Pochettino tells Chelsea players he trusts them to turn up in his time of need

Mauricio Pochettino told Chelsea's players in a team meeting that he trusts them to turn up in his time of need, warning too many managers have been sacked while waiting for a response as they travel to Aston Villa on Wednesday.

The pressure was piled on Pochettino after the 4-2 Premier League home defeat by Wolves on Sunday when Thiago Silva's wife, Belle, posted on social media: 'It's time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late.' Pochettino also held clear-the-air talks with Silva in private at the training ground on Tuesday before addressing his squad ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay.

'I told the players in a meeting today that I trust you more than ever,' said Pochettino, who also revealed he had received a message from Chelsea's owners to say they are still backing him. 'I am going to support you more than ever. I am not a normal boss. I am the leader and I need to reflect in every single action that I really trust the players.'

Reminded that the pressure is on him more than the players, because he can be sacked and they cannot, Pochettino said: 'Why is it a risk? We understand, the players understand and the club understands. If the club does what you are telling me, it is not in my hands. I trust in the players.

'Look at all the coaches. There are too many coaches who have been sacked because they were waiting for a performance, for a result, and none arrived. They stopped work because the club decided it. I don't know why it is a risk to trust the players.

'If they don't perform, it is my responsibility and the players' responsibility always because they are on the pitch. I trust we can turn the situation around.

'We need to make a good connection with the fans. The fans need to