Chelsea legend John Terry implores Todd Boehly to give Mauricio Pochettino 'time' as ex-Blues defender backs 'great manager' to turn things around at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have endured a couple of poor seasons under Todd Boehly's stewardship, despite the American spending over £1 billion ($1.27bn) in transfers. Pochettino was brought to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023 to guide the young, yet disjointed, Blues side from mid-table mediocrity to the upper reaches of the Premier League. However, the Argentinian has struggled to pick up results, even whilst playing well, and the Blues sit ninth in the table.

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, Terry said: "Unfortunately, Chelsea are a little bit off it at the moment. But given time, the manager needs time, Poch is a great manager, I've seen him work on a daily basis. We are a young squad of players as well, but we are a long way off of the likes of Man City and Liverpool at the moment."

Not only are Chelsea a long way off the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, but they are also some way adrift of top-four hopefuls Aston Villa and West Ham. The Blues' dreadful 2023 did little to raise optimism that the side would return to the Champions League any time soon. Yet, Pochettino is managing to get some tune out of his young squad, with Cole Palmer the stand-out performer. Maybe patience will be a virtue for Chelsea.

Chelsea have work to do if they are to overturn a 1-0 first leg defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. The Blues face Boro at home on Tuesday knowing victory by two clear goals will ensure a trip to Wembley for the final next month.