Football News

Mauricio Pochettino insisted he is enjoying life at Chelsea despite defeats by Arsenal and Manchester City in the last week that have cast a shadow over his team’s recent revival.

The Argentinian saw his side thumped 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium by the Premier League leaders on Tuesday, a lifeless display that came three days after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by City, confirming the club’s third consecutive campaign without major domestic or European silverware.

Some supporters – including those in the away section in north London, who held up banners – have questioned the desire of the players, while Pochettino himself has more than once been targeted by fans at Stamford Bridge this season as patience with results and performances has been tested.

A number of players have returned to partial team training, while @sterling7 and @Chukwuemekaa10 are undergoing medical assessment ahead of Aston Villa.

Chelsea are ninth in the table and require a strong finish if they are to avoid missing out on European qualification for a second year in a row, beginning with Saturday’s trip to play fourth-placed Aston Villa.

The manager said recent setbacks have not dampened his enthusiasm for the job of returning the club to former glories.

“I enjoy it,” he said. “I think it’s easy to be in a project that is all working well, winning games, it’s so easy.

“The problem is when you need identify the problems, assess every single day why things happen. Not too many coaching staff can do this.

Wishing @Enzo13Fernandez a speedy recovery.

Aston Villa Mauricio Pochettino Arsenal