Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was furious and considered the 1-4 defeat against Newcastle in the 13th round of the Premier League to be Chelsea's worst game ever.
"Games like this make me very, very, very, very angry," Pochettino said in the post-match press conference at St James' Park. "We have to show character. We can't play football like this."
Pochettino believes Newcastle didn't play particularly well, but that Chelsea's players essentially handed the victory to their opponents. The Argentinian manager argued that while they needed to make things difficult for Newcastle, his players conceded too easily and were too weak in challenges. "They didn't show they were playing for something important," he added.
Pochettino (right) watches the Newcastle - Chelsea match in the 13th round of the Premier League on the evening of November 25th, from the stands at St James' Park, due to a ban following the draw against Man City in the previous round. Photo: PA
According to Pochettino, Chelsea's problem is maturity. He believes the players are young and inexperienced, and advises them to continue learning, play more solidly, be more ready to compete, and be better at challenging for the ball. Pochettino emphasized that this is something big teams consistently achieve every week with a match every three days. "We just had our worst game of the season," Pochettino commented. "The players weren't connecting with each other. In football, there are many things that build confidence and strength. We know what's happening and we will try to change it."
In matchday 12, Chelsea played one of their best games of the season, drawing 4-4 with defending champions Man City. However, yesterday they didn't perform as well. After Alexander Isak opened the scoring in the 13th minute, the visitors equalized 1-1 thanks to a free-kick from Raheem Sterling. But that was all they could manage. After the break, Newcastle capitalized on their superior play and finishing. In the 60th and 61st minutes, Jamaal Lascelles and Joelinton scored to make it 3-1 for the home side. Chelsea were reduced to 10 men from the 73rd minute after Reece James was sent off. Ten minutes later, Anthony Gordon curled a shot into the net to seal a 4-1 victory for Newcastle – who were missing more than 10 players due to injury.
After this match, Chelsea remain in 10th place with 16 points. Since the start of the season, Pochettino's team has only won four, drawn four, and lost five.
Thanh Quy (according to Daily Mail )
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