Gary Cahill exclusive: Proof Mauricio Pochettino is making progress at Chelsea is clear to see

Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has urged supporters to show patience with Mauricio Pochettino and says recent performances are proof of progress at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino came in for more criticism from fans before the international break when he faced chanted of “you don’t know what you’re doing” during the FA Cup over Leicester.

Chelsea are languishing down in 11th in the table but they have an FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City on the horizon and Cahill believes Pochettino deserves time to get it right.

The Blues return to action at home to Burnley on Saturday and Cahill is confident the project with young players at Stamford Bridge will eventually come good.

“It is clear that it is going to take time,” Cahill, who won eight match trophies in seven years at Chelsea, told Standard Sport.

“The average age of the squad is very, very young. I was at the League Cup Final and they had chances to win that. It would have been a good moment for them. But the squad is still growing, learning and adapting to all the changes.

“That’s not going to happen overnight. They need patience to get to where they need to and how they grow. It is understandable why there is frustration. But the manager has experience with big clubs and big players so, yes, it will be good in time.

“The cups have been important. The FA Cup is another chance to have that day out, to develop while trying to win a trophy here and there. This young squad needs to develop before seeing where they can get to.”

Cahill believes the progress of certain young players shows Pochettino’s methods are working.

“I’ve enjoyed watching Levi [Colwill], who is developing all the time,” he says. “He has got bags and bags of potential.

“I like [Conor] Gallagher, who I think is one of the best players at the moment. I like the way he goes about his game, his pressing, his professionalism, and him just being a great footballer. I believe his attributes can rub off on the rest of the squad. That would be great.

“I think Enzo [Fernandez] and [Moises] Caicedo’s midfield partnership is coming on and getting stronger. Cole Palmer is having a fantastic season and is a shining light. I think [Axel] Disasi and [Malo] Gusto have adapted to Chelsea.

"It is not just about adapting to the Premier League but a club like Chelsea. That’s what these players are grasping and learning. If they can’t handle it, they won’t stay here, but that’s what I mean by how this season is useful for developing a potentially better next season or two.”

Cahill retired in 2022 after spells at Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, but he will get his boots back on when he lines up for the England XI at Soccer Aid at Stamford Bridge in June.

“I feel lucky in the way I retired that it didn’t creep up on me due to injury which sometimes happens to players,” he says.

“I just didn’t get a club. It was a natural end. I thought I might finish after signing for Bournemouth anyway. Personally, it has made it easier for me. I have spoken to some ex-players, and some people really struggled. I feel lucky and content with retiring.

“I really enjoy being part of Soccer Aid, knowing the cause that it is for - the whole thing was a blast last year and it will be a great time.”

Soccer Aid for Unicef 2024 takes place on June 9 at Stamford Bridge, with tickets available at www.socceraid.org.uk/tickets