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Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was frustrated by his team's failure to keep a clean sheet during Tuesday's 6-1 win over Middlesbrough in their League Cup semi-final second leg.

A Jonny Howson own goal, plus strikes from Enzo Fernandez, Axel Disasi, Noni Madueke and two for Cole Palmer saw Chelsea record their biggest win since April 2022.

But an 88th-minute consolation goal by Morgan Rogers denied the Blues what would have been their ninth shutout in 28 games this season.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pochettino said: "I was really upset because we need to learn from that. We need to play seriously until the end. Sometimes it looks like you didn't finish the game and you lost a bit of focus.

"We are disappointed to concede the goal but we need to use every single second to improve. It didn't kill my happiness but I was a little bit disappointed with the finish to the game."

Rather than give his players a day off following their big win, Pochettino claimed that his team will be back at work bright and early on Wednesday morning.

He added: "Not too much relax because we will be on the training ground at 6.30am to prepare for the FA Cup on Friday.

"That is another chance to go through so we need to prepare for the game. Friday is soon and there is no time to relax."

After beating Middlesbrough 6-2 on aggregate, Chelsea will face either Liverpool or Fulham in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium on February 25.

That will be Chelsea's 10th appearance in a League Cup final. The Blues have won five of their previous nine.

This article first appeared on FanNation Futbol and was syndicated with permission.

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