Pochettino understands, accepts Chelsea fans’ criticism،
LONDON — Mauricio Pochettino said Thursday he “completely understands” the anger directed at him by some Chelsea fans present during the team's 2-2 draw against Brentford and admitted his team could contain too many young players .
A section of Chelsea supporters expressed their frustration over the team's disappointing performances this season towards the club's owners and Pochettino himself during the Brentford match, while supporters also chanted the former owner's names Roman Abramovich and former manager Jose Mourinho.
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“We fully understand the situation and of course the frustration and we have to accept the criticism and we have to accept the way in which they [the fans] behave well,” Pochettino told a press conference.
“That's the most important thing to accept. We have to try to improve the way we play, get results and try to change this feeling. Of course we need our fans and our hope Monday. [against Newcastle] the fans will be great and will be behind us and help the team for 90 minutes to win the match. This is so important for our players.
The Chelsea manager also said he might have behaved the same way as the fans had he been in their place.
We have to accept that it's football, they're frustrated and maybe if I was a fan and I was in the stands I [would] Behave the same way as them because it's Chelsea, because we don't meet expectations and that's why they react this way,” Pochettino said.
“We have to accept and yes we have to be responsible for our performances and yes we have to try, we have to work very hard to try to improve and win games. [which] that's why they behave this way. And that's what we need to create a better relationship with our fans.”
Chelsea, 11th in the Premier League table, have spent more than £1 billion ($1.28 billion) on new players since the club's new owners took over in 2022, with an emphasis on massive investment in young talents.
When asked whether Chelsea's squad contained too many inexperienced players and whether that had affected results this season, Pochettino replied: “Maybe, yes.” [that could be the issue].
“People who want to believe it, okay… Listen, I was explaining since the beginning of the season what was happening here, trying to be transparent. I'm not going to try to convince people and justify the result. “
Earlier on Thursday, Chelsea's parent company BlueCo 22 announced net losses of £653 million ($832.71 million) after tax for the period March 2022 to June 2023, while the club suffered £90.1 million in pre-tax losses, according to company filings.
The BlueCo consortium, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, bought the west London club in 2022 and also agreed a deal to become a shareholder of French club Strasbourg in 2023.
While Chelsea increased their matchday revenue and commercial revenue over the 15-month period, these increases were offset by a decrease in revenue from broadcast rights due to their 12th place finish in the Premier League last season as well. than elimination from the third round of the cup.
Asked if the financial results would have an impact on his work or the club's activity in the transfer market, Pochettino replied: “I don't know because I also need to be informed.
“Until today we haven't talked about it and the club announced the financial results today. [results]. Of course, this afternoon or tomorrow we will discuss and I will be informed. I don't know what's going to happen.”
Pochettino's side also suffered a further blow ahead of Monday's game as Ben Chilwell joined Chelsea's long list of absentees with a knee problem, while Conor Gallagher is a doubt after missing the training due to illness.
“We must wait until he [Chilwell] sees the specialist, said Pochettino. “I can't go ahead of time. I hope it's not a big problem but after eight or nine months here at the club I prefer to be careful and wait.”
Information from Reuters contributed to this report
