Cesar
Azpilicueta says he and his Chelsea team-mates understand why a number of
the club's fans have voiced their displeasure at matches this season.
Against Cardiff on Sunday, Chelsea fans were openly critical of Maurizio
Sarri's tactics, just as they were during their defeat to Manchester United
in the FA Cup in February.
The head coach also irritated Chelsea fans on Friday when he revealed he had
only watched a small part of Callum Hudson-Odoi's impressive first start for
England against Montenegro during the international break, and then left him
on the bench for the entirety of the game at the Cardiff City Stadium.
But Azpilicueta, who has captained the team for the majority of the season
in the absence of the out-of-favour Gary Cahill, defended the dissenting
supporters, telling Sky Sports News: "I cannot complain about the fans.
"We have to give them something to enjoy on the pitch. With recent
performances, it is normal they are not happy. It's up to us to turn this
around.
"We have always had their support in the bad moments, and when things are
going well, we all enjoy them together.
"We have a great chance starting Wednesday [against Brighton] at the Bridge
to play a great game and create a great atmosphere."
Chelsea's 2-1 victory at Cardiff, secured thanks to a goal from Azpilicueta
that was clearly offside and a stoppage-time header from Ruben Loftus-Cheek,
was only the second time they have come from behind to win in the Premier
League this season.
The first occasion was also against Cardiff, during the home game in
September, and Azpilicueta admitted they do not usually "come back from bad
results".
He said: "I think in the last couple of games, the performances have not
been at our level. We didn't create a lot of chances, we conceded goals in
an easy way. I think there is a lot to improve.
"We are nearly at the end of the season so we must step up. Yesterday we
showed great character because we normally don't come back from bad results.
Yesterday was the second time in the Premier League that we did so.
"We got the three points but we have to be critical and we know we have to
do better."
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