Chelsea boss Pochettino not concerned by chants from unhappy fans in Brentford draw
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is not worried about his relationship with the club’s supporters after a section of the away fans voiced their opposition to him in the 2-2 draw against Brentford.
Blues fans could be heard chanting against Pochettino and owner Todd Boehly, and in favour of former manager Jose Mourinho, before a late Axel Disasi header rescued a point at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The former Spurs boss said he did not hear the unhappy voices in the away end but did underline his determination to build a relationship with the Stamford Bridge faithful.
“It is normal when we are losing the game for them to express their frustration,” said Pochettino. “I am responsible, I am the head coach.
“I am not worried. We need to accept this relationship. You build the relationship between the coaching staff and the fans by winning games, at the moment we cannot expect much love.
“I am going to work and try and change this perception by winning games.
“I cannot explain every day that we are working really hard to win games. The team is fighting.
“If the fans are not happy with that then I can only respect their opinion.”
Chelsea had taken a first-half lead against their west London rivals courtesy of a Nicolas Jackson header, but fell behind early in the second half as Mads Roerslev and Yoanne Wissa struck for Brentford.
They fought back to earn a draw thanks to Disasi’s finish from a Cole Palmer cross, yet the result leaves Chelsea six points shy of the European qualification places.
“In the first half we were very good,” said Pochettino. “We controlled the game, we were pushing [for a second goal].
“They increased their level of aggression and started to win duels and be more direct.
“We were not consistent in trying to defend better, and the goal [Brentford’s equaliser] changed the game.
“I think overall we were the better side but in some moments [when you are on top] you need to score and also defend better.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD