'A huge blow to Pochettino's Chelsea project'
- Published
For Pochettino this is a huge blow in a match that could have been a significant moment in his Chelsea project.
Not only is he still looking for his first trophy in English football but without picking up the EFL Cup the rest of this season comes under mounting scrutiny.
Chelsea had opportunities to win the match and the way Pochettino's side backed off in extra time will be questioned.
There have been times when Pochettino has come under pressure throughout the season but the possibility of trophies and European football has always been pointed as a marker of how things are going.
Now Chelsea have lost this final, their only chance of silverware this season comes in the FA Cup and they take on Leeds United at Stamford Bridge in just three days.
Pochettino will have a challenge to pick up his young squad to ensure the campaign does not completely unravel inside a week.
Chelsea are nine points from sixth and 17 points from the Champions League qualification spots in the Premier League table, so winning the FA Cup is currently one of their most realistic chances of qualifying for European football.