Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
Ex-Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been discussing his former club’s title chances.
Chelsea lost 2-1 to Premier League champions Arsenal last Sunday, but they are only three points behind their London rivals after managing to win their first two games of the campaign.
Despite Chelsea’s defensive frailties this season, many feel that they can challenge for the title, including Pochettino.
Mauricio Pochettino backs Chelsea to challenge for title
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Pochettino was asked whether he thinks Chelsea are title contenders.
In response, the USA boss said: “I think so. I think so. Of course they are disappointed after the defeat against Arsenal, but I think we need to give time to Xabi [Alonso], it’s his first season after three games in Premier League. I think we need to give him time and of course for Tottenham the same you know.
“Of course Arsenal is a more consistent team and, for me, Mikel [Arteta] is the best coach in the Premier League today and knowing what he needs to do. It’s going to be tough you know to beat them. But I think Chelsea and Tottenham can be a contender for the Premier League.”
The main aim for Chelsea this season will be qualifying for the Champions League, and they have enough firepower in their squad to achieve that.
Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro have started the campaign superbly and are already linking up brilliantly in attack.
Palmer and Rogers were unstoppable in Chelsea’s 6-3 win against Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
If the two England internationals keep playing like that, Chelsea will have no trouble returning to the top four and subsequently Europe’s elite competition.
Cole Palmer with Morgan Rogers of Chelsea
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Why Chelsea won’t finish above Arsenal
Chelsea have not won the Premier League title in nine years, the one that Pochettino has been talking about.
Supporters will not want it to be 10, but that seems inevitable, as it is hard to imagine Chelsea finishing above this Arsenal side.
The Gunners outclassed Chelsea at the Emirates and are a complete outfit. They can defend, attack and win in different ways.
Alonso will not be able to catch up with them in just one season. If the Spaniard does, he deserves a statue outside of Stamford Bridge! Hopefully we can at least run them close, but everyone should prepare for another straight shoot-out between Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League. Chelsea will probably have to wait until 2028 until they are in a position to become champions again.