Mauricio Pochettino conceded Chelsea are missing something after they failed to defeat 10-man Burnley in what he reflected had been a “must-win” game at Stamford Bridge, which ended 2-2.
Cole Palmer’s goal, drilled into the bottom corner from Raheem Sterling’s delightful flick with 12 minutes to play, looked to have nicked it for the hosts, restoring the lead after Josh Cullen had whacked Burnley level on the volley early in the second half.
Palmer had earlier given Chelsea the lead from the penalty spot, converting after Lorenz Assignon had fouled Mykhailo Mudryk and been shown a second yellow card, whilst a furious Vincent Kompany was also dismissed from the touchline for remonstrating.
It ends all square.#CFC | #CheBur pic.twitter.com/VV4YUn2iDI
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 30, 2024
But Pochettino was left to rue another frustrating result when, minutes after Palmer had made it 2-1, Dara O’Shea got forward from a corner, evaded everybody in blue inside the box and headed the ball through the clumsy grasp of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to salvage the visitors a point.
“Today we didn’t show the capacity, the energy, the hunger,” said Pochettino. “Not the minimum to compete in the Premier League. In defensive phases, we concede too much.
“That is why I’m so upset and disappointed. It’s more here (in the heart) and here (in the head) than in your legs. It’s about being strong like a group, strong like a team.
“We are too slow evolving in this area. That was the key today. The team played well, we had energy. When we have the ball, we go forwards.
Dink. #CFC | #CheBur pic.twitter.com/32n5TtRT7B
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 30, 2024
“But when we didn’t have the ball, we don’t have the same energy. Today, sorry, I am not happy with the performance when we don’t have the ball.
“It’s difficult to accept not to win. It was a must-win game to be in a position to attack (the table).”
At five games, Chelsea’s unbeaten league run is now the longest they have enjoyed in almost 18 months, but there was little positive cheer shown by fans at the end towards Pochettino and his players.
In failing to beat the Premier League’s second-bottom side, they lost further ground in what looks an increasingly doomed bid to qualify for Europe via their league placing.
Pochettino felt that his team’s problems in turning performances into points ultimately had a psychological root.
“(The players) need to realise that competing is different to playing football,” he said. “We can be there and play, but we need to increase our level.
“It’s not about blaming the players. Maybe we (the coaching staff) need to be tougher with them.
“We need to be more ruthless, find better communication, be more competitive.
“We are missing something. That’s why we are where we are. When we don’t have the ball we need to increase our capacity to recover it.”
Burnley’s assistant manager Craig Bellamy reflected on a performance of which the travelling supporters could be proud.
“To be able to show the patience they showed, working together, the organisation, the commitment, you couldn’t be nothing short of proud watching it,” he said.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal & Chelsea formation for this season Fluminense vs. ChelseaPSG vs. Real Madrid The Club World Cup semifinals are set Real Madrid take down Dortmund to reach the Club World Cup semifinals France beat reigning champs England in their Women's Euros opener Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund Thoughts A...
Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to Manchester United since November and it's now been claimed that the striker could skip pre-season with SportingViktor Gyokeres has been linked to Man UtdManchester United have received a promising update on Viktor Gyokeres.However, Sporting CP's president Frederico Varandas last month firmly stated that the forward wouldn't be leaving for €60mil...
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing an Arsenal player in return as the Gunners close in on Noni Madueke.Chelsea are interested in Ethan Nwaneri.Chelsea and Arsenal could complete yet another transfer after Noni Madueke, should the 23-year-old winger seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer. The Gunners have reportedly agreed personal terms with Madueke ahead of opening club-to-cl...
Manchester United are reportedly contemplating making a shock move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after his departure from Everton. With financial caution dictating this summer’s recruitment strategy, Amorim is believed to be keen on bolstering the squad with low-risk, high-upside signings, with Calvert-Lewin fitting the bill perfectly.United eager to bolster their attackHa...
Barcelona eye Leao as Milan set asking priceBarcelona have been made aware that a proposal in the region of €70 million, with additional performance-based clauses, may be enough to convince AC Milan to consider selling Rafael Leão, according to Diario Sport.The Portuguese winger has already attracted interest from Bayern Munich, but the German champions reportedly failed to reach an agr...
Harry Kane costs Bayern Munich in PSG lossHarry Kane's error paved the way to Bayern Munich's Club World Cup loss to nine-man Paris Saint-Germain, as Jamal Musiala suffered a horror injury.Paris Saint-Germain v FC Bayern München: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025TELL ME MOREAfter an end-to-end opening, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could only find the side netting when put through by Achraf Ha...
Luis-DiazLuis Diaz opened up on his future plans as Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in the Liverpool star after they were snubbed by Nico Williams. Hours after Williams’ contract extension was officially announced, reports emerged linking the Blaugrana with Díaz, who has long been admired by sporting director Deco. The Colombian forward is now seen as a priority for B...
FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH59-PSG-BAYERNBayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has criticised Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma for his role in Jamal Musiala's injury.WHAT HAPPENED?The PSG stopper collided with Musiala in the first half of Bayern's 2-0 Club World Cup quarter-final loss on Saturday, with the 22-year-old having to be stretchered off for a serious-looking injury. Now, Eberl...
Aston Villa FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueKyle Walker has bid Manchester City fans an emotional farewell message following his move to Burnley.WHAT HAPPENED?Hours after Walker signed for Burnley on a two-year deal from City in a deal worth up to £5 million, the England international has taken to social media to thank fans for their support, while also reflecting on just how successf...
Real Madrid CF v Borussia Dortmund: Quarter-final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025Kylian Mbappe was left stunned as Gonzalo Garcia matched a Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup goals record after scoring against Borussia Dortmund.WHAT HAPPENED?Garcia gave Madrid a 10th-minute lead over Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals for his fourth goal of the competition, and Fran Garcia's 20th-minute strike...
- 1 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 2 Five players ask to leave Man Utd including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and Sancho
- 3 Garnacho reveals he intends to stay in the Premier League after Man Utd departure
- 4 Ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette finds new club! Striker set to complete move to Saudi Pro League side after Lyon exit
- 5 Diogo Jota's wife arrives at chapel where tragic star's coffin is taken
- 6 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner
- 7 Diogo Jota's family life with beautiful wife, cheeky sons, baby girl and dogs
- 8 Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES at age of 28 just three years after Stamford Bridge exit as injuries put end to playing career
- 9 Daily Laugh - If Arsenal get Gabriel Heinze
- 10 Man Utd snubbed loan deal for Duran after his 3336k-a-week wages were revealed