Energy-sapped Chelsea rue missed chances against Liverpool

LONDON: There was little to separate Chelsea and Liverpool for effort, entertainment and intent through most of the League Cup final on Sunday (Feb 25) but the Reds came through 1-0 winners and their opponents will rue missed chances and a drop in intensity in extra time.

Desperately disappointed Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino said he was proud of his young side, who were feeling pain.

"They are very competitive ... They need to feel the pain. Nothing you can tell me can make me feel better. Nothing," he told a news conference after Virgil van Dijk's late winner.

The Argentine coach said he made a few changes in extra time such as substituting stalwarts Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell because of fatigue.

"But it's true, we didn't keep the energy how we finished the second half," Pochettino added.

Liverpool captain Van Dijk took advantage and headed home from a corner two minutes before the end of extra time.

Many would argue that overall Chelsea enjoyed the better opportunities and could have been several goals up in normal time but for outstanding play from stand-in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher who kept the forwards at bay.

Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Christopher Nkunku all tested him during normal time.

"We created four, five, six big chances and we didn't score. In a game like today and in a final to score first, it is a big advantage," Pochettino said. "We conceded in the last minute and it is difficult to react.

He said Chelsea were a young team and could not be compared to Premier League leaders Liverpool, even though their opponents were playing without some of their biggest names.

Chelsea have suffered from a lack of sharpness in front of goal throughout the season.

"We need to improve and compete at this