Topics: Football, Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino, Brighton And Hove Albion, Middlesbrough, Moises Caicedo
Mauricio Pochettino made a major blunder in his press conference ahead of Chelsea’s second-leg Carabao Cup semi-final encounter against Middlesborough.
Middlesbrough travel to Stamford Bridge with a one-goal lead over Chelsea for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Hayden Hackney’s first-half finish for the Championship side put Michael Carrick’s men in front, and Chelsea spurned several key chances to level proceedings.
While ruminating on the 1-0 defeat ahead of the second leg next week, Pochettino stoically said: "Caicedo was telling me his Brighton lost there last season.
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“Many Premier League teams when they play there lose. But we are still alive and will fight again to be in the final when at Stamford Bridge"
Unfortunately, it appears that Pochettino has been dealt some misinformation.
Caicedo’s Brighton did play Middlesbrough at the Riverside last season in the FA Cup third round, but emphatically won 5-1.
Before their replay, Chelsea have a Premier League game against Fulham.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Pochettino said: “I think I saw the players today, very good spirit.
“Of course, we are disappointed with the last game but it is the first 90 minutes. Disappointed but at the same time, we are Chelsea and we cannot afford to lose this type of game.
“It's a different game [to the reverse fixture]. They are in a very good moment.
“We didn't perform badly against Middlesbrough and we came from a few victories.
“We are 1-0 down, but we need to keep the belief. I think the team is feeling well and we are confident for tomorrow. I am so sure we are going to do a very good job.”
He added: “Every single game should be a priority for us. We need to play every game like a final. It is difficult to be consistent and play the same every game, but we need to try.
“Of course, some situations we didn't expect that happened that made the situation more difficult. We are going to do everything to perform and create a solid team performance. In the time, we are going to be very successful, no doubt.”
