Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has hit out what he deemed to be unfair Jose Mourinho chants aimed at him by his own club's supporters.
The Blues are preparing to take on Newcastle United on Monday night, with the Argentine tactician's side currently 11th on the Premier League table after losing 10 and drawing six of their 28 EPL matches thus far this season.
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In their most recent league encounter, Chelsea dropped points once again, drawing 2-2 with Brentford last weekend, and that result sparked some serious frustration for the west London outfit's fans.
Supporters booed Pochettino during what they deemed to be a disappointing result against the Bees, and chanted the name of Mourinho, who has managed the club in two previous spells, with one stint being from 2004 to 2007 and the second being between 2013 and 2015.
The Portuguese won three EPL titles with Chelsea, as well as one FA Cup and three League Cups.
Pochettino has since been asked about those chants, and expressed an appreciation for what the 61-year-old had previously achieved.
"I respect Jose, he is my friend. He was amazing for this club, his medals here are amazing," the former Tottenham Hotspur boss said, per the Express.
"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."
With the underwhelming campaign Chelsea are currently in the midst of, it is said that Pochettino could be sacked before the end of the season if his side do not qualify for any European competition.
He pointed out, however, that the side he is currently in charge of is not similar to the ones Mourinho managed.
"It is a different project, today is a different Chelsea. My mistake is to accept to come here if you say to me (it is not). Because if you are going to judge us compared to the past of Chelsea, no one is going to win. People need to understand," Pochettino added.
"It is completely unfair to compare different periods of the club. The circumstances are different today than in the past.
"I came here because I knew it was going to be tough but always knew we would need time and belief.
"The project is about young players and a new team, to build a new team, always you need time."
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