Mauricio Pochettino says more Chelsea stars can expect to move on as the new Blues boss continues to reduce numbers.
Last season’s recruitment drive left the Pensioners with no shortage of players and a boated unbalanced, something new boss Pochettino knows must be addressed if the club are to challenge at the top of Premier League table this time around.
A dozen players have departed so far this summer and the manager said after the 1-1 friendly draw with Newcastle in Atlanta that is highly unlikely to be the end of the cull.
Pochettino explained: “We are 29 players here and the squad is massive.
“It is about creating a squad with good balance and people who can play and can compete for their place.
“That is a big job and challenge for us in the transfer window to build a good relationship and good balance.
“If players are not happy because they believe they are not going to play, we are going to find a solution with the club and fix the situation.”
The honours were shared against Newcastle after Chelsea’s opener by Nicolas Jackson, a summer capture from Villareal, was cancelled out by Miguel Almiron.
Jackson now has two pre-season goals to his name from the trip to America and his new boss believes the Gambian has shown already he will adapt to English football’
Pochettino said: “I think he has showed his quality and talent: he is good in front of the goal, very relaxed when he has the chances.
“He has shown that in the games.
“I am happy because a striker needs to score to build confidence and trust.
“He was in La Liga, which is also really competitive but he needs sot adapt to the Premier League.
“The tempo is higher than La Liga – more transitions, being connected with the game.
“There are many things that make the Premier League one of the best, one of the most competitive – and one is the physical condition.”
