FORMER Manchester Metropolis star Micah Richards believes Chelsea will problem for a spot within the prime 4 subsequent season.
The Blues completed the 2022-23 marketing campaign within the backside half of the Premier League desk for the primary time since 1996, regardless of spending nearly £600million on 16 new gamers over the previous yr.
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Nonetheless, Richards is satisfied that they may bounce again subsequent season underneath the administration of Mauricio Pochettino.
When talking as a pundit on Sky Sports, the ex-England defender mentioned: “I believe Chelsea are going to be actually good subsequent season underneath Poch. High 4, difficult possibly just a little bit extra.
“The gamers that they’ve received, Christopher Nkunku coming in. They want a striker, they’ll get that sorted, however I believe Chelsea will probably be difficult massive subsequent season.”
Richards then went on to focus on the significance of Reece James‘ probably return to full health in addition to the impression that Wesley Fofana might have.
Nonetheless, his touch upon the Frenchman didn’t go down effectively with fellow pundit Roy Keane.
The previous Manchester United star claimed: “Who?! He’s been dreadful, he’s been dreadful!”
Jamie Carragher was fast to agree and spotlight the issues in Chelsea’s recruitment course of.
He added: “I do know they’ve spent some huge cash, however who’re these gamers?
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“I believe [Enzo] Fernandez has received nice pedigree. The goalkeeper is an issue, they’ve received no striker, [Nkunku] would possibly are available and make a distinction, Mykhailo Mudryk has clearly are available for some huge cash, he’s received pedigree however…”
Many followers on social media appeared to agree with Carragher and Keane.
One individual tweeted: “Many of the gamers they’ve are bang common.”
One other added: “Carra is true. Reece James is at all times injured now, can’t depend on him for a full season. To me Chilwell and James can solely play for a number of months then they’ll miss majority of the season by accidents.”
A 3rd wrote: “twelfth to prime 4?? Their points are too massive, Poch is a prime coach, however it should take time attending to know a few of these guys and all that. Finest Chelsea can do subsequent yr is sixth.”
Whereas a fourth joked: “Yeah prime 4 of the relegation zone.”
Chelsea are anticipated to announce Pochettino because the membership’s new first crew supervisor within the subsequent few weeks.
The previous Tottenham supervisor has already signed a three-year contract with the Blues, however he won’t be able to start out work till July 1.
