European spot will make Chelsea’s season, Pochettino says

If Chelsea finish in a European qualifying spot it will not only make their season but would give the club hope of improving in the next campaign, manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Tuesday.

Chelsea need to win Wednesday’s game at Brighton & Hove Albion to get closer to a top-six Premier League finish.

The Blues are level with sixth-placed Newcastle United on 57 points but trail on goal difference. Newcastle visit eighth-placed Manchester United, who have 54 points, in Wednesday’s later kick off in the battle for European qualification.

Injuries and the inconsistent form of Chelsea’s young team were blamed as the twice Champions League winners languished in mid-table but Pochettino’s big-money squad have shown potential in recent weeks, quickly climbing the standings.

“The team is doing well, in the second part of the season – in the last 26 or 27 games,” Pochettino told reporters. “If we can compete well in the last two games then there is a possibility to get into Europe, which would be amazing for us.

“If we are able to finish well and get into Europe, for sure we can start the next season with hope to be in a better position than we were in this season.”

The Argentine manager’s future was up in the air as he lost the loyalty of some fans after a bad run of league results as well as losing the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester City and the League Cup final against Liverpool.

“I don’t show fake feelings and I don’t want people to show fake feelings to me. The fans need to enjoy in the stadium to create this link with us, most importantly we need to be respectful,” he added.

“Little by little, with time we are capable of getting the results the club deserves. For sure, we are going to create a great relationship.”