Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has urged the fans to retain faith in his side following their disappointing defeat to Brentford over the weekend.
Having previously embarked on a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions, the Blues succumbed to a disheartening 2-0 defeat to their capital rivals at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino’s side controlled proceedings but failed to take their chances before suffering defeat courtesy of goals from Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo.
Chelsea have quickly switched their attention to Wednesday’s League Cup fourth-round clash against Blackburn Rovers, and Pochettino re-emphasised the importance of excelling in the tournament.
“Really important,” the Argentine tactician said in his pre-match press conference (via football.london). “I told you before. It is going to be really important for us.
“We are going to try and play with our best team. Maybe some players we need to rest because after Saturday we cannot take some risks.”
When asked whether the targets for the season have changed following the recent setback, Pochettino added: “It’s difficult to say now. The most important is the game, to go step by step.
“To go through the competition is important then to go to Tottenham [Hotspur] and receive Manchester City to get momentum.”
The Chelsea boss then delivered a heartfelt message to the fans, urging trust and belief in the process, with the Blues keen to return to winning ways against Blackburn ahead of a tricky fixture run.
“I think it’s to be with us,” Pochettino said. “I know it is difficult to keep your feelings, but it is normal.
“The fans want to win and sometimes are frustrated when we don’t win. The message is to believe and trust in us, and in the end, it is about the process.”
Chelsea are huge favourites for the Blackburn clash but face a daunting run of games afterwards, including matches against Spurs, Man City, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United.
The Blues fans are poised for a rollercoaster of emotions over the next few weeks but will be focused on cheering their side over the line against Championship opposition.
