Pochettino reiterates desire to win, praises the team for “performing well” despite missing key players

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated his desire to win despite his side’s slow start to the Premier League campaign.

The Blues have picked up just one win from their opening five games and head into the weekend fixture against Aston Villa on the back of another disappointing result against Bournemouth.

Pochettino’s side failed to find the back of the net at Vitality Stadium, settling for a scoreless share of the spoils. 

While the fans voiced their displeasure at the result, Pochettino believes the club faithful will back the team regardless of their grievances.

“I really believe they [the fans] are going to be behind us,” the Argentine manager told news reporters during his pre-match press conference (via football.london).

“It’s normal when you don’t win, all are disappointed and like I said in my press conference, it’s normal they show their feelings and emotions after a draw.”

Unlike Sunday’s opponents, Chelsea did not have to endure the added burden of midweek European football and will be looking to use that to their advantage at the weekend despite their lengthy injury list.

“We didn’t deserve to be in the Europa League,” Pochettino added. “They [Villa] have a good squad, they are prepared to compete in Europe. 

“For us, because of the circumstances, against Bournemouth fifteen players then we need to use three or four players from the academy. 

“We were talking, we need time. Of course, we will be competitive when the moment arrives. 

Chelsea have scored just five goals this season, with three of them coming in the 3-0 triumph over Luton Town – their only win of the season.

“We need to win, we need to keep going, playing well,” Pochettino said. “We need to be more clinical in front of goal and convert chances into goals. 

“That is the most important thing because in all the data we are in the top four, but after in front of goal we are in the bottom, and that is why we don’t have the points that we deserve. Football is about winning games.”

Villa were victorious on their last visit to Stamford Bridge last season, but a win for Chelsea will do wonders for confidence and get the fans behind the team.