Chelsea

Pochettino left ‘so upset’ by Chelsea’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle

Published

8 months ago

November 25, 2023

‘Our worst game of the season’ – Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino left ‘so upset’ after seeing 10-man Blues thumped 4-1 by Newcastle

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was left “so upset” after playing their “worst game of the season” in a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

The Blues endured a torrid afternoon at St. James’ Park after they were outplayed comprehensively by Eddie Howe’s troops. Alexander Isak put the hosts in front but a touch of individual brilliance from Raheem Sterling ensured that they were back on level terms in the 23rd minute. However, everything went downhill after that as Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon all struck to seal the three points. A red card to skipper Reece James further compounded the misery for the West London side.

Pochettino was cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines and while venting out his emotions after the match, he said: “It was our worst game of the season. It was tough to be in the stands. We cannot complain about the result, we did not read the game from the beginning. We did not play how we should play, we showed a lack of intensity and energy. Even after we scored, at 1-1, it was a chance for us to force them to play deep, but it was so easy for Newcastle. That is why I am so upset with the performance.”

The Argentine manager insisted that they need to do better and he must chalk out an alternative blueprint which would “change the dynamic” of the team.

“It is a young team, they need this type of situation to realise. We will go to the hotel, then train early tomorrow, no time off,” he said. “We cannot blame the players, it is the team together. We need to understand the level we need to compete and learn about this situation. There are many details, many things that build confidence and strength. We already know what is going on, and we will try to change the dynamic.”

Pochettino has a week to train at Cobham and mend a disjointed Chelsea before they host Brighton on Sunday in a Premier League encounter. It is not even the halfway stage of the campaign and the Blues are already 10 points behind a Champions League spot.