04 March 2024 , 06:35
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Mauricio Pochettino admits he would rather Chelsea's furious fans took their anger out on him - not the players - after they booed during their 2-2 draw at Brentford on Saturday.
The Blues have endured a miserable campaign despite spending over £1billion since Todd Boehly replaced Roman Abramovich at the helm in May 2022. They currently sit 11th, a mammoth 19 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and fans displayed their frustration at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Before Axel Disasi scored an 83rd-minute equaliser, Chelsea supporters could be heard singing "Boehly, Boehly you're a c***"and "f*** off Mauricio". There were also chants in favour of Abramovich and Jose Mourinho as the Blues faithful sent a clear message about the direction they feel the club is heading in.
Pochettino has now responded to the anger from the Chelsea supporters and told the club's fanbase to blame him and not the players, who only deserve "credit and support". The Blues, who lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool last weekend, have won just 10 of their 26 Premier League matches this season.
"I think the performances have been very good, I’m so happy with the performances," Pochettino said. When asked whether that is his message to the annoyed Chelsea fans, the Argentine responded: "Yes, and if they want to listen, perfect. If not, what can I do? They'll keep booing. I'm giving my best to this team.
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"But we cannot blame the fans. My message is: Okay, they need to show their frustration - through who? I prefer to me rather than to the team. I prefer that, I am strong. I am sure that in time we will change the perception.
"I don’t want the fans trying to blame the players. Players need to feel backed by the fans and, to be honest, I prefer that I get the blame and let the players be free on the pitch. I don’t care. I am strong, I am 52 now.
Mauricio Pochettino during Chelsea's draw against Brentford."The players deserve credit and support from our fans. If someone needs to get the blame, that is no problem. That is why I am the coach."
Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea the lead in the 35th minute at Brentford, before two second-half goals from Mads Roerslev and Yoane Wissa turned the game on its head. However, the Blues rescued a point late on through Disasi and Pochettino felt his side deserved to win the match.
"We should have scored [a winner] with the action that we had with Raheem [Sterling]," Pochettino added. "I think we need to put it in context. Even if sometimes people do not listen, it is our third game in six days, with Leeds and Brentford always having the advantage of a few days more to prepare for the game against us.
"When you are a little bit short in the squad like we are with some players recovering, it's always difficult. We are going to fight for our place and for our position."
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