Chelsea boss Pochettino urges refs not to bow to Klopp fanfare

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has urged match officials at Sunday's Carabao Cup final not to feel any pressure to help Jurgen Klopp stand out at Liverpool.

Klopp announced last month that he would leave the club at the end of the season and this weekend's showpiece at Wembley offers a chance to win at least one trophy as they continue to battle in four competitions.

– Stream LIVE: Carabao Cup final, Chelsea v Liverpool, Sunday at 9 a.m. ET, ESPN+

Pochettino lamented several decisions during Chelsea's 4-1 Premier League defeat at Anfield on January 31, including a penalty appeal at 0-0 when Virgil van Dijk tackled Conor Gallagher, but nothing was given.

Van Dijk also escaped censure for a second-half challenge in the box on Christopher Nkunku as Liverpool secured victory in what was only their second match since Klopp stunned the football world by confirming that he would withdraw.

Asked whether Liverpool or Klopp would feel an extra responsibility given his imminent departure, Pochettino told a press conference on Friday: “It's not pressure for him. Maybe it's people who want to celebrate with Liverpool that he's leaving.”

“I think what we need to be sure of is that we are going to be competitive and fair in every decision. I think when we play against Liverpool at Liverpool, I think there are too many decisions that… no key decision was for us.

“There were no two penalties. Duels, 50-50, always for another color. Always red. I want to be treated fairly. Of course we will celebrate – I am the first, I will I say Liverpool are amazing, Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world.

“But I think after my last experience there, I think what I want at Wembley is to go there and no one feels the pressure. Play a match at the same level and the best will win, not feeling the pressure, the people around or, you know? You know what I mean.

“It's good. Liverpool are an incredible club. I love Klopp and the way he is is incredible. But of course it's his last season here, you're going to compete the same, both teams and give or see things for both clubs in the same way.”

Asked if there was a feeling that the football community as a whole wanted Liverpool to win thanks to Klopp, Pochettino replied: “No, no. I'm not saying people want that, that's not the case. “It's not to be part of the celebration. I would never say that.” , another party involved in the game, they want Liverpool to win.

“But the most important thing is to go and compete with the same point of view from different parties because we need to talk.

“They were better than us of course, but the first decision after five minutes, it was a clear penalty. In the second half, it was a penalty on Nkunku. Afterwards, you see the VAR which intervened in many situations and it's different or maybe similar. and gives a penalty, why not?

“We are Chelsea, we have to go there, we have to compete with the same tools and of course, if they are better, well done, congratulate them. But, be fair in every decision.

“The pressure is not to do Klopp's job, no. The pressure is not to be part of the… you know? I can't talk more about it.”

Pochettino added that Thiago Silva “has a chance” of being fit for Sunday's game as he struggles to overcome a groin injury.