Every word Mauricio Pochettino said on Chelsea loss, Maatsen transfer and too many injuries

It was a disastrous start to the Carabao Cup semi-final for Chelsea as they leave the Riverside Stadium one goal down. Middlesbrough prevailed one-nil on Tuesday evening thanks to Hayden Hackney's goal despite plenty of Chelsea pressure.

Cole Palmer's trio of misses in the opening half ensured Chelsea did not reach half-time on equal terms but for all of the Blues pressure, the second period saw them never likely to score. Armando Broja came into the fray with half an hour to go but could not change the fortunes of Mauricio Pochettino's side.

The Blues boss reflected on the defeat and his decision not to start Broja in addition to the prospect of Ian Maatsen leaving the club and Chelsea's injury situation. football.london details every word Pochettino said in his press conference following the defeat below.

What is your assessment of the defeat?

It's so easy to explain. We made some mistakes in the first half and we were punished for that. We created big chances and did not score. We were not clinical enough. So clear. Other games you can maybe talk in a different way but now it is so easy to explain. Second half we dominated but did not create enough chances. Credit to Middlesbrough. It's the first 90 minutes, first half of the tie and we are losing 1-0. In 15 days we are going to have the second tie and we need to be positive we can win the game and go to the final.

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Made more difficult for yourselves?

I think we were punished because of some mistakes we made in the first half. I think we are agreed that we concede a goal because of our mistakes. Few