Mauricio Pochettino has told fans to direct their anger at him rather than his players as pressure continues to mount on the under-fire Chelsea boss.
The Blues, fresh from their disappointing Carabao Cup final defeat the weekend prior, laboured to a 2-2 draw away against west London rivals Brentford on Saturday.
The result leaves the club stuck in 11th place in the Premier League and a mammoth 19 points behind Aston Villa and the top four.
The away fans at the weekend were vociferous in their boos for the players at full-time, while there were also chants in favour of former owner and manager Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho.
After the game, Pochettino admitted he understood the fans’ grievances but urged them to direct their anger solely at him rather than his players as they look to save their stuttering campaign.
When asked if he had a message for the Chelsea fans, the Argentine said: ‘Yes, and if they want to listen, perfect. If not, what can I do? They’ll keep booing. I’m giving my best to this team.
‘But we cannot blame the fans. My message is: Okay, they need to show their frustration – through who? I prefer to me rather than to the team.
‘I prefer that, I am strong. I am sure that in time we will change the perception.
‘I don’t want the fans trying to blame the players. Players need to feel backed by the fans and, to be honest, I prefer that I get the blame and let the players be free on the pitch. I don’t care. I am strong, I am 52 now.
‘The players deserve credit and support from our fans. If someone needs to get the blame, that is no problem. That is why I am the coach.’
Chelsea’s task of getting back to winning ways sees them host Newcastle in the league next Monday night.
They then host high-flying Championship side Leicester City as they look to keep alive their faint hopes of silverware this campaign.
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