Jamie Redknapp makes bleak Chelsea prediction ahead of Mauricio Pochettino move

Jamie Redknapp believes Chelsea will be a ‘long way off’ challenging for the title next season and says it could take ‘a few years’ for the Blues to be in a position to win the Premier League again.

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Chelsea’s miserable season continued on Sunday as Frank Lampard’s side were beaten 1-0 by champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite spending almost £600 on new signings over the past 12 months, Chelsea have slipped to 12th in the Premier League – 45 points behind City and 26 outside the top-four places.

Chelsea hope the imminent arrival of new manager Mauricio Pochettino can turn the tide at Stamford Bridge and lead to the kind of success which saw the club win five league titles under Roman Abramovich.

But Redknapp is not convinced that the presence of Pochettino will produce immediate success and expects Chelsea to be a ‘long way’ off the title race next season.

Asked if he believed Chelsea could compete with Man City next season, Redknapp told Sky Sports: ‘No, not next season.

‘I think they will be a long way off. It’s going to take a few years for Chelsea to get in that position again.

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‘I don’t see who can compete with Man City right now, they’re going to get stronger and stronger.

‘They’re incredible – if you like football, you like this team. There’s nothing to dislike about the way they play. It’s total football, they’re a joy.’

Chelsea caretaker boss Lampard heaped praise on Premier League champions Manchester City after the 1-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

‘I think they are outstanding,’ he said. ‘They’ve shown to be outstanding and that’s why they’re on for a possible treble.

‘Their level of play in the last two months has been outstanding. I think they’ve set a benchmark that’s pulled them apart.

‘They’ve built this over years – incredible vision of a club. I worked here for a year I understand the people at the top and how well organised it is and then they’ve bought in a great coach and so many good players. They are the benchmark.’

Asked how Chelsea can reduce the gap to Man City, Lampard added: ‘City have not won three in a row through trotting out at intensity or just going through the week.

‘They work and work and work – Pep’s work in terms of changing the team and keep moving it forward and all those things. Everyone involved to get to this level where you’re lifting trophies, there’s a load of work.

‘The players just have to understand that, if I want to get there and be like Haaland and De Bruyne today, I need to put in the work.’

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