Mauricio Pochettino says there are ‘many decisions’ to make over ‘too many players’ after his new-look Chelsea ease to win over Wrexham

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted there are lot of decisions to make with ‘too many players’ in the squad.

His new-look side secured a 5-0 win over Wrexham in North Carolina in their first pre-season friendly on Wednesday night.

Just five players from the starting XI had featured for the club before the encounter  as the Argentine continues his huge summer rebuild.

When asked if some of his team are playing for their futures, Pochettino said postgame: ‘There are too many players. 

‘We need to assess and analyze and see what happens with them in the season. Many decisions that we need to take. 

Mauricio Pochettino has admitted there are lot of decisions to make with ‘too many players’

‘But it is good to have the opportunity to see all these young guys who can show their quality. 

‘It is important for them and for us to have a real assessment. 

‘For sure all have quality, they need time and space to show they can compete for a place in the squad.

‘I don’t see it as a problem. For me it is a good thing we can have players during this pre-season, seeing them and evaluating them and seeing if they have potential for the future.’

Christopher Nkunku scored on his debut following his $69million summer move from RB Leipzig while Brazilian new boy Andrey Santos also impressed on his first start.

‘I am happy with all,’ Pochettino said.

‘Always difficult the first game. 50,000 people or more always this is difficult for them first game pre-season, the conditions, you can feel it was hot. I am happy. 

‘We will see what happens in the next few weeks and when we come back to England we will decide the future of these young players who maybe have future here or sometime can maybe be part of the squad. 

Ian Maatsen’s future is uncertain but the 21-year-old scored the opening two goals in 5-0 win

‘For sure great potential.’

Ian Maatsen, 21, is one of those whose future remains uncertain but he seized his chance on the left wing as he scored the first two goals of Chelsea’s comfortable victory over Tier 4 opposition.

He is prepared to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge after a fruitful loan spell with Burnley.

‘At the moment, I am really calm,’ he said after his brace. 

Christopher Nkunku scored on his Chelsea debut following his $69million summer move 

‘I am here now doing my best and that’s all I can do. Of course I want to stay but if I prove it every day in training and work hard in the matches then they will decide but hopefully I can stay here and progress.’

Chelsea will be boosted by the arrival of full-back Reece James, who teased he’d soon be linking up with the squad Stateside on Instagram prior to the sell-out tie in Chapel Hill.

Pochettino confirmed the England international would be back with the team but did not say whether it would be in time for the next game against Brighton on Saturday in Philadelphia.

‘I think he is better. He is flying soon and he is going to join the team soon,’ the Chelsea boss said.