Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has pledged to continue efforts to mend his relationship with supporters after facing criticism from Blues fans during their match against Brentford.
Despite Chelsea rescuing a 2-2 draw with a late Axel Disasi header after falling 2-1 behind to Brentford, discontent among fans was evident. Chants of ‘F**k off, Mauricio’ and ‘[Todd] Boehly, you’re a c**t’ were directed at both the manager and co-owner. Disgruntled fans also expressed support for Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich.
On his 52nd birthday, Pochettino expressed nonchalance toward the sentiments directed at him. “I am not worried,” he emphasized. “We need to accept this relationship. Someone asked me, ‘Do you feel the love from the fans?’. No. You need to build the relationship, and you build the relationship through winning games. I won’t ask for nothing; I will continue to work and change this perception.”
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He continued, “I think the relationship is good. We need to understand the fans are emotional. I am fighting to provide the team the best tools to work and to improve and play in this way, score goals and win games.”
Pochettino’s remarks in the post-match press conference, suggesting fatigue in his midfield due to a lack of player rotation in a key area, further fueled frustration among fans. Despite having Cesare Casadei and Jimi Tauriainen on the bench, Pochettino did not introduce another midfielder during the game, opting for a late substitution of Mykhailo Mudryk for Enzo Fernandez. Casadei, who returned from a loan spell with Leicester City in January, has seen limited playing time, contributing to the discontent among fans.