LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Chelsea Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp Manager of Liverpool react during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on August 13, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has sent a warning to the referees ahead of their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
The two sides will meet in the League Cup final in a repeat of the 2022 final at Wembley Stadium, where the Reds defeated the Blues on penalties.
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Pochettino has now urged the referees to be fair after he felt Liverpool got a few decisions in their favour when the two sides met in the Premier League in January.
“I think we need to be sure we are going to compete and be fair in every single decision. When we played against Liverpool at Anfield, I think not one key decision was for us. Two penalties were not given. Duels, 50/50s, always for another colour. Always red. I want to be treated in a fair way,” Pochettino said, as per Goal.
“I am the first who is going to say that Liverpool is amazing and Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world. But I think after my last experience playing [at Anfield], what I want in Wembley is to play a game at the same level and the best team will win.
“[Liverpool] were better than us, of course. But the first decision after five minutes was a clear penalty. In the second half it was a penalty [on Christopher] Nkunku. We are Chelsea and we need to compete with the same tools.
“If they are better well done and we congratulate them, but be fair in every single decision. The pressure is about not delivering the job for Klopp, no, the pressure is not to be part of the [hype].”
