Chelsea being rewarded for patience, says Pochettino

BRIGHTON, England — Mauricio Pochettino said Chelsea's late surge to the verge of European qualification was just reward for the club's patience during a difficult season.

Pochettino's side won 2-1 at Brighton on Wednesday to climb into sixth place in the Premier League with one game left.

Cole Palmer put his team in front when he headed his 22nd league goal of the season in the 34th minute.

Christopher Nkunku's 64th minute strike put Chelsea further ahead, before Blues defender Reece James was sent off for kicking Brighton's Joao Pedro.

Danny Welbeck reduced the deficit in stoppage-time, but Chelsea held on to secure a fourth consecutive league victory for the first time since October 2022.

With Newcastle losing 3-2 at Manchester United in Wednesday's other game, Chelsea moved above the Magpies.

The Blues will be guaranteed a place in next season's Europa League if they avoid defeat against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, or if seventh-placed Newcastle fails to win at Brentford.

Chelsea could even finish fifth if it beats Bournemouth and Tottenham loses at Sheffield United.

It is an impressive recovery, masterminded by Pochettino, who has faced criticism throughout his troubled first season in charge.

Amid calls for his sacking, Pochettino even hinted recently that he could quit at the end of the season, and said it wouldn't be the end of the world if he was dismissed by chairman Todd Boehly.

But, the Argentine was in a more buoyant mood after Chelsea closed in on Europe, praising the club's hierarchy for sticking with its plan.

'It allows us to dream'

"We have improved results and performances. We talked about patience, and when you need to build something you need time, but it always looks like an excuse at a big club," he said.

"The evolution of the team is there. We have kept working and being positive, and to finish in a good way would be good for the club."

Despite spending over 1 billion pounds ($1.2 billion) on new signings in its two-year reign, Boehly's consortium has left Pochettino with a young squad lacking experience, which has often been its downfall.

But, Pochettino said the win at Brighton showed that the players are fighting for the club.

"The Premier League is the toughest league in the world. Massive credit to the players, we fully deserved the victory. That's why I'm so happy. It allows us to dream of playing in Europe next season," Pochettino said.

"The three points put us in a very good position in the table to attack the last game against Bournemouth for the possibility to be in Europe."

Palmer has been the star turn for Chelsea this season, following his surprise move from Manchester City in September.

The young England forward's latest goal was a further return on Chelsea's shrewd 42 million-pound investment, after he was granted his wish to leave City in search of regular soccer.

"Chelsea is a big club, and everyone wants to finish higher than sixth, but you have to look at where we were at the start of the season. So, to get back into Europe would be a step in the right direction," Palmer said.

"All credit to the manager. All the players love the manager and want to fight for him."

AFP