Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has said Mauricio Pochettino is an ‘outstanding appointment’ and has tipped Chelsea to be competitive under the Argentine tactician.

The Blues are expected to formally announce the arrival of Pochettino imminently having reached a full agreement with the former Tottenham boss.

Richards told Daily Mail: “A miserable season for Chelsea will soon be over and I will say this now: it will not be repeated next year.

“Mauricio Pochettino is an outstanding appointment and will make them competitive.

“There are some big decisions to make with the squad but he is inheriting talent. They could take off.”