Mauricio Pochettinocoach of Chelseaspoke at a press conference on the eve of the match against Brighton: “It’s important to keep the mentality strong and really believe that we can get to Europe. They will be two really difficult games, but the important thing is to believe. We’re doing well, we’re doing really well.”
How would you rate the season in the event of Europe?
“After all the things that have happened to us, I would say that would be a very good thing. We will always judge people based on the results or the process that will question all the circumstances that we have had… This is difficult to judge.”
Don’t you think about your future?
“I never said I wasn’t thinking about the future. I think about the future, the plan is there to start pre-season. It’s not up to me to be here or not to be here. I enjoyed my first 50 games at Chelsea a lot. Now we’re very happy better, when you win you have more fun.”
What do you think of De Zerbi’s Brighton?
“They are doing very well, they have a fantastic coach.”
What didn’t work this year?
“We are in this situation for the first 10 games because if you look at the games after that we are in the top four. Next season I don’t want to talk about injuries. From now on I will no longer talk about a young team and injuries. I want to demonstrate our real qualities with everyone fit.”
Do you feel appreciated by the fans?
“These are questions for them. Even at Tottenham the first season was tough, we are not fake people, it’s easy to kiss the crest after 3 games. I respect the people who do it, but it’s not for me, I want to create a real feeling. We have I need the fans to be together and create good energy. I don’t need to tell the fans to love me if they don’t feel it. I care about the owners I don’t want fake love. I know we have to win games, play well. The fans have to have fun to create this bond with us. The most important thing for us is to be very respectful towards the fans, the owners, the club, the players Football is about results. Sometimes results come for things that can’t be explained. The next two games are really important to finish well ahead of Europe and to start next season with a positive feeling who grow, improve, mature, live their first experience in the Premier League. I want to be honest with you and with the fans. Keeping faith with Chelsea’s history is impossible today. Over time, it will match. This is my wish. I think the fans are seeing what we are doing. But it’s difficult. We’re doing a fantastic job, a fantastic job. When things start really bad, we have to keep calm, keep pushing, working and believing. I’m so excited about the future.”