Mauricio Pochettino admits he needs to be more ‘careful’ in ripping into his Chelsea side’s performances after dubbing his young squad ‘not mature enough’ in Sheffield United’s stalemate

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has vowed to hold back his post-match remarks after blasting his players in the wake of their 2-2 draw with Sheffield United last weekend.

Pochettino questioned his side’s maturity and competitive spirit after the relegation-threatened Blades forced an equalizer deep into added time.

“As a 52-year-old you identify very quickly when a team is ready to compete or not,” said the Argentine at Bramall Lane.

“Maybe because this group is still not mature enough to compete every single game, every three days. For various reasons we struggle to compete in this type of game (against smaller teams).’

But at Friday’s press conference ahead of Monday night’s home game against Everton – another side at the wrong end of the table – Pochettino explained that he now feels it could backfire on his team if he airs his frustrations.

Chelsea let their slim lead slip away against Sheffield United and were held to a 2-2 draw away from home

Oli McBurnie equalized three minutes into added time to send Chelsea home with a point

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“I have to be more careful with my words after the game,” he said. – It is a fact that we have a young team, but I also think I have to adapt to a different message.

‘The message is to try to improve this week. I think we worked really hard to try to improve in all areas. We talked a lot, but I think we need to be more positive.

“Of course we have to accept that (the squad’s youth) is a reality, but sometimes (I need to) keep my emotions and be more positive because we have a really good squad.

‘We have to support them and work hard to help them perform better in the next game. I’m happy with the way they trained this week.’

Noni Madueke (left) had given his team the lead with a header in the 66th minute

The Blues look to bounce back from disappointment on Monday against Everton at home

And he agreed that immediately after a match might not be the best time to analyze a performance.

“We are winners and we want to win,” he said. – We came here and accepted pressure, but we also knew that Chelsea’s history is to win. Sometimes after 90 minutes when you don’t win or you draw like against Sheffield you feel really disappointed and very frustrated and then you have to face you (the media) and be calm.

‘But I think there are still a lot of things to play (for) and we have to be positive and think positively. I will stop talking about negative things. We must be positive and create a good atmosphere.’

Ben Chilwell is back in training ahead of the Everton game, but Enzo Fernandez and Raheem Sterling are doubts.