WATCH: Pochettino backs Chelsea to be ‘much better’ next season after securing European qualification | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino says he is “so pleased and so proud” after his Chelsea team qualified for Europe with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth on the final day of the Premier League season.

A stunning strike from inside his own half from Moises Caicedo and Raheem Sterling’s second-half goal meant the Blues finished sixth, which will at least be enough for a Conference League spot and could yet mean they reach the Europa League if Manchester City win the FA Cup.

Pochettino is also backing the club to improve next season after a fine second half of the campaign.

He said: “I’m so pleased and so proud about the players. You could see at the end of the game, players who played more and less and were injured, the way they came to hug me.

“It was very, very, very nice. We talk about the relationship we have – sometimes we are tough with them and sometimes we need to make our choices – but we feel so proud in the way they were working.

“Even when tough moments happened during the season, they always showed their respect to us and their belief in the way we presented our job.

“Always, you can improve. They are going to be much better next season because they will have one year of experience, a tough experience.

“That is the advantage of being solid and consistent and not making too many changes. Next season if we keep 80-85% of the squad, for sure, it is a big step forward because it is about having continuity in the ideas and the knowledge between them. That is important for the club.”

Pochettino also revealed he went for dinner with co-owner of the club Todd Boehly on Friday amid speculation around his future, adding: “If I invite you along, and you and me have dinner, it’s not for bad things. I don’t believe that.”

Watch his full press conference here: