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Mauricio Pochettino warns his players that the Chelsea badge counts for nothing against Middlesbrough and insists they must be on top form to avoid shock in the Carabao Cup

Mauricio Pochettino has warned Chelsea to be humble and think about their current 'reality' — not the club's history and badge — or they could be in for a shock against Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

In an unfortunate slip of the tongue that even he had to laugh at, Pochettino spoke about Chelsea preparing for a two-legged semi-final that will be '180 million' rather than minutes.

Money is never far from the conversation around Chelsea and the gap in resources between the Blues and Championship Boro is one reason why the Londoners are big favourites to reach the Carabao Cup final.