By Milcah Tanimu

Mauricio Pochettino has strongly rebutted criticisms aimed at Chelsea, labeling them as “unfair” and “annoying” following their recent defeat in the League Cup final.

The critique came from former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who dubbed Chelsea as “blue billion-pound bottle jobs” after their 1-0 loss to Liverpool at Wembley.

Despite substantial investments exceeding £1 billion ($1.5 billion) since Toddy Boehly’s consortium acquired Chelsea in 2022, the club’s performance has regressed over the past two seasons.

However, Pochettino staunchly defended Chelsea, emphasizing the club’s commitment to building a new legacy under the new ownership. He highlighted the players’ quality and the need for time to integrate and develop their potential.

Acknowledging Chelsea’s current Premier League standing and fan frustrations, Pochettino stressed the importance of continuous improvement and patience. He expressed confidence in the club’s trajectory and the support from ownership, citing a supportive message from Boehly and positive interactions with co-owner Behdad Eghbali.

Despite the pressure to deliver results, Pochettino remained optimistic about Chelsea’s future, underscoring their youth and learning process, while also acknowledging the changing atmosphere within the club.

In response to inquiries about ownership’s patience, Pochettino affirmed his confidence until notified otherwise, highlighting the supportive environment he perceives within the club hierarchy.

Pochettino’s defense signals a united front within Chelsea’s ranks as they strive to navigate through their current challenges and realize their long-term aspirations under the new ownership.