We all need to prove we belong at Chelsea – Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino said he and his Chelsea players must prove their worth to the club in the final weeks of a disappointing season, as he rejected accusations the team lacks motivation following their 5-0 defeat to Arsenal. Tuesday’s hammering by the Premier League leaders was Chelsea’s heaviest in more than five years and came days after an FA Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Manchester City left them facing a third straight season without major domestic or European silverware. There is still the possibility of qualification for next season’s Europa League or Conference League but in the aftermath of their capitulation at the Emirates Stadium, Pochettino has been left to pick up an emotionally bruised squad that some – including in the away section in north London – have accused of lacking fight. The Argentinian indicated a critical month lies ahead, not only for him but for his players in regards to their Stamford Bridge futures. “It looks like only I need to prove (myself), no?” he said. “Always it’s about the coach needs to prove he deserves to be here next season. “(But) we are all responsible for the situation. We need all to prove that we deserve to be here next season.”