Mauricio Pochettino once again highlighted Chelsea's persistent injury crisis while trying to justify his team's inconsistent run of form.
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Pochettino accused critics of being unfairChelsea's injury crisis continuesWill face Crystal Palace on MondayWHAT HAPPENED?
Pochettino did not have the best of starts to his journey with Chelsea as the club have already lost 10 times in the ongoing Premier League campaign and are currently 11th in the league. The Argentine manager claimed that critics have been unfair to him while analysing the team's performance this season because they have failed to acknowledge the persistent injury crisis in the squad.
The Blues are likely to miss as many as nine key players ahead of their clash against Crystal Palace on Monday with defender Benoit Badiashile being the latest player to pick up a knock.
AdvertisementWHAT MAURICIO POCHETTINO SAID
Speaking to reporters ahead of Monday's clash, Pochettino said, "The perception is one thing, but if you don’t have your best players, it’s difficult. You’re judged on results, (but) circumstances are there. Always we play with different circumstances. When you only see the result, people criticise because you lose the game. But never do you go into the analysis of why.
"Before, I was focusing on giving good information to (the media) to put it all in context, to provide the argument about what is going on. But now, after seven months, I don’t say ‘I give up (with the media)’ but if people want to understand OK, if not (then) focus, move on and try to win games. After seven months, I need to still explain and explain and explain. Unless people want to listen, that’s it. I’m not going to spend too much energy in keeping going, explaining and explaining. If you want to understand, perfect. If you want to help Chelsea, perfect. I’m not saying you are helping me. It’s helping Chelsea."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Blues currently have a long list of injured players which includes the likes of captain Reece James, first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu. Star players like Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Malo Gusto and Carney Chukwuemeka have also spent considerable time out on the sidelines in the 2023/24 season.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
The Blues will aim to get back to winnings ways against an out-of-form Crystal Palace on Monday before they take on reigning champions and giants Manchester City in the Premier League on February 17.
