‘Pochettino needed this’: Jamie Redknapp hails massive Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Newcastle for under-pressure Chelsea boss… and suggests Mykhailo Mudryk’s late equaliser could be the ‘catalyst’ for his Blues career
- Jamie Redknapp insisted Pochettino 'needed' Chelsea win over Newcastle
- Redknapp also implored Mykhailo Mudryk to use the goal to boost Blues career
- West Ham can WIN the League Cup… don't get stuck in the rotation. Crazy it! Go all out at Anfield – It all starts
Jamie Redknapp has hailed Chelsea's dramatic EFL Cup quarter-final victory over Newcastle as a potential turning point for Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea boss.
The Blues fell behind early at Stamford Bridge, with Callum Wilson pounced on an error from Benoit Badiashile and scored from close range.
However, despite trailing, the Blues grew into the match as it progressed, despite struggling to create clear-cut chances, and fell behind as the match approached the closing stages.
However, Pochettino's young side persevered and Mykhailo Mudryk took advantage of a poor back pass from Kieran Trippier in stoppage time to score his third goal of the season and send the match to penalties.
Trippier's poor night then continued as the England star deflected his penalty in the shootout before goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic denied Matt Ritchie from the spot to send Pochettino's side into the semi-finals.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Redknapp insisted the win could be the catalyst to propel both Pochettino and Mudryk forward at the club.
Jamie Redknapp has praised Chelsea's EFL Cup win over Newcastle as huge for Mauricio Pochettino
The Blues fell behind early on at Stamford Bridge, but a stoppage time goal from Mykhailo Mudryk led to penalties
'It was a big night for the club, it was a big night for the manager.' said Redknapp.
“He needed this and felt like he needed a big night here. He hasn't won anything in England as a manager, so this is what he wants.
'I felt at the beginning of the evening that this is a big game for both managers. They can now take away a lot of nerves for Chelsea.
'They weren't great. They had a lot of possession but there wasn't really that threat until obviously the mistake at the end, but can that also be the catalyst for Mudryk to really push him further and do more?'
In his post-match interview, the former Tottenham boss praised his team for their victory and emphasized that his squad is growing closer.
After the match, Pochettino praised his young side for stepping up as they emerged victorious from the shootout
“The team is so young and given the age of the player they have taken on the responsibility (of taking penalties). I think it's great because we always talked about the talent and when we're all together, our level will rise and be more competitive.”
'I am so happy that we are building a very good bond together. I think to build a team it's always time to get to know each other.'
The Blues will know who they will face in the semi-final of Wednesday's draw, where they could face Fulham, Middlesbrough or the winner of Liverpool vs West Ham.
The first leg of the semi-finals will take place the week of January 8, while the second leg will take place the week commencing the 22nd of that month.