DIDIER DROGBA has backed Chelsea’s faltering young crop of players in an interview with Sky Sports.
And he even went as far as saying the Blues youngsters have the potential to be “the best team Chelsea have ever had”.
AFPChelsea icon Didier Drogba insists Mauricio Pochettino needs time[/caption]
AlamyHe says Chelsea’s current young crop of talent can be the team’s best ever[/caption]
The Blues have been woeful in the league again this season under Mauricio Pochettino, sitting in 11th after successive heavy defeats to Liverpool and Wolves.
Pochettino’s role has come under increased scrutiny, although the fact he’s in the final of the Carabao Cup appears to be giving him time.
The Blues also play Aston Villa in their fourth round replay tonight – opening the prospect that Chelsea could go on concurrent domestic cup runs.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Villa, Drogba said: “I think they’ve got good strikers. 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.”
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The Chelsea legend played in the Blues’ most iconic team in their history alongside Frank Lampard and John Terry – winning four Premier Leagues and a Champions League as well as numerous other trophies during his time in West London.
Todd Boehly‘s strategy since taking over Chelsea has been to invest heavily in young talent, but the plan has yet to come to fruition.
The club broke the British transfer record last January to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £107million when he was 22.
They repeated the trick last summer when they signed Moises Caicedo for £115million at the age of 21.
Mykhailo Mudryk also cost the Blues £97m and he is yet to make a considerable impact for the Blues.
In total, Boehly has spent over £1billlion on transfers since taking over the club – with it looking unlikely that they will turn their form around anytime soon.
According to Drogba though, it’s time to trust the process.