MAURICIO Pochettino felt Gary Neville’s now viral criticism of Chelsea’s EFL Cup final performance was unfair – though there were no hard feelings towards the former Manchester United defender from the Blues boss.
After Pochettino’s side conceded in the 118th minute when Virgil Van Dijk headed Kostas Tsimikas’ corner past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, Neville said in his Sky Sports co-commentator role that the London side were “Blue billion-pound bottle jobs.”
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp – who was without more than ten senior players, including Alisson, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez and Jota – sent on 19-year-olds Bobby Clark and James McConnell, and 18-year-old Jayden Danns late in normal time. It was Liverpool who dominated in extra-time as Chelsea faded.
“I didn’t hear what he said but I think if you compare the age of the two groups, I think it is similar. Look, I have a good relationship with Gary. I don’t know how I can take his opinion, but I respect his opinion.
“Of course we made a few changes, like [Conor] Gallagher and [Ben] Chilwell in extra-time. It’s true, we didn’t keep the energy like how we finished in the second half. That is, I don’t know how you can describe this situation. But for sure, I feel proud of the players. They made a big effort.
“We are a young team. Nothing to compare with Liverpool because they also finished with young players. It’s impossible to compare. And he knows that the dynamics are completely different. We were playing today Liverpool and Chelsea, Chelsea and Liverpool, and I don’t think it’s fair to speak in this way.
“We are going to keep strong, believe in this project and see what we can do in the future.”
Chelsea have now last their last six domestic cup finals, three to Klopp’s side.
Pochettino has yet to win a trophy in England. As Tottenham Hotspur boss he lost the 2015 League Cup final to Chelsea and the 2019 Champions League final to Klopp’s Liverpool.
Pochettino said: “My emotions, I feel the same as the players. If you ask the players how they feel, I feel the same. I am so disappointed, so painful. I am older, less time to win titles and they are younger than me and for sure have time.
“They need to feel the pain. We play for a trophy and we didn’t get it. What can you tell me to feel better? Nothing. They need to feel the pain like us.
“In football it is always about when you have the opportunity. When we arrive for the final, already it should be good, to challenge the opponent, but after when you don’t get what you want, all of the effort you made for seven or eight months, it’s tough. That is difficult to manage, and to deal with this.
“We are competitive. If we want to win, we need to move on. I think tomorrow we need to train and recover for Wednesday.”
That game is in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.
