Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino faces mounting pressure as the club seek to improve it position in the Premier League ahead of Newcastle clash.
After chants of “Fvck off Mauricio” from Chelsea fans during their draw with Brentford, Pochettino has acknowledged the fans’ frustration, admitting he would join them in booing if he were in their shoes.
“We need to accept the criticism,” Pochettino said. “We need to try to improve in the way we play and the result and try to change this feeling.
“Maybe if I was a fan, I would behave the same as them because it’s Chelsea, we are not matching the expectation.”
Chelsea’s recent form has raised serious concerns, with just one win in their last four league games, leaving them in eleventh place.
Despite the huge investment, including spending over a billion under Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s only chance at silverware this season now rests on the FA Cup.
A victory against Newcastle would close the gap to eighth place to just one point.
However, Newcastle, led by manager Eddie Howe, also has a decent record against Chelsea, winning four of their last seven Premier League matches against them.
Chelsea will be without a long list of key players due to injury, including assistant captain Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana.
Others are Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Benoit Badiashile. Conor Gallagher is also doubtful due to illness.
Meanwhile, Newcastle, will also miss a few, including Callum Wilson, Nick Pope, Joelinton, Matt Targett, and Kieran Trippier due to injury, with Sandro Tonali serving a suspension.
The match between Chelsea and Newcastle is scheduled for Monday, March 11, with kick-off at Stamford Bridge at 9pm.
