says Chelsea are 'a long way off the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool' but insists  is a 'great manager' that 'needs time' to transform the club. 

Pochettino's side have had a largely underwhelming 2023-2024 campaign so far, losing eight drawing four and winning nine of their opening 21 Premier League matches. 

As a result, Chelsea are sitting ninth in the table - despite spending a world-record £448.5million on players during the window under their new ownership. 

Terry says Chelsea are a long way off challenging for the title but is confident Pochettino has what it takes to turn the team around after watching him 'work on a daily basis'.

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in this week, where he received the Player Career Award, Terry said: 'Unfortunately, Chelsea are a little bit off it at the moment. 

John Terry says Chelsea are 'a long way off the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool' but insists Mauricio Pochettino is a 'great manager' that 'needs time' to transform the club

Pochettino's side have had a largely underwhelming 2023-2024 campaign so far, losing eight drawing four and winning nine of their opening 21 Premier League matches

'But given time, the manager needs time, Poch is a great manager, I've seen him work on a daily basis. We are a young squad of players as well, but we are a long way off of the likes of Man City and at the moment.' 

Terry went on to discuss Manchester City, saying: 'You know what? I think we're seeing cycles. I think when I look back 10, 15 years ago. were dominating the . come along, we dominated for a little bit. Now Pep and are dominating. 

'I've said it for a little bit now, it's going to be hard to catch them. They're the best team, they've got some great individual players, and the way they do it year after year is incredible.

' 

The former Chelsea captain finished by saying: 'I managed to win the Premier League twice on the bounce, it's very difficult to do. I wish them well, they're a fantastic team.' 

Liverpool are currently sitting top of the Premier League table with Man City right behind