Mauricio Pochettino: 'Some judgements of Chelsea are unfair'

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that his Chelsea squad deserved to be judged in a 'fairer' way than they have been throughout 2023-24.

Pochettino is in his first season in the Blues dugout and is tasked with trying to earning a return to continental football on the back of Todd Boehly and Clearlake's Capital relentless spending in the transfer market.

As it stands, the co-owners are not receiving value for money, Chelsea currently down in 11th position in the Premier League standings ahead of Monday's potentially-pivotal fixture against Newcastle United.

Although the West Londoners were able to reach an EFL Cup final, which they lost, Pochettino's long-term future at Stamford Bridge is a constant hot topic for debate.

There has also been criticism from the club's supporters, some calling for the Argentine to be sacked during several games and most recently in the fixture with Brentford on March 2.

Pochettino has already shaken off the jeers that were heard during that game, even though he was not shy in hiding his frustration after failing to build on holding a 1-0 lead at half time.

Speaking ahead of the meeting with the Magpies on Monday night, Pochettino has suggested that some of the criticism that has been aimed at himself and his players is unfair, feeling that they should not be compared to Chelsea's successful sides of the past two decades.

As quoted by BBC Sport, Pochettino said: «If you compare with the past, when you are in a different project, people need to understand. I've tried to explain. I talk, I move my mouth, but you don't hear.

»We understand the frustration and the reception. We need to try to improve the way we play and try to change this feeling. We need our fans and we hope that on