‘We need to apologise to the fans’: Mauricio Pochettino explains why ahead of Carabao Cup semi-final

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Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Chelsea haven’t been good enough this season.

The Blues are looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit as they take on Middlesbrough in a Carabao Cup semi-final reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Pochettino has sent a message of apology to Chelsea fans ahead of the game.

“Some games the fans were very good, other games it was a little bit, like you say, flat,” Pochettino said at a press conference.

“But I think it’s normal because we started the season with massive expectations and now it’s normal the fans can feel a little bit disappointed.

“But I think a semi-final with the possibility of going to Wembley, for sure our fans are going to be really motivated to help the team to reach the final.

“The team needs to translate the good energy for the fans to be motivated. We need to send the first signal that we care, that we want to go to the final. That is not only about playing well… it’s also our attitude and our commitment.

“We need to apolo­gise to our fans. I can understand the players and fans. The players were so disappointed [after Middlesbrough defeat]. So upset that you [just] want to go home. But we need to recognise the effort of our fans.”