Pochettino calls on Chelsea to use FA Cup as route to Europe
Mauricio Pochettino has challenged Chelsea to use the FA Cup as a route to Europe, as they prepare for the third round against Preston this Saturday.
Pochettino’s side are 11 points adrift of fifth place in the Premier League and face a fight to qualify for next season’s Champions League or Europa League.
After a difficult first half of the season, Pochettino knows the FA Cup could bring some comfort to Chelsea.
Ahead of Championship side Preston’s visit to Stamford Bridge, the Argentine admitted that an FA Cup victory in May would see them qualify for the Europa League.
The team will also look to secure a place in the Europa Conference League by winning the League Cup.
The Blues face Middlesbrough in a two-legged League Cup semi-final from Tuesday, with the second leg scheduled for January 23.
“Of course (we can win the FA Cup),” Pochettino said. “The Carabao (League) Cup and the FA Cup are competitions in which we have to try to go far. But we have to build our journey step by step and the first step is Saturday. It is a very important competition for us because we are not in Europe. In the Premier League we are in a position where we have to grow and improve if we want to compete in Europe next season. Thanks to the FA Cup or the League Cup, We can do it.”
Pochettino has confirmed there will be no drastic changes from the Chelsea team that won 3-2 at Luton in their last Premier League match.
He suggested that striker Armando Broja could be started, Christopher Nkunku not being fit to play and Senegalese Nicolas Jackson having left for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We are going to treat this match like a Premier League match. It is because it is the FA Cup and they are a Championship team that we will respect Preston.”
2024-01-05 17:15:33
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