Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that he is not sure Chelsea will finish in the top six in the Premier League next season.
He told TalkSport that the quality of the teams around them will make it difficult for the new manager to make the desired impact next season.
Pochettino will be relatively pleased with what he has seen so far in pre-season, as he gets to grips with his new Chelsea squad.
They were crowned champions of the Premier League summer series last weekend, with it being a competition where every team they faced finish above them in the league last season.
Agbonlahor gives Chelsea prediction
While there is still plenty of work to be done, supporters will have been convinced by numerous aspects, including the performances of new signings Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.
However, Agbonlahor is yet to be convinced, and has claimed that he thinks they will struggle to even make the top six next season.
He said: “I think he’ll [Pochettino] improve them. They’ve just got to find out that front three, and who’s going to play. Is it Madueke, Mudryk, Nkunku, Sterling. In midfield as well, who’s going to partner Enzo? Are they going to get Caicedo done before the season starts?
“You’d say they’re going to do better than last year, but I still don’t think they’ll finish in the top four. I’m not sure either [making top six]. I think teams like Aston Villa and Brighton are going nowhere.”
Fans will probably get a very early indicator of their quality this season in the opening fixture, when they host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.