"It is so easy to explain" - Chelsea boss Pochettino highlights reason for FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester City
Chelsea gaffer Mauricio Pochettino has reacted to his team's 0-1 defeat to Manchester City in the semi-final of the FA Cup on Saturday, April 20.
The Blues missed out on appearing in the final of the domestic cup for the fourth time in five years, following Bernardo Silva's winner in the 84th minute.
While reacting to the defeat, the Argentine coach pointed out the reasons for their loss (via BBCSport):
"It is so easy to explain. We conceded in a moment you should not concede. We were not capable of being clinical in front of goal, we had many chances but we did not score."
The Blues definitely had better chances in the game than the defending champions. However, their inability to be clinical in front of the goal is what cost them yet another trophy this season.
Nicolas Jackson missed several chances in the game, including a close-range header in the second half, which he directed straight at City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Ben Chilwell, who was brought on by the manager in the dying embers of the game, failed to pass the ball to teammate Raheem Sterling, who looked in perfect position to slot one home.
The Englishman has been heavily criticised by Chelsea fans on social media for failing to complete the pass, which fans believe cost the Blues an equalizer.
Club legend and former gaffer Frank Lampard stated that Jackson, who is still just 22 years old, didn't perform at the level Chelsea would expect from their leading striker.
Chelsea lose out on yet another trophy this season
Pochettino's men lost to Liverpool in the final of the Carabao Cup in February. The two teams were tied at the end of regulation time, however, the Reds scored through Virgil van Dijk late in second-half of extra time to help Liverpool win their first trophy of the season.
After losing 0-1 to Manchester City in the FA Cup, the west London club will be ending the season without silverware, similar to how the 2022-23 season ended for them. Furthermore, the Blues currently occupy the ninth spot in the Premier League table and are struggling to secure a European slot for next season.
While they returned to winning ways in their 6-0 mauling of Everton last week, they next face Arsenal on April 23 when they travel to the Emirates Stadium for Premier League action.
The Gunners are second on the table with 71 points, just two points behind reigning champions Manchester City, who have a chance to bag two trophies this season.