Chelsea

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Mauricio Pochettino says he is "planning for next season" at Chelsea despite uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

The Argentine manager has come under intense scrutiny at times during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge and before last weekend's 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest said it would "not be the end of the world" if he were to leave the Blues in the summer.

Asked about his future, he said: "We are planning. We are working. We cannot take some comment from my side [before the Forest game] in a negative way. Always I try to be positive and try to translate my feelings to the people.

"I never said I'm not thinking in the future. Already the plan is there to start pre-season. In the end, it's not in my hands to be here or not to be here.

"We [the coaching staff] are not fake people. We are not going to say we love something when we still don't have an emotional link. It's easy for me to arrive and after the first game start to kiss the badge. I respect the people who can do this, but it's not my nature. I want to create real feelings."

Since a home defeat by Wolves on Christmas Eve, only the top three of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have collected more points than Pochettino's side, placing them in a good position to secure European football for next season.

"The problem is we are punished because of the first 10 games," he added.

"After our first 10 games, I think we are in the top four. That's the problem..

"Right now, [the conversation is] stuck, like the Coldplay song. Stuck in reverse. Stuck and going back. You remember the song? 'Fix You.'

"From now on, I'm going to stop talking about a young squad and injuries. I hope next season we can have all the players fit and be competitive, to fight between them for a place and [show they] deserve to be in the starting XI.

"I am dreaming of that."

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's trip to face Brighton in the Premier League (19:45 BST kick-off).

The Blues will be looking to continue their recent good form and push for European football.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are back in team training but will be assessed before the match. Chelsea are still without long-term absentees Enzo Fernandez, Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia.

• On facing Brighton and trying to achieve European qualification: "It is important to keep a strong mentality and really believe. They are going to be two really tough games. Brighton are a really good team and they are going to be really tough to play against, and then [we have] Bournemouth at home [on the final day]. The most important thing is to believe."

• He added: "In the second part of the season - in the past 26 or 27 games - I think we are doing really well. We need to keep in this way - always trying to give our best, to compete and keep improving. If we can compete well in the last two games, then we have the possibility to get into Europe, which would be amazing for us."

• On his future and next season: "I always try to be positive and I try to translate my feelings - to you and to the people. But I never said I am not thinking of the future. We are thinking of the future; it is already planned. The plan is there to start the pre-season - the date we are going to start - and then it is not in my hands to be here or not to be here."

• He continued: "Of course, I am so excited for the future. If we keep the main group and add some quality, and keep on the same run as the past 26 or 27 games, we can compete for big things."

• On the fact that only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have picked up more points than Chelsea since 26 December: "We have players who are improving and getting more mature. They are living their first experience in the Premier League. To match the history of Chelsea today is impossible. With time, for sure we will match. That is my wish and we are working for that."

• More on the job being done: "Maybe sometimes our fans are not seeing what we are doing. At the moment it is difficult because of the general opinion. I think we are doing a fantastic job. The situation started really badly - all the circumstances from the beginning of the season -[so we had] to keep calm, keep pushing and really believe in the way we are doing [things]."

Follow Tuesday's other Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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The sack race has started, even if it has a different name. One week Ange Postecoglou is for the chop, next it is Erik ten Hag and of course Mauricio Pochettino is never far away from that headline either.

I thought it would take two seasons to find out if the Chelsea experiment would work. Since losing against Liverpool and Wolves in early February the Blues have lost three of their 19 games. These were cup games against Liverpool and Man City then a drubbing at Arsenal. The performances are still up and down, but since that dark February period, they have improved markedly.‌

The decision makers from above still haven’t decided if it is a thumbs up or down on Poch, but I think that is madness. Just when he seems to be delivering something interesting at last, the people who cobbled together a squad that had no chance of winning for a couple of seasons and spend the guts of £1billion doing it, they are now considering changing the strategy again.

One day fans of all clubs will start to ask, when does the spotlight finally turn on those decision makers?‌

Personally I think the answer is soon. The days of the cult of the manager are over, well they will be if the modern owners have their way. It is no longer fair to leave a manager as little more than a flak catcher.‌

We have heard sack the manager, sack the board but at some point soon, the cry of sack the strategists could come. It certainly should do, as most slink in the shadows hiding from both the limelight and any blame for their mistakes.

Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra newsletter

During a couple of the more frustrating moments of this season, with injuries limiting his options and poor finishing ruining a couple of potentially great results, Mauricio Pochettino let his frustration get the better of him and used his press conferences to highlight his team's solid underlying numbers.

Pointing to the xG stats that showed his team were creating good chances and just not taking them, with a similar story in reverse at the other end of the pitch, the coach lamented that his side could be as high as fourth.

That kind of reasoning never goes down well with fans or pundits, who can fairly point out that poor finishing and errors in defence are just as much a part of the game as anything else.

Vague allusions to "data" are often the last refuge of a coach struggling to explain bad results. As you would expect, the comments were thrown back in his face a few times.

But since the second time Pochettino made statements to that effect, back in March, he has rather been proven right, with results starting to follow the data more closely.

The underlying numbers have always shown Chelsea to be a top six team, and now the table is closer to reflecting that than ever. With two very winnable games this week to close out the season, the Blues could yet finish as high as fifth and make Pochettino's statements sounds more prophetic than pathetic in the final reckoning.

Will Faulks can be found at Chelsea News, external

Chelsea are looking to sign a forward, left-back and central defender in the summer with the club's sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart set to be leading their transfer business again. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Former Chelsea and Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole, 43, is being targeted by several Championship clubs to take over as manager. (Mirror), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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The Premier League title now cannot be decided until the final day of the season but one or two other issues could be settled in midweek.

Aston Villa can clinch the fourth and final Champions League place if they beat Liverpool on Monday.

If they draw, they’ll be sure of fourth place if Tottenham fail to win against Manchester City on Tuesday.

If they lose, they’ll be sure of fourth place if Tottenham lose on Tuesday.

In all other scenarios, it goes to the final day.

Whatever their situation with Villa, Tottenham can ensure a top-five finish (so Europa League at worst) if they avoid defeat against Man City on Tuesday.

If they lose to City, Spurs could still clinch fifth place before their final game if Newcastle AND Chelsea both fail to win on Wednesday.

Newcastle and Chelsea know that whatever they do on Wednesday, they cannot be absolutely sure of European football until the final round of fixtures. However, goal difference means that should Newcastle beat Man Utd, and Chelsea lose at Brighton, it would take a minimum 12-goal swing on the final day for the Magpies to be deprived of sixth place.

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BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

Kevin James Blakey asked: Good morning Phil. I'm a Chelsea fan of 50 years so I've seen them at their very best and at their very worst.

If we get a world class striker in during the summer and a centre back, plus keep Reece James and Chilwell fit, where do you think we could finish next season?

Phil answered: Hello, Kevin. I think there is definitely the basis of a very good side at Chelsea but they must stick with Mauricio Pochettino to allow him to build on it.

Reece James is like a world-class addition and if they can find someone to put the ball in the net – and why haven’t they already, given the money spent? – then I can seem them challenging for the top four next season.

Follow the rest of Phil McNulty's Q&A

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Former England winger Chris Waddle, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast after Chelsea's victory at Nottingham Forest: "I think in possession they are a very good side. They have some talented footballers - we know that.

"They are desperate for a centre-forward, I've got to say. I know [Nicolas] Jackson scored but he's not the answer if Chelsea want to be a top-four team.

"How do you replace Thiago Silva? He's a top player and has been for years with his experience. It's great to have [Reece] James back as well as he's a very talented player.

"They're about two or three players off being a top-four team but they're definitely going in the right direction.

"They have to sort out this manager situation out quickly. Is he [Mauricio Pochettino] staying or going? You can't keep changing managers. I think he's done a good job with the tools he's had and they're only going to get better under him.

"Like I said, a couple more additions and there's no reason they can't be challenging [for the] top four."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts on Saturday's late comeback victory at Nottingham Forest.

You gave us your suggestions and opened up a neat debate for us:

David: Sell [Enzo] Fernandez while you can as Conor Gallagher is a much better all round option and combined with Moises [Caicedo], Cole [Palmer] and Noni [Madueke] what can you say? Building a team round Fernandez would be the worst thing Chelsea could do, overated, underperformed.

H: If we're attributing Chelsea's indifferent from this season, purely down to Enzo Fernandez, then I'm lost for words. The amount of time I see him receive the ball and look up, only to have zero movement ahead of him is excruciating. He's clearly been struggling with injury, but he's the only player we have that looks capable of transitioning the ball up the pitch.

Wynn: On his day, Fernandez can control the game from midfield, much like Cesc Fabregas in his pomp; and he will hopefully do this more consistently over time. However, because of his contract length, he still has a huge book value and if profitability and sustainability rules force Chelsea to choose between Fernandez and Gallagher, I would keep Gallagher every day.

Steve: Chelsea have been playing like this all season. As a new very young squad they sometimes struggled to score and finish opposition off, causing draws and defeats. Slowly but surely they are looking like a complete group of very talented players turning in to an effective team.

Rick: An important win for Chelsea and all credit to [Mauricio] Pochettino for the changes he made. That said where were the Chelsea who bossed West Ham and Spurs? We lacked edge and quality for much of the game which is a worry given that Europe is up for grabs. Does Poch really get them fired up? Does he have the hairdryer in his armoury? 100% commitment is the minimum.

Desmond: For one of the first times this season, I didn't see Chelsea get deflated with falling behind. Looking forward to what we can achieve with a nearly fully fit squad.

Make your selection over here

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games on Match of the Day 2 here.

Also, listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham United v Luton Town

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea

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Will Chelsea be playing in Europe next season?

Mauricio Pochettino's side looked well out of the picture not so long ago but three wins in a row sees level on 57 points with Newcastle United with two games to play.

Their latest win saw them take the lead, fall behind before scoring two late goals to secure the points in an entertaining encounter at Nottingham Forest.

While the number of goals Chelsea have shipped in this season - now 61 - will be a concern, the Blues enter the final week of the campaign in flourishing form.

The return of Reece James to action was a huge positive for Pochettino and the team at the City Ground.

The England defender has been out with a hamstring injury since December but came on as a substitute and provided the assist for Nicolas Jackson's winner.

Since 26 December, only three teams have picked up more points than Chelsea (35) in the Premier League (Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool).

They’ve lost just three of their 18 games in this period (W10 D5).

With an away game at Brighton on Wednesday and at home to Bournemouth on 19 May still to come, Chelsea will be looking to end the campaign on the back of a five-match winning run.

Mauricio Pochettino spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Chelsea's victoy against Nottingham Forest: "It was a difficult game, it's always tough against a team who are doing a fantastic season. Today for them was a party because they started the game being sure they would be in the Premier League next year.

"We started controlling the game but conceded in a way we should never concede. The second half was tough but I think it's an important victory for us. The most important thing is the three points but we didn't really replicate the performance from previous games against Tottenham and West Ham.

"If you remember Sheffield United and Burnley, we have struggled against this type of team.

"I think today the players that came off the bench had a real impact."

On Reece James returning: "He is unlucky because we are at the end of the season and there are only two games less. He can add his quality and experience."

If a place in Europe is still achievable: "I hope yes, but there are still two big games."

• Since Boxing Day 2023, only three teams have picked up more points than Chelsea (35) in the Premier League (Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool). They’ve lost just three of their 18 games in this period (W10 D5), with only Man City (0) suffering fewer defeats.

• Nottingham Forest suffered their ninth home defeat of the Premier League season, their joint-most in a 20-team campaign (also nine in 1998-99).

• Chelsea have conceded in each of their past 15 away games in the Premier League, their longest ever run within a season. Their last clean sheet on the road in the league was at Fulham back in October (a 2-0 win), while they’ve shipped 33 goals in their 15 away trips since then.

• Morgan Gibbs-White recorded his 10th assist of the Premier League campaign, with only Ollie Watkins (12) making more in 2023-24. He’s just the third Nottingham Forest player to hit double figures for assists in a season, after Bryan Roy in 1994-95 (11) and Ian Woan in 1995-96 (10).

• Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (21 goals, 10 assists) is just the fourth player in Premier League history to score 20+ goals and provide 10+ assists in his debut season for a specific club, after Andrew Cole with Newcastle in 1993-94 (34G & 13A), Jürgen Klinsmann with Spurs in 1994-95 (20G & 10A) and Mohamed Salah with Liverpool in 2017-18 (32G & 10A).

• Callum Hudson-Odoi has scored eight goals for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this season; the most by an English player for the club since both Ian Woan and Jason Lee in 1995-96 (8).

Nottingham Forest missed the chance to secure Premier League safety after losing to Chelsea in a five-goal thriller at the City Ground.

A resurgent Chelsea took the lead through their first attack when Mykhailo Mudryk swept home in the eighth minute after a beautifully crafted pass by Cole Palmer.

But after Willy Boly headed Forest level, former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi sent Forest into a 74th-minute lead with a curling finish from 15 yards.

In an entertaining encounter, substitute Raheem Sterling made it 2-2 before Nicolas Jackson struck an 82nd-minute winner.

Luton's defeat at West Ham earlier on Saturday meant Forest required one point to confirm a third successive season in the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side have 29 points from 37 games, three more than 18th-placed Luton who also have one match left.

However, Forest also have a superior goal difference, with Luton requiring a 12-goal swing to stay up.

The Reds go to relegated Burnley on the final day on 19 May, while Luton host Fulham.

Were you at the ground or following along from home?

Reds fans, give us your thoughts on the game.

Tell us what you made of the performance, Chelsea supporters.

Follow all the reaction here

There are eight Premier League games taking place today, and you can stay updated with all of them via our live page.

Keep up with all the action and reaction here.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kasabian frontman Serge Pizzorno.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

By the time this game kicks off, Nottingham Forest will know how Luton and Burnley have done. They could be as good as safe... or under a lot of pressure.

Chelsea have hit a bit of form and Mauricio Pochettino is showing why he always deserved to get time with this team, because they have found more consistency the longer the season has gone on.

But Forest have got some good players and I can see them getting a point out of this, which might be enough to make it absolutely certain they are staying up.

Serge's prediction: 0-1

I know Chelsea have been playing well in their past few games but they are a funny team.

Read all of the predictions here

After an impressive debut season at Stamford Bridge, Cole Palmer has been nominated for the Premier League young player of the season award, alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.

Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown tells The Football News Show why the Chelsea winger deserves to win the award and why he should be starting for England at Euro 2024.

Watch The Football News Show on BBC iPlayer

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Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina says he is looking forward to the Reds' game against Chelsea at the City Ground on Saturday.

Aina signed for the Blues at under-11 level, and left the club permanently in 2019 after loan moves to Hull City and Torino.

Aina will be looking to help the Reds do the double over Chelsea after their 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in September.

"I don't know if this is going to get me in trouble, but I am a Chelsea fan." Aina told BBC East Midlands Today. "It's a fixture I've been looking forward to and I'm excited to be involved in it to see what happens."

On the Blues' recent form, Aina added: "It's football really. Sometimes you're high and sometimes you're low. It's just about trying to get a balance and stay consistent. That's what I've been trying to do.

"I don't think there's any point to prove. I don't hold grudges or anything - whatever happened in the past happened. There's no animosity there. It's just the career of a footballer.

"I only have fond moments of being at Chelsea. It's a chapter that closed and [I've] moved on, just how anyone else would."

Listen to full match commentary of Nottingham Forest v Chelsea on BBC Radio 5 Live at 17:30 BST on Saturday