Mauricio Pochettino was speaking after his Chelsea side was beaten by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. The Argentine had a message for Sky Sports’ Gary Neville.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino believes that Liverpool can be a good example to his players as they seek a turnaround in fortunes. The Stamford Bridge side has now lost six successive fixtures at Wembley, including three times in a row to the Reds.
“They need to feel the pain,” Pochettino said about his players at the final whistle, speaking to BBC Sport. “We played for a trophy we didn’t get. Now it’s the same, what can you tell me to feel better? Nothing.”
“We are very competitive and now we need to move forward,” he added. “They [the players] need to feel the pain like us. They need to realize that we need to work more, do better things. We need to improve and compete in this level against a side that in the last five, six, seven years has competed for big things.
“It’s about to arrive here first and then feel what it means to play for a big trophy. I remember after three, four years they lose the Champions League, they lose the Europa League. They keep believing and moving in the project and in the next season stronger until they get what they wanted.
“That is a good example, Liverpool. We want to challenge a team like Liverpool. It is not to be frustrated today because we didn’t get the trophy. We need to keep believing as that is the most important thing.”
Gary Neville said on Sky Sports’ commentary of the game that Pochettino’s side had ‘bottled’ a major chance to win a trophy. But the former Spurs manager was not having that as an explanation for the defeat.
“I think if you compare the age of the two groups it’s similar,” Pochettino argued. “I have a good relationship with Gary. I don’t know how I can take this opinion but I respect his opinion.
“We made a few changes like Gallagher and Chilwell in extra time. It is true we didn’t keep the energy how we finished the second half. I don’t know how you can describe this situation. I feel proud of the players. I think they made a big effort. We are a young team and nothing to compare with Liverpool because they finish with also a few young players. It is impossible to compare.
