Chelsea will qualify for Europe, says Pochettino
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino believes a lack of European football this season will help his side but the Blues boss is confident he can bring the club back to Europe next season.
After a difficult season, Chelsea, who lifted the Champions League trophy in 2021, finished 12th in the Premier League, meaning they will not be involved when European football returns next week.
The Blues – who take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, currently sit 12th in the table after an up and down start to the new season under Pochettino, with injuries hampering the Argentinean manager at the start of his reign at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, who have four points after the opening four games, have been hit with several injury problems early in the new season, with full-back and captain Reece James, new striker Christopher Nkunku and central defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile among the key players on the sidelines.
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And while Pochettino admits no European football this season is a positive for his side as they combat the lengthy injury list they currently have, he insists they will be back in Europe next season with the quality he has in his squad.
“With the circumstances, I think it’s better for us [not to be in Europe] because we have 11 or 12 injured players,” he said. “I think it’s important now that we can recover and be more competitive.
“But for Chelsea it’s important to be involved in European competition, but that is not in my hands now. That is the reality.
“For sure, we are going to be involved in European competition next season. No doubt with the quality we have.”
Chelsea have suffered defeats at West Ham and at home to Nottingham Forest in what has been a stuttering start to the season for Pochettino and his side.