Mauricio Pochettino has responded to Gary Neville’s comments following Chelsea’s defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
The 51 year old saw another chance to win his first trophy in England slip away as the Blues went down 1-0 thanks to Virgil Van Dijk’s extra time header.
Chelsea missed a host of big chances with Conor Gallagher, Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku all culpable whilst Raheem Sterling had his goal ruled out for the narrowest of offsides against Nicolas Jackson in the build up.
The defeat meant Chelsea set an unwanted record of becoming the first side to lose six consecutive domestic cup finals.
Neville who was on commentary described Chelsea as ‘billion pound bottle jobs.”
Pochettino was asked for his thoughts on the comments after the game and told BBC Sport: “I didn’t hear what he said, but if you compare the age of the two groups, I think they are similar. But look, I have a good relationship with Gary, I don’t know how I can take his opinion, but I respect his opinion.”
“We are a young team, and nothing to compare with Liverpool because they finished with also a few young players, I think it’s impossible to compare and he knows.”
“He knows that the dynamics are completely different. We were playing today Chelsea and Liverpool, and I think it’s not fair to talk in this way if he said that. But I think we are going to keep strong and believe.”
The Blues will have to dust themselves down quickly as they are back in action at Stamford Bridge against Leeds on Wednesday night in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
