Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that his Chelsea squad deserved to be judged in a 'fairer' way than they have been throughout 2023-24.
Pochettino is in his first season in the Blues dugout and is tasked with trying to earning a return to continental football on the back of Todd Boehly and Clearlake's Capital relentless spending in the transfer market.
As it stands, the co-owners are not receiving value for money, with Chelsea currently down in 11th position in the Premier League standings ahead of Monday's potentially-pivotal fixture against Newcastle United.
Although the West Londoners were able to reach an EFL Cup final, which they lost, Pochettino's long-term future at Stamford Bridge is a constant hot topic for debate.
There has also been criticism from the club's supporters, with some calling for the Argentine to be sacked during several games and most recently in the fixture with Brentford on March 2.
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Pochettino has already shaken off the jeers that were heard during that game, even though he was not shy in hiding his frustration after failing to build on holding a 1-0 lead at half time.
Speaking ahead of the meeting with the Magpies on Monday night, Pochettino has suggested that some of the criticism that has been aimed at himself and his players is unfair and feels they should not be compared to Chelsea's successful sides of the past two decades.
As quoted by BBC Sport, Pochettino said: "If you compare with the past, when you are in a different project, people need to understand. I've tried to explain. I talk, I move my mouth, but you don't hear.
"We understand the frustration and the reception. We need to try to improve the way we play and try to change this feeling. We need our fans and we hope that on Monday the fans will be great and behind us for 90 minutes to win the game.
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He added: "The fans don't know. The players are so young, playing at Wembley in a final. Maybe they didn't sleep the night before. Sometimes, to analyse with different parameters and the way that you assess is completely unfair.
"Today it is a different Chelsea. If you are going to judge us, comparing the past of Chelsea, for sure no-one is going to win. No-one is going to succeed. No-one is going to be nice with you."
Pochettino has recorded 17 wins, eight draws and 12 defeats from his 37 matches in charge, with Chelsea also having an FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester City on their schedule on Sunday.
Chelsea head into their fixture with Newcastle likely without three more of their key players after Pochettino confirmed issues with Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell and Conor Gallagher in Thursday's press conference.
Darren Plant
