Mauricio Pochettino makes worrying admission over Chelsea job that says it all

26 December 2023 , 17:10

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Mauricio Pochettino makes worrying admission over Chelsea job that says it all

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted he didn't think the Chelsea job was going to be as "tough" as it has been, ahead of Wednesday's game against Crystal Palace.

The Argentinean took over as the Blues' new manager in May following last season's disappointing 12th place finish. In an attempt to improve the club's fortunes, Chelsea ended up spending over £400million in the summer but their form has barely, if at all, improved.

Pochettino's side have won just six out of 18 matches in the Premier League and Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Wolves sees them remain 14 points behind the top four. Although Chelsea are in the Carabao Cup semi-final, their top-flight campaign has been dismal and Pochettino has explained the key factors behind his side's poor form.

"We knew it was going to be tough this year but never (this tough)," the ex-Tottenham boss said. "Because of all the circumstances (injuries and suspensions), it makes the situation worse. We have too many important players out and too many circumstances going on from the start of the season that is out of our hands. But at the same time, it’s a good challenge."

Pochettino also insisted that Chelsea have not performed to their pre-season targets, with the Chelsea boss stating that their ambition was to challenge at the top of the Premier League. Instead, the Blues are closer to 20th place Sheffield United than they are to fourth-place Tottenham.

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Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea sit 11th in the Premier League table (Getty Images)

"We are so far away (from our targets)," Pochettino added. "To be honest, our target was to be on top. We are Chelsea and with our history and everything, it demands us to be near the top. But at the moment we need to be realistic. We need to compete better if we want to win more games."

Chelsea have just won one of their last four Premier League matches, but will be hoping to bounce back when they face an out-of-form Palace side at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. The Blues' home form hasn't been too bad, with Pochettino's side not losing at home in all competitions since October.

Pochettino ordered his Chelsea players to train on Christmas Day, despite playing 24 hours prior and not back in action until December 27. The 51-year-old admitted the Blues "cannot stop" as they bid to change their fortunes around, following a difficult first-half of the season.

Kieran King