Pochettino wants one-time Chelsea star to return to compete with this player

I was thoroughly unconvinced by Kepa at Chelsea. Whether it was the Carabao Cup conflict with Maurizio Sarri or general clangers influencing me, I never thought he'd make it as No.1. Despite being one of few CFC standouts in 2022/23, he left for Spain. Now this:

"He's [Kepa] helped Real to the top of La Liga at Christmas, but according to Spanish media outlet AS, his ambition to still be in Spain next season won't be realised. Instead, it's increasingly likely that he returns to Chelsea, where Pochettino wants him to compete with [Robert] Sanchez for selection."

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino reflects on campaign at halfway stage

PoL is fairly fed up of excuses for Blues stars and absolute blame for Mauricio Pochettino in spite of a minimal amount of errors. Nonetheless, the former Tottenham Hotspur gaffer must begin motivating the group to victory awkward yet winnable encounters, such as versus Crystal Palace. If not, the Argentine will no doubt be removed at some stage of the slow development on Fulham Road. Let's hope 'Poch' turns it around - and fast!

If the unwanted scenario of Poch being sacked eventually transpires, another manager is unlikely to produce better results with the same personnel. And, at some point, even if two more transfer windows are necessary for correct and adequate recruitment, the ex-Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain gaffer will bring back some form of glory at the Bridge.

So what does Pochettino make of 2023/24 as we head into the New Year? Well, that is an interesting prospect. Basically, the 51-year-old declares the campaign as "not bad", which is fairly candid. I would assert that CFC's overall performance this term is essentially not good enough. But with some promise, when considering matches versus Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.