Mauricio Pochettino Highlights the Importance of Rebuilding Trust between Chelsea and Supporters

Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged that Chelsea must regain the trust of their supporters in order to improve their abysmal home record. Over the course of their last 13 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge, they have only managed to secure one victory. This unfavorable streak began with a 1-0 win against Leeds in March and their sole home triumph since then was against newly promoted Luton in August.

Their recent 2-0 loss to Brentford adds to the growing concern, as it marked their third defeat at home this season. During the match, they displayed the hesitant and goal-shy tendencies that have plagued them under owner Todd Boehly’s 18-month tenure. In fact, Pochettino even found himself engaged in a confrontation with a fan who questioned striker Nicolas Jackson’s contributions. The atmosphere further deteriorated when Brentford took the lead just before the 60-minute mark.

In total, Chelsea has only managed to secure three victories at home in 2023, failing to score on 10 occasions across all competitions. Pochettino emphasized the importance of creating a positive atmosphere and establishing trust between the team and the fans. He acknowledged that it takes time to build such a relationship, particularly considering the young age of many players. Pochettino stressed the significance of a winning mentality in a club like Chelsea, underlined by the need for the team to consistently perform at their best.

He highlighted the example of Cole Palmer, who joined the team late in the transfer window and has demonstrated character and responsibility by taking on penalty duties. Pochettino believes that finding the right balance within the squad is crucial.

However, Pochettino faced numerous challenges with 10 first-team players unavailable for the Brentford game. Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez, who were in top form, were sidelined due to minor injuries. Captain Reece James made a late appearance from the bench for the second consecutive match, while Ben Chilwell was absent altogether.

Despite these setbacks, Pochettino refrained from making excuses and instead emphasized the importance of a fully fit squad. He acknowledged the difficulties of earning the trust of the fans and staying composed when the game does not go as desired. Pochettino emphasized the need for patience and maturity, stating that it takes time for the team to develop the necessary mental strength and capacity to consistently perform at their best.