Mauricio Pochettino faced the media on Tuesday afternoon as him and his Chelsea squad prepare for a different kind of test in Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday evening. The Blues will be determined to bounce back from Saturday's disappointing defeat to Brentford with a win in the Carabao Cup round of 16.

The loss to the Bees was another setback for Chelsea in what has been a stop-start beginning to the season for Pochettino. After four games unbeaten in all competitions, it was a reminder – if at all needed – of just how much work there is to be done for him and his backroom staff.

Pochettino addressed that in one of the opening questions of his pre-match press conference. That, and so much more, is down below.

How much work needs to be done

Pochettino was asked about how much work still needs to be done with this long-term project at Chelsea after the side's latest setback at the weekend. The Argentine is in no doubt about the hard work that is required, but that is something he has reiterated since taking the job in the summer.

"Always it's about to try and create something new, to build a project like we're building, we always have to work really hard," Pochettino told reporters at Cobham. "But of course the circumstances we have are not helping.

"[It's hard] to go as fast as we want. The process is up and down and we're disappointed when we don't win, of course, because the competition is there and we want to be higher. But it's about to keep believing and to work."

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Messi 'the best' after eighth Ballon d'Or trophy

Pochettino was delighted for his fellow Argentine Lionel Messi, who he coached at Paris Saint-Germain, after he was awarded his eighth Ballon d'Or trophy on Monday evening after another fabulous 12 months for club and country. The 36-year-old helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup last year and starred in one of the most dramatic finals we have ever seen in the competition's history.

"Yes, an incredible achievement," Pochettino said on Messi's latest Ballon d'Or. "I think he deserves [the trophy]. He's the best and he's very important to Argentina. A coach, like I am, the opportunity to coach him and to share the same nationality, it's a big happiness. Congratulations to him, it's amazing."

Clear Nkunku point made

Christopher Nkunku picked up a serious knee injury at the end of pre-season for Chelsea, meaning the France international is yet to make his competitive debut after signing in the summer. Nkunku is due back in December time as he continues his recovery from the injury.

Pochettino was quick to point out, with plenty of criticism regarding the lack of goals Chelsea have scored this term, that Nkunku was signed in the summer to try and solve this clear problem. "I think it's not fair to talk because there are so many details," the Chelsea head coach responded when asked about his side's form this season.

"You need always some luck. I think one of the situations that happened is the injury of Nkunku, who was signed with the objective to provide the team goals and help in a different position."