Didier Drogba believes that Chelsea’s current crop have the potential to be the best team in the club’s history, if given enough time to develop.
The Blues are in the midst of another woeful Premier League campaign. Successive defeats to Liverpool and Wolves have left them languishing in 11th, though they are in the final of the League Cup and contest an FA fourth round replay on Wednesday night.
Despite the positive cup showings – and rare bright sparks in the league – Pochettino is under mounting pressure as they face the prospect of ending another season in the bottom half.
Yet, the Stamford Bridge legend is holding out hope his former club can come good with the raft of youngsters they have recruited in recent transfer windows.
Drogba went as far to claim that they have the ability to be recognised as Chelsea’s best-ever team but he insisted the players need to be given time to improve, something he doubts will happen
‘I think they’ve got good strikers.’ The four-time Premier League winner told Sky Sports. ‘I think it’s not an easy moment for the club, but they have my support and my trust because Chelsea is still Chelsea
‘Those kids, those young players, they came to Chelsea because we created a legacy and they want to be part of this legacy.
‘Unfortunately there’s no time in football, but they will need time to adjust. You have to remember that when I joined Chelsea, this group of players were 24-27, we’re already there, ready for the game, they’re still learning, still young, they’re 22-24.
‘Give them time and when they reach their peak, people will be like, “wow, this is the new generation, the best team Chelsea ever had!”
‘It’s just a matter of time. I hope the vision will be quite similar as what we had when Roman Abramovich took the club.’
Chelsea were booed off after the 4-2 home defeat to Wolves on Sunday, which saw the visitors leapfrog the Blues in the table.
Pochettino is not thought to be under immediate danger of losing his job, with the Argentine still having 18 months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Mail Sport reported that the club are concerned sacking Pochettino and his staff could put them in danger of breaching Premier League spending rules.
The Blues travel to Villa Park on Wednesday night before trips to Crystal Palace and Manchester City before the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on February 25.
