Mauricio Pochettino exposes odd chat with Chelsea star over Middlesbrough loss

On Jan 12, 2024

Chelsea supervisor Mauricio Pochettino has brought on confusion with an anecdote he made about £115m man Moises Caicedo.

Pochettino, 51, watched his flat Blues lose the primary leg of their League Cup semi-final conflict in opposition to Middlesbrough 1-0. After the match, which additionally noticed Cole Palmer miss three gilt edge probabilities in opposition to the Championship facet, the west Londoners had been booed off by their very own followers.

Nevertheless, the previous Tottenham Hotspur boss tried to carry a optimistic mindset by reminding followers Michael Carrick’s facet overcame Brighton final yr when Caicedo was nonetheless in situ on the South Coast. Except, there was one main gap in his anecdote – the Seagulls overcame Boro 5-1.

During a latest press convention, he stated: “Other Premier League teams have lost to Middlesbrough. Moises Caicedo was telling me, ‘oh, last season we lost at Middlesbrough with Brighton’. A lot of Premier League teams when they play there, they lose.”

Brighton confronted Middlesbrough as soon as final season and utterly outclassed them in their very own yard. Goals from Pascal Gross, Adam Lallana, Alexis Mac Allister and Deniz Undav secured a routine win within the FA Cup third spherical. In truth, Caicedo began and performed the complete 90 minutes, as did Chelsea central defender Levi Colwill, who was additionally taking part in beneath Roberto Di Zerbi on the time.

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Moises Caicedo of Chelsea and Josh Coburn of Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough v Chelsea, EFL Carabao Cup, Semi Final, First Leg, Football, Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, UK - 09 Jan 2024 — Caicedo featured in Chelsea’s loss to Middlesbrough
(Image: Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock)

Adam Lallana of Brighton & Hove Albion scores the team's second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Middlesbrough and Brighton & Hove Albion at Riverside Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Middlesbrough, England — Brighton crushed Middlesbrough final yr
(Image: Getty Images)

“Old Moises just trying to make Poch feel better there,” one fan laughed. “Villa beat Boro resting Watkins and other first team players just days before they beat Chelsea, Poch is feeling the pressure with those weak excuses,” a second added. A smug Brighton fan additionally added: “Except we won 5-1, but other than that, good point you’ve made there Poch.”

It’s doable one in every of Pochettino or Caicedo acquired their groups blended up. However, Pochettino is hoping his facet can neglect his blunder and their defeat on the Riverside Stadium by successful the second leg by two clear objectives. “I feel I noticed the gamers right now, superb spirit,” he added.

Mauricio Pochettino of Chelsea manager issues instructions to the players
Middlesbrough v Chelsea, EFL Carabao Cup, Semi Final, First Leg, Football, Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, UK - 09 Jan 2024 — Pochettino’s facet want a powerful efficiency within the second leg
(Image: Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock)

“Of course, we are disappointed with the last game but it is the first 90 minutes. Disappointed but at the same time, we are Chelsea and we cannot afford to lose this type of game. It’s a different game [to the reverse fixture]. They are in a very good moment. “We didn’t perform badly against Middlesbrough and we came from a few victories.

“We are 1-0 down, but we need to keep the belief. I think the team is feeling well and we are confident for tomorrow. I am so sure we are going to do a very good job.”