Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of Chelsea during a press conference at Chelsea Training Ground(Image: Darren Walsh)

Every word Mauricio Pochettino said on Chelsea transfers, Nkunku injury, Casadei recall and more

Mauricio Pochettino faced a number of journalists on Monday afternoon for his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Middlesbrough

22 Jan 2024, 13:53 by Bobby Vincent · football.london

Mauricio Pochettino faced the media on Monday afternoon ahead of Chelsea's crucial clash with Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening. The Blues are looking to turn the tie around with Boro boasting a one-goal advantage going into the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg at Stamford Bridge.

After a mini winter break for Chelsea, their coaching staff and the squad, it is now back to the serious business and for Pochettino, a real chance of taking a big step towards his first major honour in English football. But standing in his and the Blues' way are a stubborn Boro team that showed they are no walkovers with an impressive performance just less than a fortnight ago.

As always, Pochettino's pre-match press conference was packed with questions about a variety of topics. With that said, football.london brings you every word the Argentine had to say ahead of his team's semi-final on Tuesday night.

Mauricio, just how significant is tomorrow's game?

"It is a passport to go to the final, to visit Wembley. It's a really important game for us. We need to show that it's really important for the club, for us, for everyone. We want to be in the final but first of all we need to beat Middlesbrough, a very good team that in the first-leg we cannot beat.

"It's going to be tough like the first half of the leg. We are confident we can have a very good game in front of our fans at Stamford Bridge. We need to take advantage of playing at Stamford Bridge and the energy from our fans."

Do you sense the players are hurting from the first-leg?

"I think we were very disappointed after the game. When you analyse the game, I think we deserved more but football is sometimes not to deserve; it's to be clinical, to score goals and to defend strong and to be also in shape. We were all disappointed but we have 90 minutes to fix the situation and try to win.

"We need to respect. We will respect the opponent, they are going to be tough. But it's a massive chance for us. We have the possibility to go to the final and fight for a title."

Has Nkunku got any chance of playing?

"No. No, he's not available for tomorrow. It's a shame but he's in recovery. I hope as soon as possible he can be ready again and help the team."

What is the problem with him? Has that been worse than you feared?

"No, it always happens, no? With long-term injuries, finding the balance is the most difficult thing and he suffered a little bit with his hip. Some problems there and now he's recovering. Not a big issue but we're waiting on the possibility again for him to be ready for the group."

There's been a lot of speculation about the future of Armando Broja. Is there any chance he will move on before the end of the window?

"At the moment, [there is] no news. At the moment, we cannot update in any way. It's all so quiet and I think it's a good thing because we are working so well at the moment."

Will you make any signings this month?

"No update because I think in the same way when you ask me if players can leave, there is no news about players that can come in."

Casadei and Moreira, are they in your plans for the rest of the season?

"Yes. I think we need to assess both now. Both came back from their loans. Good potential, they are going to be part of the squad and then the decision will be if they are going to be every single week, every single game, part of the team.

"I think it's good news. We were suffering too many injuries and to recover players from a loan, I think it's good for us."

What was the feeling about Casadei's time at Leicester?

"I think it was fantastic. He was doing really well. In the pre-season, he worked really, really well and he was one of the players we suffered a little bit to allow him to go. I hope he can help.

"Tomorrow is not possible because he played with Leicester in the Carabao Cup and in the FA Cup also, so he's not available on Friday, too, but yes in the Premier League, maybe he can be involved and be part of the squad."

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