Chelsea boss emphasises the importance of a home win ahead of Brentford visit

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has warned his side that nothing maximum points will do as they prepare to welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues have won just two of their last 15 Premier League fixtures on home turf, including one in their opening five at Stamford Bridge this season.

They also boast a paltry London derby statistic, winning just two of their last 12 meetings with fellow capital clubs, further emphasising the importance of getting three points on Saturday.

Pochettino has urged his side to be consistent, especially in front of the home fans, but is aware of the challenge that awaits in the tricky derby affair.

“Really important – at home we need to start to win, we need to project that we are solid and consistent in front of our fans,” Pochettino said in his pre-match press conference.

“It’s going to be a tough game because they are a tough team – they use two different formations. We are ready to face a team that is a good team with very good players.”

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, but Pochettino insists there is still room for improvement, especially with several players still recovering from injuries.

“We talk about result and performance, and we need to improve – we still need to recover our players,” he added.

“I think we are building a strong team – the mentality is there. We are Chelsea, and we know our responsibility is massive and about winning.”

The Blues boss remains unfazed about the magnitude of the coming run of fixtures with the Brentford clash preceding games against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United.

“Premier League is always tough, and every game is difficult,” Pochettino said.

“I think it is good to play with teams that are supposed to be the same level as us. The fixture list is not important – we need to go day by day.”

Brentford have won both of their previous two Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge, but no team in the division’s history has ever won their first three matches at Chelsea.

The Blues will also be eager to avoid such a damning record while extending their unbeaten streak at the expense of a Brentford side that has won just one of their last seven games in all competitions.