Mauricio Pochettino now claims £300k-a-week Chelsea star should have scored winner against Brentford

Under-fire Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says Raheem Sterling 'should' have scored the winner against Brentford over the weekend. Sterling, a second-half substitute was through on goal but hesitation allowed Mark Flekken to gather for the Bees.

There was widespread anger among fans about the direction the club is heading in, with co-owner Todd Boehly as well as Pochettino but the Chelsea boss says all of that would have changed if Sterling scored the winner at the GTech Community stadium.

The Chelsea boss said: “We should have scored [a winner] with the action that we had with Raheem [Sterling]. 

“I think we need to put it in context. Even if sometimes people do not listen, it is our third game in six days, with Leeds and Brentford always having the advantage of a few days more to prepare for the game against us.

"When you are a little bit short in the squad like we are with some players recovering, it’s always difficult.

Pochettino's Chelsea are stuck in 11th in the league table, lost the League Cup final to Liverpool but did manage to beat Leeds to progress to the last eight of the FA Cup, something the Chelsea manager was quick to highlight even if there were hints of slight frustrations.

He added: “I think the performances have been very good, I’m so happy with the performances.

"Yes, and if they want to listen, perfect. If not, what can I do? They’ll keep booing. I’m giving my best to this team.

“But we cannot blame the fans. My message is: Okay, they need to show their frustration - through who? I prefer to me rather than to the team. I prefer that, I am strong. I am sure that in time we will change the perception. 

“I don’t want the fans trying to blame the players. Players need to feel backed by the fans and, to be honest, I prefer that I get the blame and let the players be free on the pitch. I don’t care. I am strong, I am 52 now."

The Blues will hope they get back to winning ways when they take on Newcastle United next in the league.