Soccer-Pochettino says Chelsea show bravery to beat Leeds after criticism

Soccer Football - FA Cup - Fifth Round - Chelsea v Leeds United - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - February 28, 2024 Chelsea's Malo Gusto in action with Leeds United's Jaidon Anthony REUTERS/Tony Obrien

LONDON (Reuters) -Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino said his team showed bravery to beat Leeds United 3-2 in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday after being criticised for the way they lost the League Cup final to Liverpool at the weekend.

Conor Gallagher's winner in the 90th minute sent the Blues into the last eight, easing some of the pressure on Pochettino who has struggled to turn his expensive squad into a cohesive team since arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer.