Pochettino: 'Chelsea will reach Man City's level'

Coach Mauricio Pochettino sees the 1-1 draw at the defending champions' home ground in round 25 of the Premier League as motivation for Chelsea to continue developing and catch up with Man City's level.

"It was a really important game for us to keep the momentum and realise that we are in good form and improving," Pochettino said after the match. "Chelsea are not at the level of Man City, but that is our target. We need to experience these top games and create the spirit that we need. We need to show that we are competitive in all the games."

The Argentine coach denied the coaching staff's efforts and praised the players' performance. "The coaching staff tried to prepare for the match, but football is always a sport that belongs to the players. Today, the execution of the plan and the performance came from the players. They showed character."

Coach Pochettino encouraged Sterling after the English striker opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 1-1 draw with home team Man City in round 25 of the Premier League at Etihad Stadium on February 17. Photo: chelseafc.com

True to Pochettino's pre-match statements, Chelsea played an attacking game despite being away at the Etihad. The visitors had two clear one-on-one chances, Nicolas Jackson in the 23rd minute and Raheem Sterling in the 33rd minute, but both were blocked by goalkeeper Ederson. Chelsea nonetheless created a surprise at the Etihad with Sterling's curling effort opening the scoring at the end of the first half.

In the second half, Chelsea did not maintain the good form of the first half, but still created many good chances - including Sterling's blocked shot or the situation where Jackson and Enzo Fernandez competed for a shot in the penalty area. "The Blues" paid the price in the 83rd minute, when Rodri's shot from 15m away hit Trevoh Chalobah and changed direction into the net, making the score 1-1.

Jackson (No. 15) missed a chance in a face-to-face situation with goalkeeper Ederson at the beginning of the second half. Photo: AP

Pochettino did not regret the missed opportunities but saw many positive points. "Today was a great performance," said the 51-year-old coach. "Chelsea played a very good first half and took the lead. I am very pleased and congratulated the players for this performance. With talented players in every position, Chelsea will reach the level we expect. Playing against the best club in the world is never easy, and today the quality and character the team showed made me very happy."

Sterling is the first former City player to score home and away against his former club in a single Premier League season. The 29-year-old also scored in the 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge in November 2023. In total, Sterling has 52 Premier League goals at the Etihad, second only to Sergio Aguero on 106.

"Sterling's experience is very important and an attacking player always needs to score goals to feel confident," Pochettino praised his student. "Sterling worked hard for the team, showed sharpness when attacking and dropped back to join in defense."

Sterling in the opening goal. Photo: Reuters

Pochettino sees this as the perfect preparation for the League Cup final against Liverpool on February 25. "I think we are going to face the second strongest club in the world after Man City, and we have to be confident that we can beat them. I think belief is the most important thing and now we need to recover and prepare for the final," the Argentine coach said.

Hong Duy

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