European Leagues

Chelsea boss Pochettino hits back at bottle job jibe

Mauricio Pochettino has hit back at “unfair” and “annoying” criticism of Chelsea after his side were labelled billion-pound bottle jobs.

Chelsea were given the “blue billion-pound bottle jobs” label by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville after Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the League Cup final.

Neville, working as a commentator for Sky Sports, was scathing of Chelsea’s lethargic performance in extra-time at Wembley as an inexperienced Liverpool line-up extended the Blues’ wait for their first domestic trophy since 2018.

Despite spending over £1 billion ($1.5 billion) on signings since Toddy Boehly’s consortium bought Chelsea in 2022, the west London club have gone backwards over the last two seasons.

But Pochettino refused to accept Neville’s swipe, telling reporters on Tuesday: “The problem is so annoying when after eight months always people talk about one billion.

“I feel that’s a little bit unfair. The new owners arrived with the right intention and they want to build something that is different from the past.

“For me the players have an amazing quality, they only need time. It’s not an excuse for me because if I am here or not, it’s not dependent on me. I think we are doing an amazing job.”

Chelsea are languishing in 11th place in the Premier League and have been booed off by their frustrated fans several times this season.

Boehly has already sacked Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter during his short reign and Pochettino cannot afford an embarrassing FA Cup fifth round exit at home to second tier Leeds on Wednesday.

But, adamant Chelsea will get it right in time, Pochettino said: “We cannot see maybe great results. But I think with time we are going to have an amazing team.

“We are young, we are learning. People that work here for many years say they start to feel in a different way how the club is.

“But unfortunately we cannot relate in points. Always this type of process needs time.”

Asked if he expects the club’s ownership to remain patient, Pochettino replied: “Why not? I am confident until they tell me something.

“I feel the support from them. When I go up (to receive his runners-up medal at Wembley), I was so upset, nearly crying when I arrived there.

“And then Todd sent a very, very nice text to me, and then I met (co owner) Behdad (Eghbali) and he was really good.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Liverpool seal first place in Champions League despite PSV defeat in five-goal thriller

A much-changed Liverpool side secured the top spot in the Champions League group phase despite a dramatic 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven, ending their perfect winning streak.

The Reds, who had won their previous seven matches, led twice in the Netherlands but conceded two late first-half goals. Despite the defeat, Barcelona’s failure to beat Atalanta ensured Liverpool finished top with 21 points, two clear of their closest rivals.

Cody Gakpo opened the scoring from the penalty spot against his former club after Joey Veerman fouled Federico Chiesa. Johan Bakayoko equalized with a brilliant turn and finish, but Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s lead after a parried Chiesa attempt.

PSV responded with goals from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi, handing Liverpool their first European defeat of the season.

Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when substitute Amara Nallo received a straight red card in the 87th minute for a foul on Bakayoko.

With their place in the last 16 already secured, Liverpool manager Arne Slot rested key players ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

PSV, now guaranteed a play-off spot, celebrated a significant win, while Liverpool await the draw for their round of 16 opponents.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

AC Milan fall to Dinamo Zagreb, to face Champions League play-off round

AC Milan missed the chance to secure an automatic spot in the Champions League last-16 after a 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb, who also failed to advance to the knockout stage despite the victory.

Dinamo struck first when Martin Baturina capitalized on a loose touch from Matteo Gabbia, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Already assured of a next-round spot but aiming for a top-eight finish, Milan’s hopes dimmed when Yunus Musah received a second yellow card for pulling back Luka Stojkovic.

Dinamo squandered chances to extend their lead, with Sandro Kulenovic missing a golden opportunity before halftime. Stojkovic appeared to score early in the second half, but a handball in the build-up nullified the goal.

Milan responded swiftly, with Christian Pulisic’s low strike slipping past Dinamo goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic to equalize.

However, Dinamo regained the lead on the hour mark through Marko Pjaca’s precise finish from a tight angle. Milan’s hopes of a comeback faded when a potential penalty was overturned due to a foul by Rafael Leao.

Dinamo’s win fell short of securing their first-ever knockout stage appearance, while AC Milan will now contend with a play-off tie.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Barcelona miss Champions League top spot as they settle for draw against Atalanta

Barcelona missed the opportunity to finish top of the Champions League league phase after a 2-2 draw with Atalanta, who dropped into the play-off round.

With Liverpool suffering a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona only needed a victory to secure the top position.

After a scoreless first half, Lamine Yamal put Barca ahead two minutes after the break, converting Raphinha’s cross. Atalanta responded with a brilliant strike from Ederson to level the match.

Ronald Araujo’s diving header restored Barcelona’s lead in the 72nd minute, but Mario Pasalic equalized for Atalanta by slotting the ball past Wojciech Szczesny.

The draw, coupled with wins for Lille and Aston Villa, dropped Atalanta from seventh to ninth, sending them to the play-offs where they will face either Sporting or Club Brugge.

Barcelona, meanwhile, bypass the play-offs and advance directly to the last 16. The play-off draw is set for January 31 at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.