MAURICIO Pochettino has admitted he doesn’t “feel the love” from Chelsea fans – after sack chants on his birthday last weekend.
Pochettino, who turned 52 last Saturday, saw his side go in front but then trail 2-1 in the second half when Blues supporters expressed their dissatisfaction and the manager was their target.
Nicolas Jackson had Chelsea in front at the break before Thomas Frank’s side hit back through Mads Roerslev and Yoane Wissa.
Axel Disasi rescued a point when he headed in Cole Palmer’s corner seven minutes from time.
The Blues are eleventh in the Premier League table ahead of facing Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge next Monday.
Pochettino was asked about the reaction of the away fans.
“Yes, I’ve been told but I did not hear, to be honest,” Pochettino said. “That is why it is difficult for me to understand. I don’t know. I need to believe what you are telling me but it is normal. We were losing the game 2-1 and it’s about to express their frustration and we are responsible. I am responsible. I am the head coach.”
“We need to accept. I told you, I think someone asked me do you feel the love from the fans? No. We need to build our relationship between the coaching staff, the coach and the fans.
“You build relationships by winning games. But at the moment, the expectation, we cannot match the expectation.
“I don’t ask for nothing. I am going to continue to work and try to change this situation and change, winning games, we now have one week before Newcastle.
“We need to manage the reality. We are working really, really hard to try and win games. The team is fighting. I think in six days, we played 120 minutes on Sunday, Wednesday was another tough game, then some decisions because of injuries or some circumstances.
“We tried to find different ways to play. But if that doesn’t work and the fans are disappointed with that, I need to respect their opinions.”
Pochettino added:”I think the relationship is good. If they did what they did, I think it is a frustration. We need to understand that. I am fighting to try and provide the team the tools to work, improve and play in the best way, score goals and win games.
“If that is not possible, today is my 52nd birthday, I know very well this business. I am not going to give up, I am going to fight. I am ready to fight again tomorrow and get ready for the next game.
“Yes, we are going to keep going.”
Chelsea’s levels dipped in the second half before they scrambled that late leveller.
Pochettino said: “After the first half, the 45 minutes, I think we were very good and controlled the game. It was about to keep pushing and playing the same way. I think they increased their level and started to win duels and play more direct.
“I think we were not in this moment consistent and trying to defend better. When we concede, this moment changed the game, they started to believe.
“Overall, I think we were the better side but we need to score in some moments, some key moments, have some luck and defend better.
“After six days, we competed in three really tough games, I think the effort was massive. It was difficult in the second half to keep the same energy. I think that was important in the game.”
