is: Okay, they need to show their frustration – through who? I prefer to me rather than to the team.’
Expressing his resilience, the Argentine coach asserted, ‘I prefer that, I am strong. I am sure that in time we will change the perception. I don’t want the fans trying to blame the players. Players need to feel backed by the fans and, to be honest, I prefer that I get the blame and let the players be free on the pitch. I don’t care. I am strong, I am 52 now.’
In the midst of adversity, Pochettino emphasized the players’ deserving of credit and support from the fan base. Looking ahead, he offered a perspective that prioritizes the team’s unity, stating, ‘The players deserve credit and support from our fans. If someone needs to get the blame, that is no problem. That is why I am the coach.’
Chelsea’s quest for redemption entails a clash against Newcastle in the league next Monday night, a crucial fixture where they aspire to reignite their winning momentum. Subsequently, they brace themselves to face the formidable Championship side, Leicester City, in a bid to salvage their flickering hopes of silverware this campaign. The journey forward remains challenging, but Pochettino stands resolute in his commitment to navigating the Blues through the tempestuous seas of footballing trials.
