Chelsea Should Build Team Around Mason Mount, Says Emmanuel Petit

Emmanuel Petit wants Chelsea to hold onto Mason Mount. Mount has been linked with a transfer away but Petit thinks Chelsea should build their team around him.

Emmanuel Petit believes that Chelsea should hold onto Mason Mount.

Reports this week linked Mount with a possible summer move to Manchester United, but Petit feels that selling the 24-year-old would be unwise.

Ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is widely expected to take over at Stamford Bridge before the start of next season.

Petit would like to see Pochettino build around a core of talented homegrown players, including Mount and right-back Reece James.

"I hope Chelsea can keep Mason Mount as a potential player to build the team around," Petit told FanNation Futbol.

Mason Mount has been at Chelsea since 2005 when he joined the club's academy :: IMAGO/Paul Marriott

"I remember the best season at Chelsea came from the foundation of English players. I think that identity is also very important to the fans as well.

"One of the best teams ever at Chelsea was built around players like Frank Lampard and John Terry. There are so many foreign players currently at Chelsea who have no fraternity with each other.

"This is a priority for me. I hope Mason Mount and Reece James, who are both players who represent the club, stay so that Chelsea and their new players can be centered around them."

Petit, who was speaking to FanNation Futbol in his role as an ambassador for Genting Casino, played in 76 games for Chelsea between 2001 and 2004.

He enjoyed his three seasons at Stamford Bridge but fears that many players currently at the club are not happy to be there.

"Chelsea need to sort out their dressing room problems," he added.

Emmanuel Petit pictured playing for Chelsea in 2003 :: IMAGO/Colorsport

"There are so many players who look miserable and want to leave. The fact that they have not qualified for the Champions League has an impact on the contracts of the new players.

"The older and more experienced players don't seem happy either. It is already a mess in the dressing room. The board needs to make big decisions as soon as possible.

"It is the end of the season and they probably only have a month to sort things out. They spent so much money, so they need to earn some back by selling players."

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly became the club's chairman last year, but Petit would like to see someone with more experience replace the American in that role.

Petit said: "It's time to take big decisions and Chelsea need someone as manager that has the same vision as the owners. All I ask of the owner is that he leaves the sporting decisions to the people who actually know what they are doing.

"I understand it is his money and he is spending it, but now he must leave it to the people who have the knowledge.

"We are not playing Football Manager, this is the Premier League, which is way different to American sports."