Former Manchester United midfielder makes bold Chelsea prediction ahead of next season

Nemanja Matic joined Chelsea in 2009 and after difficulties breaking into the first team, he spent a year on loan at Dutch side Vitesse before moving to Benfica in 2011 as part of a deal for Chelsea to sign Brazilian defender David Luiz.

He rejoined Chelsea in 2014 and spent three successful seasons at the club before joining Manchester United in the summer of 2017. 

Matic, who now plays for AS Roma after a reunion with former Chelsea and United manager Jose Mourinho, gave an exclusive interview to Sky Sports discussing the situation at his former club, Chelsea, and predicting a brighter outlook for the Blues next season.

"I have to say Chelsea did a great job signing so many talented players, but in the future, next season, they'll need to make some balance between experience and young players. 

When you sign six, seven or eight young top talented players they all expect to play and that is a problem.

"Some will need time to adapt to the Premier League. They will need six more months or one season to adapt, but during that transition, the experienced players can help them.

"I think at the end of the season they'll understand what the problem was and they will try to change. Next season I expect Chelsea to be much better, but it is going to be very difficult."

On Pochettino's imminent arrival as Chelsea's manager, Matic was positive about the Argentinian's chances of success.

"Mauricio Pochettino is a great manager. He showed at Spurs and PSG that he can play some great football. He has experience and I know he's very professional and a very honest person, so why not?"

Chelsea have a chance to end their season on a high after what has turned into a disastrous campaign, with exits in all cup competitions and a likely mid-table finish. 

The Blues take on Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night with a chance to potentially end the Gunners' title charge and potentially give the long-suffering Chelsea fans a boost.