Mauricio Pochettino warns his players that Chelsea badge means nothing against Middlesbrough and insists they must be in top form to avoid Carabao Cup shock
- Pochettino said Chelsea should be humble and reflect on their current 'reality'
- If they don't, they could be in for a shock against Middlesbrough on Tuesday
- Kai Havertz is chained as Arsenal's number 9, the weight of that shirt is too heavy It all starts
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Mauricio Pochettino has warned Chelsea to be humble and think about their current 'reality' – not the club's history and emblem – or they could be in for a shock against Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
In an unfortunate slip of the tongue that made even him laugh, Pochettino spoke of Chelsea preparing for a two-legged semi-final that will be '180 million' rather than minutes.
Money is never far from the conversation around Chelsea and the gap in resources between the Blues and Championship Boro is one of the reasons why the Londoners are heavy favorites to reach the Carabao Cup final.
But when that was put to Pochettino he said: 'Because it's Chelsea's history or Chelsea's past six months? We must be very respectful and not underestimate any opponent. Even if Middlesbrough are in a different division, we have to look at them as if they were the best team in the world.
'People can think Chelsea is Chelsea. No. We are in the middle of the table and are not participating in the Champions League or Europa League. That is our reality.
Mauricio Pochettino has warned Chelsea to be humble and reflect on their current 'reality'
He said if they don't they will be in for a shock against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night
Your browser does not support iframes.
'People may think: OK, it's Chelsea, but that translates to the team and if we believe that we are Chelsea and we are going to win because of this badge, I think we are really wrong.
“We have to be humble enough to realize that, go out there and say we have to pursue them, be aggressive, all together, and comply with their wishes. In that case we might have a chance to win.'
Chelsea's FA Cup tie against Preston on Saturday was initially a struggle and a timely warm-up before more Championship opposition came from Michael Carrick.
Pochettino saw Barcelona and Real Madrid survive the Spanish Cup scare this weekend.
And he learned a valuable early lesson about the importance of the domestic cups when he was accused at Southampton of disrespecting the FA Cup by naming a weakened team and handing some media duties to his number 2 Jesus Perez for a defeat in the fifth round at Sunderland. .
He also recalled the difficulties in the Carabao Cup semi-final that his side Tottenham had against League One Sheffield United before eventually progressing in 2015.
Pochettino saw Barcelona and Real Madrid survive the Spanish Cup scare this weekend
Pochettino said: 'In these types of competitions, the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup, it is always about the beauty of the cup.
“Maybe the team that no one believes can perform is because they have the energy and desire to play against a team like Chelsea. You can always increase your level.
“If we want to reach the final, we have to perform in the best way.
“This is the most important game and we have to come back with a win and then finish the draw at Stamford Bridge.”