Mauricio Pochettino has aimed a sly dig at Manchester City in his first interview as Chelsea manager. The Argentine signed a two-year deal - with the option of a third year - at the club last month and officially started his new role on Saturday, July 1.
Chelsea are hoping that Pochettino can lead the club back into the Champions League and challenging for trophies on a consistent basis. The Blues boss has already welcomed Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea continue to complete their transfer business this summer.
There have been plenty of outgoings at the club already with Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz all leaving for new challenges. More signings and departures are expected as Pochettino looks to refresh the squad ahead of an important first season in charge.
City have set the benchmark in the Premier League over the last six years - winning five titles and dominating domestic competition. Pep Guardiola's side completed a historic treble last term as they finally lifted the Champions League.
Chelsea finished a whopping 45 points behind City in the Premier League last season and Pochettino has been given the huge task of closing that gap swiftly. The Argentine is clearly excited about the opportunity at Stamford Bridge and has already said everything fans were desperate to hear from their new manager.
In his first interview at Cobham, Pochettino aimed a sly dig at City with a huge claim regarding Chelsea's history and achievements in the last decade. The 51-year-old said: "I think it’s important and it’s a culture of winning. In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England.
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"I know very well the Premier League and what the culture of Chelsea means. I think our fans are excited to again be on the road of trying to win."
The Blues are clearly planning for a quick return back towards the top of the Premier League. Pochettino is pushing to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton following the arrivals of Jackson and Nkunku - and Chelsea will be hoping the new signings can make a bigger impact than some of their previous additions in the last 12 months.
