Raheem Sterling has become the first player to comment at length on Mauricio Pochettino being appointed new Chelsea manager.

Pochettino was named Blues manager on Monday.

"From his time before at Tottenham, I heard a conversation about him and he's the exact person that we need," Sterling told Arab News.

"He will bring leadership, he will challenge players physically and mentally and I think he is going to come here and he is going to have the personality that everyone is going to respect.

"That's what we need, someone in charge."

He added: "We have a good squad, the quality is there. We will add some players and some will leave, I get it, but there's no doubt in my mind we will be challenging again very soon.

"It's been hard work, it's been a tough season, but I always believe after tough times there will be good times if you keep working hard.