Mauricio Pochettino committed a significant error during his pre-match press conference for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg clash against Middlesbrough.
As they head to Stamford Bridge, Middlesbrough holds a one-goal advantage over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday.
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In the first half, Hayden Hackney’s goal for the Championship side gave Michael Carrick’s team the lead, and Chelsea missed several crucial opportunities to equalize.
While speaking about the 1-0 defeat ahead of the second leg next week, Pochettino stoically said: “Caicedo was telling me his Brighton lost there last season.
“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”
Regrettably, it seems Pochettino has received inaccurate information.
Brighton, led by Caicedo, indeed faced Middlesbrough at the Riverside in the FA Cup third round last season, securing a decisive 5-1 victory.
Prior to their replay, Chelsea is scheduled to play a Premier League match against Fulham.
Speaking ahead of the match, 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.”
