Mauricio Pochettino has called the Carabao Cup an important competition for Chelsea and has set his sights on winning the trophy this season.
Chelsea host Newcastle in the quarter-finals on Tuesday night, as the West Londoners welcome last season’s finalists to the capital.
Pochettino’s side have endured a mixed start to his debut campaign in charge and sit tenth in the Premier League table, having missed out on European football last season.
Given the absence of Europe, Pochettino has placed added importance on the domestic cups and says the League Cup is a competition he is targeting success in.
“It’s an important competition and for us, it was one of our objectives and it still is,” the Argentine said at his pre-match press conference.
“It’s going to be an important game tomorrow and we have to face a very good team. Of course I want to win a trophy here in England, and win one with Chelsea if we have the opportunity. My wish and desire is to win and it’s possible.
“We need to respect our opponents, Newcastle are going to be tough, we need to deserve to go through.”
Summer signing Christopher Nkunku made the bench for the first time during the weekend win over Sheffield United, but remained an unused substitute.
Asked whether the French forward could make his debut against Newcastle, Pochettino added: “Christopher was involved in the last game and will be involved tomorrow. Today he was training well. Maybe he will have the possibility to be involved in some minutes.”
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