‘They need to trust the club’: Mauricio Pochettino’s plea to angry Chelsea fans

Mauricio Pochettino defended himself against mutinous Chelsea fans after they turned on him during his side’s FA Cup quarter-final victory against Leicester.

Emotions were high after Chelsea threw away a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge. The home fans booed Raheem Sterling and aimed chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing” at Pochettino during the second half. Chelsea’s head coach, who was also barracked during a recent 2-2 draw with Brentford, was targeted after taking off Mykhailo Mudryk instead of Sterling.

“I am not asking them to trust me,” Pochettino said. “They need to trust the club. If I am here it is because of the decision of the club.

“I made the decision [to substitute Mudryk]. I am not here to do what people want. Also, I am not stupid. I saw Mudryk and he was tired. We thought he would not finish the game. We are professionals and we want to win.”

Pochettino picked up a matchday programme, turned to the back cover and pointed out how many youngsters are in Chelsea’s squad. His point was that he has had to lean on inexperienced players because of injuries. He also defended Sterling. “The feelings weren’t good for him but we are going to support him.,” Pochettino said. “He missed the penalty and some chances but I am happy with him.”

Pochettino had no issue with Cole Palmer, who normally takes Chelsea’s penalties, handing duties to Sterling. “Cole gave the ball to Raheem,” he said. “They have a good relationship from Manchester City.”

The Argentinian was defiant after seeing Chelsea, who lost the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, boost their chances of winning silverware this season. “I am a really positive person and I really believe in our fans,” Pochettino said.

“I believe in the club and in our players. All together we will succeed – no doubt.”