The Blues travel to the Midlands tomorrow evening for a fourth round replay at Villa Park. A place in the last 16 of the competition is up for grabs, and a response is required after the disappointing defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

Pochettino has accepted the criticism he and his players have received following Sunday’s loss.

But with a Carabao Cup final on the horizon and still plenty to play for in the Premier League, the Argentine is hopeful of re-establishing the bond between those on the pitch and the supporters in the stands.

‘We need to create a good connection with the fans,’ Pochettino told the media ahead of the cup tie. ‘It’s our responsibility to create that connection, to find something between us that is appreciated.

'That is something we have thought about in the last few weeks. The fans need to see from us that we care about the club – and I promise to every single fan the players want to perform and win games.'

Sunday's home defeat to Wolves, our first in 11 matches at Stamford Bridge, came after an equally difficult night on the road at Anfield. But the Blues have impressed in the two domestic cup competitions this season, with six wins recorded (including penalty shootouts).

And moving forward, Pochettino insists his players are keen to create a synergy with the supporters, starting with a huge cup tie at Villa.

'The players suffer a lot when they are not performing, they feel that responsibility,' added Pochettino.

'They are desperate to receive love from the fans but they understand the situation. When we don’t perform or get the result, it’s normal there is criticism from supporters.

'So, this is something we need to create together and I think the team will achieve that. The players need to feel the engagement with the fans, their energy, and that depends on us to show the right energy in every single game we play.’