Pochettino's open letter to Chelsea fans ahead of EFL Cup final

On the day that Chelsea and Liverpool will contest the first major domestic trophy of the season on offer for the winners at Wembley, Mauricio Pochettino has written an open letter to the Blues fans encouraging them to support the team in today's EFL Cup final.

"Today at Wembley we can create something special. A memory that lives with us all. A moment that endures. Finals have this power. They unite us. Families will come together and be connected in their emotion. Friends will share this experience and be bonded," it said at the beginning of the letter.

The Argentinean coach also recalled his first final as a child, which he watched with his father, the final of the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, although he says that now as a coach the feelings are totally different and that he needs to be relaxed.

Pochettino has confidence in his players and in the work that has been done to get to this final and wants to win. "We all believe in our players and the way we work. This season has not always been easy, that is the reality. But the trust between us as a team has remained really strong. That has helped us reach Wembley and it will help us in this final. Now we must do what Chelsea do. Win. You, the supporters, will help us."

He also referred to their rivals and said that the Reds will not make it easy for them and that they will have to give everything to beat them. "Liverpool will not make it easy. They are capable of bringing a storm on the pitch and when it arrives, we must be ready to give our best to achieve what we all want. We will remind the players that when the heart beats a little faster, that is when you must be ready to fight," added the Argentine boss.

The Argentinean's letter ended as follows: "We all know the history of Chelsea. It is massive and everyone understands the expectations of this club. That is the owners, the players, the staff at Cobham, the staff at Stamford Bridge, the Academy, and the women’s team. We want the same as you. We want to continue the traditions of Chelsea. We want this trophy. See you at Wembley."

The trophy would be the first for Chelsea's Argentinian coach, who despite a long spell with Tottenham has failed to lift a trophy as manager, but they will face a Reds side eager to bring Klopp silverware in his final season at Anfield.

 

February 24, 2024