Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side were “sloppy” in the first half of their 4-0 win over Preston at Stamford Bridge in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Blues were unable to break down the Championship outfit in the first half with the sides all square going into the break.
The Premier League side’s superior quality ultimately showed, as second-half goals from Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez secured progression to the next round of the competition.
“Yes a very good win,” Pochettino told BBC Sport. “The first half I was a little disappointed. We started so sloppy. I told the players at half-time we needed to increase the energy and match that of Preston.
“The second half was a completely different game. We dominated, created chances and deserved victory. We showed a lack of desire in the first half and we were talking too much about their energy.
“They were better than us in this area. I was really disappointed but after we increased our level we started to play and deserved to win.”
Pochettino believes Broja will gain confidence from his goal, with the 22-year-old set to get more opportunities at Chelsea after Christopher Nkunku suffered an injury setback this week.
“I think it should be amazing,” the Argentine said. “He should smile, be positive and change his body language.
“I think when he performs well and finds the net he will improve. It’s important for the team and for him to improve his confidence.”
Chelsea take on Middlesbrough in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals this Tuesday before facing Fulham in the West London Derby next Saturday.
