'He got me to keep believing': Gilchrist credits Pochettino with his progress in first senior season at Chelsea

Alfie Gilchrist has underlined the role of Mauricio Pochettino in his development in his first season with the first team at Chelsea.

"He has given me a lot of confidence and got me to keep believing and do my thing and play my football for Chelsea," Gilchrist said.

"He keeps us calm and tells us what to do. We are all still learning, and the support is brilliant.

"I feel like [he believed in me] after I came on after my debut at Palace. He started pushing me even more. I got my first start and built a good relationship with him from there."

Gilchrist is one of the few Chelsea players who will look back at this season fondly.

The 20-year-old has played a total of 16 games for the Blues and even scored his first goal in a 6-0 win over Everton.

'If I wasn't playing, I'd be in the stands with you': Gilchrist explains what Chelsea means to him