Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has revealed what Chelsea now have that was lacking last season.

Melchiot said: “Competition is very important. Last season Chelsea had lots of players but there was no competition. You need players who can deliver and make the team better, offer something different.”

Premier League pundit Robbie Earle has hailed Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino as more than just a football manager.

Earle said: “Mauricio Pochettino is more than just a football manager. He makes better footballers and better people, he has that relationship with his team.”