BLACK WHOLE

Poch: Everybody needs to take responsibilty for Chelsea mess... and not just ME

ASTON VILLA v CHELSEA Premier League: KO 8pm

BY PAUL BROWN

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has called for collective responsibility at Chelsea – putting him on a collision course with his bosses.

The under-fire Blues manager reckons EVERYONE at the club needs to prove they deserve to be there next season.

He includes himself and his underperforming players in that after Chelsea’s humiliating 5-0 defeat to Arsenal.

But he also pointed the finger at the club’s twin sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart (circled, left).

Pochettino said: “We are all responsible for the situation and all need to improve to show that we deserve to be here next season.

“It looks like it’s only me – not the whole organisation. It should be the whole organisation.

“I support the decision making. But in some parts we are not involved. The club is designing a structure that you need to prove works.

“Because of the results, you can say, ‘Yes, it’s just him (the manager)’. But I don’t have the keys of the club. I don’t take all the decisions here.

“That is to be made clear. If you say to me I have the keys and this guy is here because it’s my decision, that is one thing.

“But if this is not my decision, you need to judge me, and judge him in his job, no? Because it’s not my direct responsibility. I cannot suffer for things that are not in my hands.”

Pochettino is well-known to have little say in Chelsea’s recruitment policy, with Winstanley and Laurence calling the shots.

Asked if they understand the problems the team has faced this season, Pochettino said: “I don’t know. That’s a good question for them.”

And asked if he will have more input in transfers this summer, Pochettino added: “I don’t know. That is a thing that we need to talk about. We will see. We love to be here. We are open to helping the club in any way they want.”

Chelsea welcome back star man Cole Palmer against Aston Villa but still have 12 players missing through injury.

Pochettino revealed he received warm messages from Chelsea’s owners shortly after they lost the

Carabao Cup final to Liverpool. But asked whether they still communicate regularly, he said: “No. To be honest, in the last few months, we didn’t cross, or message.

“We communicated through the sporting directors but nothing has changed. We are not changing my view or my feeling.”

Pochettino also defended his players against claims they lack character in the wake of the Arsenal disaster (below).

Speaking ahead of the trip to Aston Villa, he added: “That is not true. We conceded an early goal. But we created chances.

“We had a meeting. We must realise how we need to behave when the game is tough. We have to show a good attitude.

“We need to think that we are Chelsea and respect ourselves. We were so soft against Arsenal. We need to compete with no fear and no excuses.”