Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he immediately spoke with his Chelsea players after their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Raheem Sterling cancelled out Alexander Isak’s early opener with a fine free kick after 23 minutes, before Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon netted in the second period to hand Chelsea their worst defeat of the season.

Pochettino told the media after the match: “Recently we have been talking a lot about the need to become more consistent.

“We came into this game after the international break having played two good games against Tottenham and Manchester City and we spoke in the week about ensuring we maintain these levels.

“We are a young side with lots of areas to improve but the first thing to get right is the intensity levels. We are very sorry to everyone for this performance but now it is up to us to take the responsibility and make things right in the next game.

“We spoke in the dressing room after the game to reflect and we need to sleep on this one and get back to work as soon as possible.

“With a young team, sometimes you need a situation like today to happen for them to realise what is required.

“It’s one for us to learn from. We have certain levels that are required of us and it’s important we get back to those as soon as possible, and sometimes you need a situation like today to make you realise what it takes.

“We are a young, talented squad but regardless you have to compete every time you step on the pitch. Those are the fundamentals and we have to learn from this.”