I need to know them – Pochettino on new Chelsea captain

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has said he has not decided on the team’s new captain after Cesar Azpilicueta left the club this summer.

According to Pochettino, he will evaluate the squad he inherited before announcing his decision.

Azpilicueta, who replaced Gary Cahill as skipper four years ago, has joined Atletico Madrid after 11 years at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard was granted permission to terminate his contract early and return to Spain.

Pochettino is, however, in no rush to decide who will be Azpilicueta’s successor.

“The next captain? Well, first of all, we need to close the squad.

“And then I need to know all the players. I think I need to feel the players, I need to feel the commitment, I need to feel the character and personalities.

“One thing is looking from outside; another is when you are working with them—for positive and not so positive.

“First of all, we need to close the squad, and then we have many players who have experience, and then we will decide,” Pochettino said.