Mauricio Pochettino was left fuming when Chelsea’s late victory over Aston Villa was disqualified.
Axel Disasi’s late Chelsea winner was disallowed against Aston Villa (Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Following reports that Mauricio Pochettino was ‘frustrated’ by Axel Disasi’s goal that was disallowed in Saturday night’s draw with Aston Villa, the manager retaliated angrily at a reporter.
Axel Disasi’s late goal, which would have given the Blues a 3-2 victory after rallying from a 2-0 deficit, clearly infuriated Pochettino. Benoit Badiashile, the Frenchman’s international teammate, had cut back and headed in the goal, but Badiashile was called for pushing Diego Carlos in the build-up.
This decision infuriated the Argentine, who said VAR is “ruining the image of English football”. “You seem clearly frustrated about it,” the TNT Sports reporter asked. To which Pochettino retorted, “I’m not frustrated, I am relaxed, I am calm.”
“I want to say nothing wrong,” he continued. It’s merely helpful. It’s true that we played really well and put on a great show, but we gave up easily in the first half. We didn’t give up too many goals when we tried to alter the team. I am happy with the team and the players were good for our game against Villa, who are vying for the top four.”
“I believe that it went as planned, and we had a good opportunity today against a strong team. We must now move on, and the disallowed goal will make headlines.”
If Chelsea’s late winner hadn’t been overturned, they would have surpassed West Ham United and moved into eighth place. In the upcoming weeks, London will keep up its pursuit of European football as they go after teams like Manchester United and Newcastle United.
The Blues’ next games are a derby against West Ham three days later and a matchup with Tottenham Hotspur on May 2. The club’s final three games of the season are against Nottingham Forest, Brighton, and Bournemouth.
