Fifth-place finish would be ´amazing´ for Chelsea, claims Pochettino

Finishing fifth in the Premier League would be an “amazing” end to the season for Chelsea, so says Mauricio Pochettino.

Chelsea have reeled off five straight wins to put themselves in pole position to clinch a European spot.

The Blues sit sixth ahead of facing Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. If they win and Tottenham lose to Sheffield United, then they will finish fifth.

However, should Chelsea lose, then they will be overtaken by Newcastle United, should the Magpies beat Brentford.

“It’s really important for us to finish in the way we are doing now, with the confidence and the way we are playing in the last few months,” Pochettino said.

“It’s really important for the team, players, club to achieve one of the objectives, to play in Europe next season.

“If we end up fifth, it’ll be amazing for us. We need to do our job then see what’s going on.

“It’s going to be a really tough game because Bournemouth are doing so well. Andoni Iraola is doing a good job but most important is to finish well and see if we have the chance to get the place [in Europe].”

Bournemouth boss Iraola has been nominated for the Premier League’s Manager of the Season award, and this week penned a contract extension.

“I think it was quite fast and quite easy,” Iraola said when reflecting on the decision to extend his terms.

“We started talking and with managers I don’t feel it’s so important, a contract, as with players. In the end, managers have to perform well, you have to keep winning games.

“Otherwise you are going to be in trouble, it doesn’t matter the contract you have.

“I think it is more a matter of renewing the confidence. It has been our first season together.

“I am happy that everyone is in a good place and we can continue working together.”

For one final time this Sunday…