The fallout of the League Cup loss has been one of the most difficult days of Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea season.
“Maybe yes, because we are disappointed and we believe in our ability to win,” Mauricio Pochettino said at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s league game against Brentford.
“We were so close, and after 90 minutes, I believe we were the best side. But we ran out of energy after 90 minutes and lost the game.”
Chelsea has 10 wins from 25 league games as their expensive squad has struggled for consistency, and they are currently 11th in the Premier League, but the 1-0 defeat after extra time at Wembley Stadium has likely hit the hardest.
Chelsea needed to recover quickly for their FA Cup fifth-round match against Leeds on Wednesday, which they won 3-2, and Pochettino spoke about his meetings with his team.
“We met after the game at a different location, not Wembley. The players began to feel upbeat, but were also disappointed and painful at times, according to the manager.
“On Monday and Tuesday, they were very open. They all wanted to play, even though some of them were tired and had problems. That speaks highly of our team and players.”
Thiago Silva, who has missed the last three games, and Marc Cucurella, who has been out since December due to ankle surgery, are two players who did not play in the League Cup final or the midweek game.
“We need to assess Silva and Marc Cucurella. It’s encouraging that he might be able to join the squad.
Christopher Nkunku will not be involved. The French forward was sidelined for the majority of the first half of the season due to a knee injury, and despite making his Chelsea debut in December, he was unable to play against Leeds.
“He suffered a problem in his hamstring and we will see in a few weeks if he is available,” the manager said.
“Unlucky, because to suffer again another injury is tough for a player that didn’t play too much during the season and also came from Germany with some problems.”
Chelsea are away to 16th-placed Brentford on Saturday.
