Mauricio Pochettino called his players “brave” after Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final and beat Leeds United 3-2 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Dubbed “Blue’s billion-pound bottle job” by Gary Neville after defeat at Wembley, Chelsea responded to questions about their character, overcoming a nervy performance against Championship rivals and finishing with Connor · Gallagher’s last minute goal tied Leicester City at home.
“As much as I love Gary, it’s unfair to use that word [bottling] For a team that is so brave and a club that always shows it is fighting for big things,” Pochettino said. “What can we do? Now, only a performance like this, which shows we are brave, can we win the game.
“It doesn’t matter to the team and it doesn’t matter to us because we know who we are and the way we behave and why we lost to Liverpool has nothing to do with it. We know we are brave and we work hard. “
The match was reportedly overshadowed by a Leeds United fan falling from the upper tier of Shed End after Mateo Joseph had given the visitors the lead in the first half. Both clubs confirmed investigations were ongoing.
A Leeds United statement said: “Leeds United can confirm that an incident involving a Leeds United fan occurred at the Stamford Bridge shed during the first half of tonight’s FA Cup match. The incident is under investigation and has been referred to the emergency services. . We will have no further comment at this time.”
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Daniel Farke was proud of the performance of second-placed Leeds United in the Championship. “That’s how the game should be played,” the coach said. “You should try to attack and control the ball like we did in the second half. The supporters are fully aware of that. The level of performance and commitment was outstanding.”
