Gary Neville is positive that Chelsea will mount a ‘surprise’ next season and is also in support of the club’s decision to name Mauricio Pochettino as the club’s new manager.
The Argentine looks set to return to the sidelines, following his sacking by Paris Saint-Germain just about a year ago.
It is far from an easy task though as Pochettino will take over a club currently experiencing what could best be described as a major crisis. In fact, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter have already been sacked this season while interim-manager Frank Lampard is yet to win a single game as well since his appointment.
The Blues currently find themselves in an unfamiliar position in mid-table, coupled with a five-game losing streak, ahead of Tuesday’s visit to Arsenal.
Lampard has failed to make things any better, following his return to Stamford Bridge but Neville believes he saw enough during the Blues’ goalless draw against Liverpool earlier this month, to suggest that a proper manager will more than positively turn things around for the West London side.
Neville backs Pochettino to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around
Speaking to the Overlap, Neville said: ‘Chelsea played Liverpool and there was something in that game that you saw in that collection of players and you thought they could be brought together by a talented coach.
“Pochettino I think is a really talented coach and I think Chelsea next year could really cause a surprise, just by Pochettino bringing the club together because he will. He’s likeable and the players will respect him enormously.”
“He’s worked at PSG and worked with big players, worked at Tottenham, worked at Southampton where he did a great job.”
He added: ‘I think he’ll do a very, very good job next season and he’ll cover a lot of the stuff that’s going on behind the scenes. Those players are perfect for Pochettino. Talented, young but just needing direction.
“I wanted Pochettino and United, that’s not to say I didn’t want Erik ten Hag. It was close and I’m happy we’ve got Ten Hag I think he’s done brilliantly well but Pochettino is a top coach who I’d be happy having at my club.”
Chelsea will now aim to return to winning ways but face a herculean task travelling to Emirates for a London Derby that could well be a tale of two sides.
The Blues have struggled to score goals this term and their tally of 30 goals scored means only three other sides have scored less.
