Mauricio Pochettino has said securing a place in Europe for next season is the ‘first step to achieving bigger things’ for Chelsea.
Chelsea secured a top-six finish and European football for next season after a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on the final weekend.
Moises Caicedo opened the scoring with a Goal of the Season contender as the midfielder capitalised on a mistake from Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto to score from 50 yards, before Raheem Sterling doubled the lead early in the second half.
Benoit Badiashile’s own goal moments later brought Bournemouth back into the game, though Chelsea held on to the three points to provisionally book a Europa League place. However, the West Londoners will drop into the Europa Conference League if Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final next weekend.
Speaking after his side’s win, a fifth straight in the Premier League, Pochettino said Europe was the first step towards bigger things for his inexperienced squad.
“We played against a team in a very good run also and had the whole week to prepare. I think the way we played and created chances, we had the chances to score more goals,” Pochettino said to Sky Sports.
“I am so happy with the run in the last part of the season. Credit to the players and that is how we want to compete.”
On confirming a place in Europe, he added: “For the history of Chelsea, it is hard to celebrate but It is the first step to achieve bigger things after. We are really close. Season by season it is about improving. We know how we need to compete next season. We have a young squad but with more experience in the Premier League now.”
