EPL: Pochettino Slams Chelsea Flops After Burnley Draw

Published

1 year ago

March 30, 2024

Mauricio Pochettino admitted Chelsea lacked hunger and energy during their dismal 2-2 draw with 10-man Burnley on Saturday.

Pochettino’s side were booed off yet again as frustrated Chelsea fans let rip following their latest stumble at Stamford Bridge.

When Cole Palmer drilled into the bottom corner from Raheem Sterling’s flick with 12 minutes left, Chelsea were on course to escape with a narrow victory.

Josh Cullen had equalised for Burnley on the volley early in the second half after Palmer gave Chelsea the lead from the penalty spot.

Burnley’s Lorenz Assignon had been dismissed in the penalty incident for his foul on Mykhailo Mudryk, with Clarets boss Vincent Kompany was also sent from the touchline for remonstrating.

But Chelsea still couldn’t get the job done as Dara O’Shea headed past Djordje Petrovic’s weak attempted save in the 81st minute.

Pochettino was seething with his players’ lack of drive against a team sitting second bottom of the Premier League table.

“Today we didn’t show the capacity, the energy, the hunger. Not the minimum to compete in the Premier League. In defensive phases, we concede too much,” Pochettino said.

“That is why I’m so upset and disappointed. It’s more here (in the heart) and here (in the head) than in your legs. It’s about being strong like a group, strong like a team.

“We are too slow evolving in this area. That was the key today. But when we didn’t have the ball, we don’t have the same energy.

“Today, sorry, I am not happy with the performance when we don’t have the ball. It’s difficult to accept not to win. It was a must-win game.”

Chelsea’s five-game unbeaten league run is the longest they have enjoyed in almost 18 months, but there was little positive cheer shown by fans at the end towards Pochettino and his players.

They lost further ground in what looks an increasingly doomed bid to qualify for Europe, increasing the pressure on Pochettino in his troubled first season in charge.

Chelsea are languishing in mid-table and were beaten by an inexperienced Liverpool side in the League Cup final.

They could salvage the season by winning the FA Cup, with a semi-final against holders Manchester City looming in April.

To do that, Pochettino conceded they must conquer the psychological root of their lacklustre displays.

“The players need to realise that competing is different to playing football. We can be there and play, but we need to increase our level,” he said.

“It’s not about blaming the players. Maybe we (the coaching staff) need to be tougher with them.

“We need to be more ruthless, find better communication, be more competitive.

“We are missing something. That’s why we are where we are. When we don’t have the ball we need to increase our capacity to recover it.”

Full List: UEFA Fine Chelsea, Barcelona, Three Others For Breaking Financial Rules

Published

1 day ago

July 4, 2025

Editor

Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa were among several clubs fined by UEFA on Friday for breaching European football’s financial sustainability requirements.

UEFA said the clubs had not complied with its football earnings rule. Chelsea and Villa were also penalised for breaching the squad cost rule.

Chelsea were ordered to pay a fine of 31 million euros ($36.5 million) for the two breaches. They could have to pay an additional 60 million euros if they fail to comply by the end of a four-year period as part of a settlement agreement.

The Blues have spent the most money of any club in Europe since a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly bought the Premier League giants in 2022.

Barcelona incurred a fine of 15 million euros, with a further 45 million euros conditional on a two-year settlement agreement.

Villa must pay 11 million euros and risk a further fine of 15 million euros if they breach the terms of their three-year deal.

French club Lyon have agreed to be excluded from European competition if their relegation to Ligue 2 on financial grounds is confirmed. They were also fined 12.5 million euros.

Full list of clubs hit by UEFA fine and amount
Chelsea: 20M€

Barcelona: 15M€

Lyon: 12.5M€

Aston Villa: 11M€

Roma: 3M€

Sports

Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain.

Liverpool Football Club, in an official statement on Thursday, expressed profound grief at the news of the 28-year-old’s passing.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”

The Merseyside club requested privacy for the grieving family, adding, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Clubs across the English Premier League also joined in mourning the Portugal international.

Chelsea Football Club shared its condolences on social media, stating, “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

Manchester City also issued a heartfelt message, stating, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

Newcastle United added, “We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also reacted to the news, writing simply on social media, adding, “Sometimes life is very cruel.”

The tragic passing of Jota and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes continuing to flow in for the two brothers remembered for their talent, humility, and dedication to the sport.

Sports

5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The global football community is united in grief following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s passing.

The Liverpool and Portugal forward, 28 years old, died this morning in a car accident in Spain.

His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the sport, coming just weeks after a period of immense personal joy and professional triumph that showcased his burgeoning talent and cherished connections.

Jota’s recent life was marked by a series of significant milestones that underscored his growing stature in both club and international football.

5 Major Recent Milestones for Jota

UEFA Nations League Final Win

Just weeks before his passing, in early June 2025, Jota was a pivotal member of the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final. This marked a significant international achievement for the talented forward.

Premier League Champion

In April 2025, Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. His contributions were vital in securing the coveted domestic league title for the Reds.

100th Liverpool Start Milestone

In late 2024 (specifically, October 5, 2024), Jota marked his 100th start for Liverpool across all competitions. He celebrated this milestone by scoring a goal against Crystal Palace, highlighting his consistent impact for the club.

Marriage to Rute Cardoso

On June 22, 2025, just ten days before his tragic death, Diogo Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. This publicly celebrated event was a joyful personal milestone, shared with their three children.

Continues Playing and Streaming (FIFA eSports)

Jota remained highly active both on the football pitch and in the world of competitive gaming. He was known for his elite FIFA (now EA FC) skills, even achieving a world No. 1 ranking, and ran his own esports organization, Luna Galaxy. His engagement in streaming provided a unique connection with fans and showcased his diverse talents beyond professional football.