Mauricio Pochettino took charge of his inaugural training session as the new Chelsea manager, having been appointed in May on a three-year contract on July 4.
With the squad lacking confidence after finishing 12th in the Premier League last season, Pochettino faces the immediate challenge of revitalizing their spirits.
In his first interview, he struck a chord by expressing his determination to restore Chelsea to its rightful place.
During the interview, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss issued a rallying cry to his players, urging them to step up and embrace leadership roles on the pitch if they aspire to achieve significant accomplishments.
“We need leaders, not followers, in every single area and we will push every person to bring their best and give their best for the club,” Pochettino stated, via Chelsea’s official website.
With numerous exits already witnessed and more players expected to follow in the summer, Pochettino will be required to come up with a new captaincy pool.
Current skipper, Cesar Azpilicueta, is on his way to Atletico Madrid on a free transfer after serving the Blues religiously for the last 11 years. His vice-captain, Jorginho, swapped West London for North London in January.
Other wearers of the band last season, like N’Golo Kante, Matteo Kovacic, and Mason Mount, have also left the club. The Evening Standard reports that Pochettino will make up a decision on his new captain at the end of the preseason.
Who will captain Chelsea next?
Thiago Silva is the strong favourite to take over captaincy duties on a full-time basis. The veteran Brazilian centre-back is still going strong as he gets into the final year of his Chelsea contract.
Other candidates include academy graduate Reece James, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – who has worn the armband before – and Raheem Sterling, who was one of the captains at his former club, Manchester City.
Chelsea are set to tour the United States for their preseason matches, with the new skipper to be announced sometime then.
Pochettino makes stylish Cobham arrival
Sports Brief also reported on Pochettino arriving at Cobham in style to officially begin work, having been held back by an exit clause in his Paris Saint-Germain contract when he was sacked.
He arrived in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class SUV along with his assistant, Jesus Perez, and his son, Sebastiano, who works as a fitness coach. The fans applauded his style on social media.