Mauricio Pochettino at his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference (Picture: Chelsea FC)
Mauricio Pochettino has responded to Todd Boehly’s public show of faith in his Chelsea team and provided an injury update ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
Speaking earlier in the week, Stamford Bridge owner Boehly insisted it was clear that Pochettino’s side were ‘coming together’ following their recent upturn in form.
Chelsea have been languishing in mid-table for much of the Premier League season but have impressed in their last three games following an embarrassing 5-0 defeat to Arsenal.
The Blues came from 2-0 down to draw with Champions League-chasing Aston Villa before beating Tottenham at home and smashing fellow London rivals West Ham 5-0.
Discussing Chelsea’s recent form, American owner Boehly said: ‘We’ve seen the last two and a half games, at least in the second half at Aston Villa and Tottenham and West Ham where we played just beautiful football.
‘It was so fluid, it was exactly the way we drew it up, when we came out of the back, built up and we moved up the pitch, very organised and the number of shots we had on board. In those two and a half games, you could really start to see what we were working on coming together.
‘Even the commentary has changed over the last two and a half games. I’ve never seen anything change so quickly.’
Todd Boehly recently heaped praise on Pochettino’s side (Picture: Getty)
Pochettino was asked about his boss’ praise at his pre-match press conference on Friday and said: He described the reality, no? And yes, Todd was always very good with us even in the tough moments.
‘He was always positive with his messages in a private way but to be public now is good. If the owner is happy, it is much better for the club, the fans, the players and the owners, also.’
There had been speculation earlier in the season that Chelsea could sack Pochettino but his exit from Stamford Bridge now appears very unlikely.
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The Blues face Nottingham Forest this weekend and Pochettino may be able to call upon his captain, Reece James, who returned to first-team training on Friday.
Forgotten £23m signing Lesley Ugochukwu, who has not featured since Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Wolves on Christmas Eve, was also spotted in training.
‘The most important thing is Reece James is going to be there for us,’ Pochettino said on the England defender’s return. ‘Then because we have an amazing relationship and of course he is an amazing player.
‘It is not easy when you comeback from a long-term injury. The most important thing is he can be available and be part of the squad. It is important to finish [the season] with good feelings.’
Reece James is back in contention for Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
On the state of his squad as a whole, Pochettino added: ‘Nearly all of the players are available at a good time. It’s good to be optimistic.
‘When you arrive to a new club, a new project, you want to work with the whole squad to increase the level.’
While Chelsea are looking to end an inconsistent season on a high, Nottingham Forest can all but secure their Premier League survival with a victory at the City Ground on Saturday evening.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have endured a poor run but clinched a crucial 3-1 victory over bottom-placed Sheffield United last weekend to move three points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town.
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