Chelsea Players Unite In Support For Pochettino's Leadership

Cole Palmer has expressed that Chelsea players are determined to support Mauricio Pochettino, attributing their late push for a European spot this season to his leadership. Despite recent speculation about Pochettino's future at Chelsea, the team has shown strong form, moving to sixth in the Premier League table after a 2-1 victory over Brighton on Wednesday.

Palmer and Christopher Nkunku scored the goals that secured the win, even after Reece James was sent off late in the match. Palmer, who has been pivotal for Chelsea in his debut season with 22 league goals, shifted the focus to Pochettino's influence. "For it to be in our hands to get sixth place is a big thing for us," Palmer told BBC Sport.

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"Chelsea are a big club and everyone wants to finish higher than sixth, but you have to look at where we were at the start of the season. All credit to the manager. All the players love the manager and want to fight for him," Palmer added.

Chelsea have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League matches, winning each of their last four games. They only need to avoid defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday to secure a top-six finish. Pochettino praised his team's performance against Brighton, stating: "So happy for the players, they deserve full credit for how we worked, our approach to the game and how we tried to apply all of our training ground work."

"I am proud. To face a team like Brighton is always difficult here. We are so happy because the three points mean we are closer to achieving what we want," Pochettino concluded.