BBC pundit Alan Shearer says the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino will end up being a “good signing” for Chelsea.

Speaking on his The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer praised Pochettino‘s abilities as a manager and he is backing the Blues to challenge for the top four this season:

“I think that was a good signing Pochettino. I think he is a very intelligent, clever manager and they are not going to be as bad as they were last season. I don’t see them challenging for the title. I think if they can go from where they were last season to then challenging for the top four again that would be success for them.”

Based on Chelsea’s unbeaten preseason, it seems like Chelsea are moving in the right direction under Pochettino. The Argentine does seem to be the right fit for the London club, who are putting together a talented squad.

Pochettino has had experience developing young players during spells at Southampton and Tottenham, and he is the type of manager who helps those under his management realise their full potential

Chelsea’s top 4 chances under Pochettino

Considering the upheaval at the club over the summer, with the likes of Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and others all leaving, you wouldn’t have given many other managers much hope of qualifying for the Champions League in their first season in charge.

However, Pochettino has a proven track record in English football, and his reputation has undoubtedly given Shearer some confidence to predict that Chelsea will be in the hunt for the top four.

You still feel that, at least, two to three more signings will be needed to give the Blues the best possible chance of finishing high up in the table, but Pochettino does have a lot of talent to work with in his squad already.