Mauricio Pochettino: “Trust In The Car But It Is The Driver That Is The Problem”

• VAR: Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says he ‘trusts the car but the driver is the problem’.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said he “trusts in the car but it is the driver that is the problem” amid the ongoing debate around the use of video assistant referee technology.

Liverpool were wrongly denied a goal against Tottenham last weekend because of “a significant human error”.

Pochettino says he is in favour of the technology but would like to see its use during matches simplified.

“We understand people make mistakes, it is not easy,” Pochettino said.

“I think when the referee makes mistakes, we can all accept [it]. When it happens with technology it is difficult to understand.”

He added: “For me it is about simplifying the situation. The most important is to return to giving [more] power to the referee. I think one step back may make things easier and more clear.”

While insisting he trusts VAR after initially being critical, Pochettino said he would only keep the offside and goalline aspects of the technology.

Luis Diaz’s goal was incorrectly disallowed at 0-0 last Saturday despite replays showing he was onside. A breakdown in communications between the on-pitch officials and VAR teams meant the original decision was not overturned.

Also speaking on Friday, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou accepted Liverpool were denied a “legitimate goal” but said it was “clear it wasn’t an integrity issue” which caused the error.