MAURICIO POCHETTINO still has the backing of his Chelsea players despite their horrendous start to the season.
The Blues manager has won just one of his six Premier League games in charge.
He also hit out at his young squad after Sunday’s home loss to Aston Villa, telling them to “grow up”.
However, the Daily Mail report that Pochettino still has the support of his players at Stamford Bridge.
His approach since arriving in West London has been welcomed by the squad, the report adds.
Pochettino’s man-management skills have been praised, along with his willingness to engage with players.
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The former Tottenham boss is said to have been going out of his ways to speak to members of the team.
His attitude is understood to have been key to maintaining their support despite Chelsea’s poor form.
He is also said to have had his door open to any players who want to talk about tactics, opponents or their own role in the team outside of training.
As a result, the report claims Pochettino is well-liked and backed by his players.
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Sunday’s loss to Villa has left Chelsea 14th in the Premier League, though, already nine points off the top four.
Their victory at home to winless Luton remains their only win from the opening six games, with half of those ending in defeat.
Chelsea’s fortunes could still get worse, too, with a nightmare run of fixtures lying in wait after the October international break.
Pochettino has already admitted owner Todd Boehly is “disappointed” with the club’s start to the campaign.
Speaking after the defeat against Villa, he raged that his young side needs to “grow up”.
“Footballers want to win but players when they are young without experience make mistakes,” Pochettino told reporters.
“This is why we feel disappointed because we are seeing too many situations like this.
“We need to change as soon as possible. We need to grow up like a team.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk