The Blues were beaten 2-1 at Molineux, with Christopher Nkunku’s first goal in Chelsea blue proving to be in vain following strikes for the home side from Mario Lemina and Matt Doherty resigning us to defeat.

Chelsea created a number of chances, especially in the first 45 minutes, but were unable to break through Jose Sa in the Wolves goal and, according to our head coach, that allowed the hosts to come back into the tie and, ultimately, claim the three points.

‘Of course, we feel very disappointed,’ Pochettino assessed. ‘I think we deserve much more than we got but we cannot hide from the fact that in a competition as strong as the Premier League, if you are not clinical then you cannot complain [at the result].

‘We created a lot of chances in the first half but did not score. We dominated the possession and didn’t allow a single shot on target from Wolves in the first half, so I think we should have gone in at half-time with a different score.

‘In the second half, we conceded a few corners and then allowed Wolves to take the lead. They were more clinical and that is why the result is as it is.’

Pochettino was asked whether he thinks confidence in the side is an issue…

‘We’ve spoken a lot, since the start of the season, and we know we are a young team,’ added Mauricio. ‘Some of these players are playing in the Premier League for the first time and they need to gain confidence playing at this level.

‘They need to adapt to play at this level and, of course, it is about confidence and belief in themselves. We are a young team that needs to learn from games like this. We know we can still improve and that is something we need to work on.

The head coach was pleased to see Nkunku on the scoresheet…

‘I’m very pleased to see Nkunku score and it shows how important he can be for us,’ Pochettino said of the French international.

‘We cannot put too much pressure on him, he’s been out for a very long time and that is why he came on after 60 minutes – to help ease him in.

‘He’s a quality player who can score goals and we are pleased he did that today, although of course we are disappointed not to win the game.

‘Christo needs time to arrive in this way but we are very confident in him to get to his best and be a key player for us.’