Pochettino blames two predecessors at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has hinted that his side no longer receive a passionate home crowd following poor results last season.

Former Chelsea player Pat Nevin recently likened Stamford Bridge to a mausoleum, due to the somber atmosphere in the stands. "My beloved Chelsea at Stamford Bridge often had a mausoleum-like atmosphere on matchdays on a rainy Monday. Appropriately enough, there was a cemetery right behind the main stand," he said.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reacts during the 1-0 win over Fulham in the 21st round of the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on January 13, 2024. Photo: AP

Asked about Nevin's metaphor, Pochettino said he was paying the price for a chaotic first season under Todd Boehly. Last season, Chelsea had four managers, including Thomas Tuchel - who helped them win the 2021 Champions League, Graham Potter and two interim coaches, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard. The team did not perform well, finishing empty-handed in all competitions and falling to 12th place in the Premier League.

"We are paying the price for the impact of the last 18 months," Pochettino said on January 22 at a press conference ahead of the second leg of the League Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough. "I've been here for six months and sometimes, for us, it's difficult to appreciate or compare. In fact, Chelsea are getting better results, but the fans are still disappointed with what happened last season."

According to the Argentine coach, the energy at Stamford Bridge really dropped in the 2-0 home defeats to Brentford and Nottingham Forest due to poor performances from the players. In contrast, Pochettino enjoyed the atmosphere in the stands in other home games, such as the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, 4-4 with Man City and 1-1 with Liverpool.

In the first leg of the semi-final at the Riverside, Chelsea dominated with 72% possession, 18 shots with five on target, but still lost 0-1. Cole Palmer alone had a hat-trick of good chances with close-range shots in the first half, but missed all of them. In contrast, Middlesbrough were frugal and scored one goal from two shots on target, with Hayden Hackney connecting.

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer misses a shot during the 0-1 loss to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in the first leg of the English League Cup semi-final on January 9, 2024. Photo: AP

Chelsea are unbeaten in eight home games, and Pochettino wants the fans to create a passionate atmosphere to motivate the team towards a comeback victory. "We have very passionate fans. They want to win because Chelsea's history is winning," the Argentine coach said. "We feel very disappointed because if you lose too many games at home it's normal, the energy drops."

Pochettino has high praise for Middlesbrough - the club managed by former midfielder Michael Carrick and currently 11th in the Championship - but insists Chelsea's target is to reach the final. "This is a passport to the final at Wembley. It's a really important game and we have to show a different side," the 51-year-old said.

Chelsea are currently without nine players through injury, including Christopher Nkunku with a hip problem and Malo Gusto with a muscle problem, but Ben Chilwell could feature.

Thanh Quy (according to Daily Mail )

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