23 January 2024 , 12:55
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Mauricio Pochettino once claimed cup success only "builds your ego" as he targets the Carabao Cup final with Chelsea.
The Blues boss watched on as his side were stunned in the first-leg of their semi-final against Middlesbrough, losing 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium. Chelsea now need to overturn that deficit at Stamford Bridge with Pochettino adamant Tuesday night's outing is their biggest of the season.
The Argentine tried and failed to win honours when in England with Tottenham, but once swatted away suggestions silverware in the cup competitions could aid his side's development. Now, with Chelsea languishing in mid-table, Pochettino appears to have changed his tune.
He said: "Tomorrow is the biggest game of the season because it’s our access to the final. We need to be convincing to be able to win. It’s the possibility to play in and win a final. It’s a good pressure. I like this type of challenge. We want to be in that situation and play in semi-finals.
"I think the game tomorrow is really important because it’s the possibility to win a trophy. In a personal way, I’m so excited for the game. It’s a way to play at Wembley, a final, and to have the possibility to win a title. I’m so motivated and I try to translate to the players how good it is to play a final and to play in Wembley."
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Chelsea spent big yet again in the summer but Pochettino has been unable to consistently find a winning formula. Cup success could spare his blushes if the west Londoners to endure another mediocre Premier League season.
Chelsea were beaten in the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-finalAfter another trophy went amiss whilst he was in charge of Tottenham in 2019, Pochettino had claimed: "Again we're going to have the debate whether a trophy will take the club to the next level. I don't agree with it. It only builds your ego."
Pochettino, who has long been hailed for his style of play and ability to improve players, finally got trophies on his CV when he was in charge of PSG. That dispelled the idea that the Argentina couldn't claim silverware, but he still needs to prove that on English soil.
Chelsea, a side who consistently picked up honours, have endured a steep decline since their change of ownership. Their last trophy came during Roma Abramovich's era, but even that was the UEFA Super Cup in 2021 - more than two years ago when Thomas Tuchel was in charge.