Mauricio Pochettino says he will fight to win over Chelsea fans after they demand he leave the club

Mauricio Pochettino was abused by some away fans after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Brentford. Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Moggridge

Mauricio Pochettino said he would not give up trying to change the minds of Chelsea fans, who sang that the former Tottenham manager should «fuck off» after his team lost by a scoreline 2-1 at Brentford before fighting back with a draw.

Axel Disasi headed in an equalizer for the embattled Chelsea manager after the side conceded two second-half goals at the Gtek Stadium and found themselves on the brink of another crushing defeat. The away fans also sang a unique song about Todd Boehli, the American investor who controls a significant minority stake in the consortium that owns the club.

The name of Jose Mourinho was also mentioned. But the most noticeable thing on the road was the chant of «fuck off Mauricio».

Nicholas Jackson gave Chelsea a first-half lead and Brentford, who had lost five of their previous six matches, left them booed but they fought back with a goal two goals from Mads Rörslev and Yoan Vissa. On the occasion of Pochettino's 52nd birthday, Chelsea had problems.

“I'm not worried,” Pochettino said when asked whether the relationship between the former Tottenham manager and Chelsea fans could be restored.

“We have to accept this relationship. Someone asked me, “Can you feel the love from the fans?” No. What are they going to expect? Between the coaching staff, the coach and the fans, you build your relationship through winning matches. But for now we have to live up to expectations, and if we don't live up to expectations, will we ask for love?

“Usually in football, when there is disappointment, the coach or the people above pay. I'm not asking for anything. I want to keep working and change that perception and change winning games. We have one week to prepare for Newcastle [Monday week] … we have to come to terms with reality.”

He later said: “I think the relationship is good. If they did what they did (criticism that Pochettino said he didn't hear), it was disappointing. I try my best to provide the team with the best tools to work, improve and play this way. And win games. Today I turn 52 years old. I know this business very well, but I am never going to give up. I will fight and I'm ready to fight tomorrow and the next game.”

Toms Frank, the Brentford manager, criticized those home fans who booed his team at half-time. “I would like to talk to the person who did this. We're talking about Brentford and Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world, and it's 1-0. My question – I don’t want to swear – “What the…”.