Pochettino speaks on ‘stupid rumours’ over Chelsea future

After the Blues decisively defeated Tottenham 2-0 on Thursday to put themselves squarely in the running for the Europa League, Mauricio Pochettino has begged for an end to “stupid rumours” over his future at Chelsea.

The Argentine team’s victory at Stamford Bridge moved them to within three points of sixth-place Manchester United, which could mean a qualifying spot for Europe’s second division, though the Conference League is a more realistic goal.

The 52-year-old Pochettino, who agreed to a two-year deal with a one-year option last May, has been under a lot of pressure amid an uneven season marked by a young team beset by injuries.

Nevertheless, following the victory over his old team, Tottenham, who are currently in fifth place, the Chelsea manager was upbeat.

“(The task) is to prove after all these circumstances (injuries) that we deserve to be here next season,” he said. “Who is going to judge me? We need to judge ourselves.

“Enough with this type of rumour. If I have one year more on my contract here, and no one says nothing, suppose I am going be here. (Unless) we finish the season and someone says to me ‘ciao’.

“We don’t know at the moment. I have one year more (on my) contract. But enough about stupid rumours. You need to ask the club if they want me to keep going or not, not to write things that have no sense.”

Chelsea have responded impressively to last month’s 5-0 mauling at Arsenal, where they were accused by fans of lacking fight, recovering from 2-0 down to draw at fourth-placed Aston Villa before the Tottenham game.

The club, who have spent more than a £1 billion ($1.26 billion) on new players since 2022, have lost only three times in the league since Christmas Eve and have eight wins from their past 16 games.

“The results and competing is different and I agree that (at the start of the season) we didn’t compete well,” said Pochettino. “But talking about performances I think we are in the top six for sure.”