Ex-USMNT star makes Chelsea Champions League prediction with Pochettino amid owner 'disaster'

Former Tottenham and USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel has backed Chelsea to make a return to the top four this season, believingMauricio Pochettino is the right man to guide them forwards. It comes after a difficult start to the campaign for the Blues, but there has been some hopes of a revival.

The west Londoners finished last season in the bottom half, calling upon Pochettino this summer to pick up the pieces and harness the young side to push on and improve. Early performances have suggested that Chelsea carry a greater threat, but results haven't quite matched.

Two draws and three defeats in the opening six games left the Blues in a difficult position, but victory in the EFL Cup over Brighton was followed up by a win against near neighbours Fulham. It has brought about some positivity that the side can build confidence and go on a winning run of games.

«In football, you always need to be ready for everything,» Pochettino said on this being a possible turning point for Chelsea. «Now we are focusing to try and prepare the game sat which will be tough also. It's to keep working, give the players belief after two victories…

»Keep designing the plan to provide them the best tools to perform and when you keep pushing and pushing you deserve what you wanted and so happy for the players. Now ready for Saturday and to recover all the players and hopefully not a big issue. Then we can choose the best XI on Saturday to compete."

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