Pochettino sends warning to Chelsea players for critical cup game

The Blues boss had a word of warning for his squad as they prepare for arguably their most important game of the season.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has warned his players against making another slow start for their upcoming game.

On Tuesday, Chelsea will play Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie. The game marks a chance for the Blues to strengthen their hopes of a trophy this season.

However, if Chelsea repeat their first-half performance from Saturday’s FA Cup contest with Preston, Pochettino fears it could spell trouble.

“It’s going to be tough,” the Blues coach said of the upcoming Carabao Cup match.

“Middlesbrough is a very good team that we need to respect.

“Saturday was a great example that we need to respect the opponent if we want to beat them.”

Against Preston, Chelsea failed to score in the first half, before scoring four times after the break to seal a 4-0 victory. Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Enzo Fernandez were all on target.

“If we start the game like against Preston, we will find it difficult,” Pochettino added.

“We need to use this as an example that we need to start like we played the second half. We need to be respectful, not to approach the game showing not the right attitude.

“The first half upset me but the players were disappointed also at half-time. The attitude was completely different in the second half.”