Mauricio Pochettino Not Yet Feeling Love From Chelsea Fans

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is aware that he has yet to win the hearts of the club's fanbase.

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino has been in charge at Stamford Bridge since July and has so far led the Blues in 32 games.

Chelsea have won 15 of those matches, losing 11 and drawing six.

These results have seen Chelsea reach the final of the EFL Cup and the fifth round of the FA Cup, but Pochettino's men sit 11th in the Premier League table.

In an interview with Sky Sports just 48 hours before Valentine's Day, Pochettino was asked this week if he was feeling the love from Chelsea supporters.

He replied: "No. No, I need to be honest."

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino pictured last month during his team's 6-1 win over Middlesbrough in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup

IMAGO/PRiME Media Images/Andy Rowland

Pochettino then added: "I understand. They were winning Champions Leagues, cups and the Premier League.

"So why would the fans love me after six or seven months when, although we are in a final, we are not in a good position in the table of the Premier League?

"At the moment, I feel the respect. When I am on the street, they are very well educated with me and really nice. But I cannot lie [about feeling loved]."

Pochettino was speaking ahead of Chelsea's trip to Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Victory in that London derby would see Chelsea climb up to 10th in the EPL.

Chelsea beat Palace 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture on December 27.