‘I think so’: Mauricio Pochettino spells out ultimate Chelsea ambition and breaks down Reece James plan

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says his team is in the Carabao Cup to win it after sealing progressing to the final against Championship side Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night.

The returning Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling scored either side of the halves to secure the win but in reality, the Blues should have scored more after dominating the game for large parts.

Arsenal and Manchester United crashed out on the night adding to Manchester City who left in the previous round. Asked if he was taking the competition seriously, the Chelsea boss said the absence of Champions means they have no choice but to go all out for it.

He told reporters after the win at Stamford Bridge: “I think so. We need to think that it is an important competition for us.

“We are not in Europe. That should be an opportunity for us just like the Premier League is and like the FA Cup when we start in January.

“Of course, we need to think that we can win this competition.”

Chelsea also had Reece James starting his first game since the Premier League opening day against Liverpool. The Blues admitted the plan was to always see when he gets tired before taking him off.

He added: “He is really important, always. When you decide that he’s your captain it is important that he stays fit, can play and help the team. He’s an important player for us.

“He’s an amazing player, for me one of the best full-backs in the world. It’s unlucky that he only played 70-75 minutes against Liverpool in the first game and until today didn’t play.”