Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was extremely upset after their worst performance of the season resulted in a 4-1 loss to Newcastle United.
The Blues had a terrible time at St. James Park as they were completely outplayed by Eddie Howe’s team. Alexander Isak scored the first goal for the hosts, but Raheem Sterling’s moment of brilliance brought Chelsea back to level terms in the 23rd minute. However, things went downhill from there as Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton, and Anthony Gordon all scored to secure the three points for Newcastle. To make matters worse, Chelsea captain Reece James received a red card, adding to the misery for the team from West London.
Pochettino appeared visibly frustrated on the sidelines. After the match, he expressed his emotions, saying: “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 manager from Argentina emphasized the need for improvement and expressed his intention to create a new plan that would transform the team’s dynamics.
“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 fix a disorganized Chelsea team before they welcome Brighton on Sunday for a Premier League match. We’re not even halfway through the season yet, and the Blues are already trailing by 10 points for a Champions League position.
