Following Chelsea’s goalless draw with Aston Villa, Mauricio Pochettino addressed the media. The Blues, unable to break the deadlock on Friday night, are set to face Villa Park in the FA Cup fourth round rematch.
Despite scoring six goals against Middlesbrough earlier in the week, Pochettino’s team couldn’t maintain their form at Stamford Bridge. Emiliano Martinez’s outstanding performance thwarted Chelsea’s attempts, with Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer having notable chances but failing to beat him.
Pochettino now prepares his team for a challenging test against Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield next week. Reflecting on Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of stepping down at the end of the season, Pochettino expressed shock, sadness, and admiration for Klopp’s impact on Liverpool.
Addressing the loss to Aston Villa and potential offensive needs, Pochettino acknowledged that scoring can be challenging against strong opponents but expressed confidence in his players’ ability to find the net. He also provided insights into Levi Colwill’s injury, praised goalkeeper Petrovic, and commended Alfie Gilchrist’s performance when replacing Colwill.
When asked about the importance of demonstrating the team’s capabilities, Pochettino emphasized their ability to compete in the first months of the season and highlighted significant victories against top teams. He expressed a desire for continued improvement and a positive opportunity to face Aston Villa in the upcoming match, viewing it as crucial for the team’s confidence.