England manager Gareth Southgate has claimed that he thinks Chelsea are going to finish in the top six again next season.
He told the Evening Standard that he thinks the squad at Stamford Bridge is far too strong for a repeat of this season to occur next time out.
Southgate recently had to make the decision to leave out one of his favourite players since taking over the Three Lions in Raheem Sterling.
A mutual decision between the player and manager has seen him take a step back from the international team to prepare for next season with Chelsea.
His first campaign in West London has not gone to plan, with him unable to establish himself as the star player he intended to be at Stamford Bridge.
Southgate backs Sterling for top six
However, reports have claimed he is still confident that things can be turned around, with it looking like another summer of all change is to come.
Southgate has now claimed that he believes Chelsea will be back up amongst the top sides in the league at the end of next season.
He said: “I can’t see a scenario where Chelsea aren’t in the top six next year. I think they will progress.
“They have an outstanding squad, so they are going to have a good season and I’m sure [Raheem Sterling] will be fundamental to that.”
It looks as if Mauricio Pochettino is now going to be the manager going into next season, with it being reported that terms have been agreed between the two parties.
It has already been claimed that the Argentine certainly sees the 28-year-old as part of his plans going forwards, as they look to recover from the dire season they have endured.