Mauricio Pochettino has taken the unusual step of writing an open letter to Chelsea fans ahead of this afternoon’s EFL Cup final against Liverpool, which you can read in full on the club’s official website here.
The Chelsea boss has called on fans to “create something special” at Wembley today by working with the players to make a fearsome atmosphere:
“We all know the history of Chelsea. It is massive and everyone understands the expectations of this club. That is the owners, the players, the staff at Cobham, the staff at Stamford Bridge, the Academy, and the women’s team.
Many people from the club will be at Wembley today to help us as a team, but also to help translate the atmosphere of the final to the supporters that can’t be in the stadium. Only if we are together can we live these special moments and create these memories.
We want the same as you. We want to continue the traditions of Chelsea. We want this trophy.”
It goes to show how important Pochettino must think this side of the game today will be. Unlike our thrashing at Anfield last month, this game is at a neutral ground. But Wembley will be half full of passionate Reds, and unless the Chelsea fans find their voice, it could yet become a troublesome atmosphere for them.
An open letter with call-backs to your childhood is a bold move for a league cup final, but Pochettino knows he’s got to use all the powers at his disposal to navigate past an experienced and motivated Liverpool team.
