Mauricio Pochettino breaks silence on Chelsea sack chants and makes Jose Mourinho admission

Mauricio Pochettino has responded to Chelsea fans who have been calling for Jose Mourinho's return after sections of the support sang for the "Special One" during a recent match against Brentford.

The Blues are currently having a tough season under Pochettino's management, and are currently 11th in the Premier League, trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by 19 points. Despite losing the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool, Chelsea are still in one competition and face Leicester in the quarter finals of the FA Cup next weekend. However, the team's poor performance has led some fans to turn against Pochettino.

During last week's match with Brentford, there were chants supporting Mourinho, who is currently without a club, and others calling for Pochettino to leave. Mourinho had two successful spells at Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles. But now, Pochettino has spoken out against those demanding his departure, reports the Mirror. He said: "Look, I respect Jose, he is my friend. He was amazing for this club, his medals here are amazing. We need to be pushing and believe in us and accept the things that come from the fans."

"If the players believe that with another coach they can do better... maybe they can talk with the owner or sporting director. You need to ask the players. You can ask. Do you see me worried about this? ".

"No. Is it a problem of attitude? No. It is a problem? No. You can see in the way that they behave that they are behind us. Of course there is no doubt."

Chelsea are set to play Newcastle on Monday night. Even if they win, they'll still be stuck in 11th place. But Pochettino says it's not fair to compare his current struggles with Mourinho's past victories.

"It is a different project, today is a