The Blues have brought themselves back into the race for continental football following a run of positive results in the Premier League that have seen Chelsea lose only once in their last 12 matches in the top-flight.

Boss Pochettino believes it is vital to end the season positively with the head coach explaining that it can be ‘contagious’ ahead of the following campaign.

‘To finish strong is the most important thing,’ Pochettino began.

‘Last season, if you remember, it was difficult to have good results at Stamford Bridge. It can be contagious for next season.

‘So if we finish strong this season, being very good at Stamford Bridge – and the record is fantastic over the last ten games – you can project for next season to keep the same energy and performance.’

Speaking about the potential for continental qualification, Pochettino acknowledged the feat as an objective heading into this evening’s match against the Reds at the City Ground.

‘To achieve something like this is important for every single club,’ Mauricio continued.

‘It is an objective that is there, it’s true it’s going to be hard to get, but the most important thing now is to repeat our performance of the last few weeks against Nottingham Forest and not think too much.

‘It’s about repeating that, approach the game being focused, and we know very well that if we win the last three games we will have the possibility to be in a place that will allow us to play in Europe next season.’

And the boss will be hoping that our top goalscorer Cole Palmer will continue this blistering reign of form, with the 22-year-old having been nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards – winning the club’s equivalent prizes earlier this week.

‘What he has achieved is massive,’ Pochettino added.

‘For me, he is a winner even if in the end he doesn’t take the trophy. The level he has reached is amazing for us, the club, his team-mates and for himself. We will see what happens but this season he has been fantastic.’