Mauricio Pochettino insists he is ‘relaxed and calm’ as he interrupts reporter during post-match VAR rant

Mauricio Pochettino has denied being frustrated as he interrupted a reporter’s question after Chelsea’s draw against Aston Villa.

Having bounced back from losing 2-0 at Villa Park, the Blues’ euphoria quickly turned to anger after Axel Disasi’s spectacular 96th winner was ruled out by VAR after a lengthy delay.

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Noni Madueke had to be restrained as he berated referee Craig Pawson for the decision.

Under-pressure Chelsea boss Pochettino was also furious after the final whistle.

The Argentine launched into a lengthy rant while speaking to TNT after his side were denied all three points at the death, claiming VAR is “ruining the image of English football”.

The TNT Sport journalist began reacting to his statement by saying: “You are clearly frustrated…”

However, before she could finish her next question, Pochettino interrupted her and said: “I’m not frustrated, I’m relaxed, I’m calm.”

He then continued: “I don’t want to say anything bad. It’s only to help. The performance was very good and we played very well, it’s true in the first half, we conceded easily.

“The things we tried to change, the team didn’t concede too much. To face Villa who are fighting for the top four, I’m happy with the team and the players were good.

“I think it was what we expected and today was a good opportunity against a good team. Now we have to move on and it will be in the headlines with the disallowed goal. “

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Villa had initially taken the lead through a Marc Cucurella own goal before Morgan Rogers doubled their lead.

Madueke then halved the deficit in the 62nd minute before Conor Gallagher equalized in the 81st minute.

Chelsea remain ninth in the league after Saturday’s result, five points adrift of seventh – the Europa Conference League place and a chance for the Blues to return to European football.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa also remain fourth and seven points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham.