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Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that Chelsea are unlikely to finish in the Premier League top four this season judging by their performances so far.
The Blues are 10th on the league table after picking up just 19 points from their opening 15 games this season.
The 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in midweek leaves Chelsea trailing fourth-placed Manchester City by 11 points, and Pochettino, who was brought in over the summer to turn things around, has now revealed that Champions League football may not return to Stamford Bridge this season.
“We are going to challenge [for the top four], yes,” Pochettino said.
“Maybe not now, but for sure in the future.
“Who knows [when that will be]. I hope as soon as possible.”
Chelsea have a relatively easier set of fixtures coming up after the game against United, starting with this Sunday’s trip to Goodison to face Everton. Getting a win in that match could help restore some confidence in the ongoing project amongst the fans.