Mauricio Pochettino has responded to Gary Neville’s description of Chelsea as “billion-pound bottle jobs”.
Virgil van Dijk’s last-minute heroics saw Liverpool beat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and ensure Jurgen Klopp's swansong season will have at least one trophy.
Both Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and Van Dijk had goals ruled out by VAR for offside before the Dutchman broke the deadlock in the 120th minute.
Advert
Chelsea, who have spent around £1billion in the past two years, were the better team in normal time and looked likely to dispatch Liverpool, who were in the midst of a major injury crisis. Indeed, Klopp was forced to freshen up his team with three inexperienced teenagers ahead of extra-time.
But the Reds ultimately regained control, with Van Dijk’s late winner prompting Neville, on commentary for Sky Sports, to label Pochettino’s expensively assembled side as “billion-pound bottle jobs”.
In response to the comments. Pochettino said: “I didn’t hear what he said, but if you compare the age of the two groups, I think it is similar.
Advert
“I have a good relationship with Gary and I don’t know if that’s how I can take this opinion. But I respect his opinion. We made a few changes with [Conor] Gallagher and [Ben] Chilwell in extra time.
“But it is true we didn’t keep the energy of how we finished the second half. I don’t know how you can describe this situation. But I feel proud. I feel proud of the players, I think they made a big effort.
“We are a young team and it is nothing to compare with Liverpool just because they finished with also a few young players.
Advert
“He knows the dynamics are completely different. I think it’s not fair to talk in this way if he said that.”
The Argentinian added: “They need to feel the pain We play for a trophy and we didn’t get it. What can you tell me to feel better? Nothing. They need to feel the pain like us.”
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/CarabaoTopics: Chelsea, Liverpool, Carabao Cup, Gary Neville, Mauricio Pochettino, Virgil Van Dijk, VAR