Pochettino: Neville's 'billion-pound bottlejobs' jibe is NOT motivating Chelsea

Mauricio Pochettino says Gary Neville’s ‘billion-pound bottlejobs’ jibe is not motivating him or his team ahead of their return to Wembley, insisting Chelsea hold no ‘bad feelings’ from their last visit to the national stadium.

Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in February – a defeat in which Neville used his co-commentary duties to direct a dig at the way they crumbled in extra time against Jurgen Klopp’s kids.

Chelsea have gone unbeaten since missing out on that chance of silverware and when asked about Neville’s comments ahead of facing Manchester City in the FA Cup’s semi-final on Saturday, Pochettino said: ‘I am not a person who has bad feelings.

‘When things happen, they happen. I hope that we can win and go through to the final. It is our objective. I am not going there thinking that.

‘I have too many good memories from Wembley. I hope that one day I can lift a trophy there. That is my dream. That is what we want.

‘I don’t have bad feelings. We are focused on trying to win the game and get to the final.’

On this clash with City compared to facing Liverpool, Pochettino added: ‘It’s going to be a completely different game against a different club, different situation, different circumstances.

'The most important thing is to adapt to the circumstances and to react in a good way. It’s a semi-final but it's a final because if you don’t win, you wont have access.’

There was good news for Chelsea as Christopher Nkunku returned to training, having not played since the Carabao Cup final.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez were confirmed as also having rejoined the group.