Mauricio Pochettino has addressed Gary Neville’s characterization of Chelsea as “billion-pound bottlers.”
Liverpool clinched victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s late-game heroics, securing at least one trophy in Jurgen Klopp’s final season.
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Raheem Sterling and Van Dijk of Chelsea both had goals disallowed by VAR for offside prior to the Dutchman’s decisive goal in the 120th minute.
Despite having spent approximately £1 billion in the last two years, Chelsea, the superior team in regular time, seemed poised to overcome Liverpool, who were grappling with a significant injury crisis. Klopp had to inject his team with three inexperienced teenagers before extra time.
However, the Reds eventually took charge, and Van Dijk’s late goal secured the win. This prompted Neville, providing commentary for Sky Sports, to criticize Pochettino’s high-priced team as “billion-pound bottlers.”
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.
“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.
“He knows the dynamics are completely different. I think it’s not fair to talk in this way if he said that.”
The Argentine coach 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.”
