More is to come from the squad. That is the message from the Argentine coach as we move into the second half of the Premier League season with a game against Luton Town this afternoon.

‘To keep believing is the most important thing,' Pochettino replied when asked about his hopes for 2024 ahead of the trip to Kenilworth Road.

'We are doing a job that is going to pay off when the circumstances are a little different. Too many negative things have happened and the circumstances we are fighting [such as injuries] have been tough.

'We are doing things in the right way. Sometimes we are not getting the results we deserve but we need to keep believing and pushing. Of course, if we detect we need to change something to improve [in the January transfer window], we are more than open.

'We are very analytical and analyse ourselves to try to help the team in the best way possible.’

There were several examples during the first half of the campaign of the quality and potential within the Chelsea squad.

The Blues won emphatically at Tottenham Hotspur, went punch-for-punch against Man City at Stamford Bridge, and progressed to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. Yet those were dampened by frustrating defeats, both at home and on the road.

'For me, it’s about being consistent,' said Pochettino. 'That is for me the challenge [in the second half of the campaign]. With the players we already have we can do a very good season, but it’s still about improving.

'We were talking [after Crystal Palace] about the starting XI being the club’s youngest ever in the Premier League, that is something with time we can turn into a positive with the way we play.

'But talent is not enough. It’s talent plus mentality and experience together. With time, we are going to arrive at the level where we can compete for big things.’