Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino runs onto pitch to confront referee in angry exchange

Mauricio Pochettino was involved in a furious confrontation with the referee during his first match in charge of Chelsea.

The new Blues boss watched on as new signing Christopher Nkunku got off the mark as they thrashed Wrexham 5-0.

Ian Maatsen, who has just returned from a loan spell at Burnley, grabbed a first half double to give Chelsea a 2-0 advantage at the break.

However, Pochettino was fuming when the whistle went for half time.

He ran on to the pitch in North Carolina to furiously complain to the official for blowing his whistle earlier than expected.

Chelsea had just put together a promising counter-attack when the ref blew - leaving the 51-year-old incensed.

Poch, who had cut an animated figure on the touchline throughout the first half, engaged in a dialogue with the whistler to voice his displeasure at that attack being cut-short before eventually calming down and placing his arm around the official.

Pochettino getting furious that ref didn’t give us chance to counterattack in a friendly while someone said “that’s life” when we we’re getting robbed in a premier league game. The difference in mentality is clear pic.twitter.com/ObnS4SMgll

— 🌊 (@Vintage_Cfc) July 20, 2023

Fortunately for him his side were able to add to their advantage after the break against the League Two club that are owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Conor Gallagher added a third with ten minutes to go before the floodgates opened late on.

And then Ben Chilwell added the fifth deep into injury-time to ensure it was a five-star display.

Poch named a youthful side in the States, with just players from the starting XI featuring for the club before.

When asked if some of his team are playing for their futures, he said afterwards:

“There are too many players.

“We need to assess and analyze and see what happens with them in the season. Many decisions that we need to take. 

“But it is good to have the opportunity to see all these young guys who can show their quality.  It is important for them and for us to have a real assessment. 

“For sure all have quality, they need time and space to show they can compete for a place in the squad.

“I don't see it as a problem. For me it is a good thing we can have players during this pre-season, seeing them and evaluating them and seeing if they have potential for the future.”