‘It’s a must-win game’ – Mauricio Pochettino receives warning ahead of Middlesbrough clash

Photo: Getty images

Chelsea next face Middlesbrough in a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in the first-leg away at Middlesbrough.

Chelsea legend Joe Cole has warned Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino that the game against Middlesbrough is a must-win.

“It’s a must-win game because to get knocked out by a Championship side would bring extra heat that’s not needed at the moment,” Cole said as quoted by Evening Standard.

“It’s mostly important for the progress of the club and to allow Pochettino to keep doing what he is doing, as getting to another cup final would be epic for these players.

“Since winning the Champions League, we’ve lost two or three finals and you don’t want to become that team.

“We’ve got to get there first, and Pochettino must keep reminding people to be patient; we’re the youngest squad in the Premier League, we need to get players fit, they are also young. So we need to trust in him and his good track record of developing young players.”