John Terry issues Mauricio Pochettino verdict after ‘long way off’ admission amid Man City & Liverpool praise

John Terry believes Chelsea are a ‘long way off’ Manchester City, however has called for patience and time under Mauricio Pochettino.

The former Chelsea captain, who won the Premier League five times with the Blues, was in attendance in Dubai at the Globe Soccer Awards where he received the Player Career Award.

Terry made 717 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions and played a major part in the most successful era of the club’s history under former owner Roman Abramovich, which saw him depart at the end of the 2016/17 season.

The current times at Chelsea under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership are well off the golden times celebrated in west London during Terry’s time. Times have changed and Chelsea’s new project is one of talented young players, who are being managed Pochettino following his summer appointment.

Man City are the current Champions of England, Europe and the World. It’s world domination under Pep Guardiola. Terry was asked to offer his verdict on City’s domination and believes it comes in cycles.

After collecting his Player Career Award, Terry said: “You know what? I think we’re seeing cycles. I think when I look back 10, 15 years ago. Man United were dominating the Premier League. Chelsea come along, we dominated for a little bit. Now Pep and Man City are dominating. 

“I’ve said it for a little bit now, it’s going to be hard to catch them. They’re the best team, they’ve got some great individual players, and the way they do it year after year is incredible.

“I managed to win the Premier League twice on the bounce, it’s very difficult to do. I wish them well, they’re a fantastic team.”

Chelsea are well off the pace in the Premier League, currently 9th and 14 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and 13 points behind Man City.

Pochettino’s side have a chance to reach the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday night when they welcome Middlesbrough to Stamford Bridge for the second leg semi-final, which Chelsea need to overturn a one goal deficit after defeat at the Riverside Stadium earlier this month.

Pressure has been placed on Pochettino and the owners this season when bad results have come, but Terry believes Chelsea need time and offered his support to the Argentine.

He added: “Unfortunately, Chelsea are a little bit off it at the moment.

“But given time, the manager needs time, Poch is a great manager, I’ve seen him work on a daily basis.

“We are a young squad of players as well, but we are a long way off of the likes of Man City and Liverpool at the moment.”