Mauricio Pochettino creates four man captain shortlist as he begins Chelsea reign

Mauricio Pochettino conducted his first training session as Chelsea boss on July 4, following his appointment in May on a three-year contract.

His first task will be to pick up a squad bereft of confidence after finishing 12th in the Premier League last season. He hit the right nerves in his opening interview, promising to ensure Chelsea returns to where it belongs.

During his interview, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss had a rallying call to his players to 'step up' and be leaders on the pitch, if they were going to achieve anything.

"We need leaders, not followers, in every single area and we will push every person to bring their best and give their best for the club," Pochettino stated, via Chelsea's official website.

With numerous exits already witnessed and more players expected to follow in the summer, Pochettino will be required to come up with a new captaincy pool.

Current skipper, Cesar Azpilicueta, is on his way to Atletico Madrid on a free transfer after serving the Blues religiously for the last 11 years. His vice-captain, Jorginho, swapped West London for North London in January.

Other wearers of the band last season, like N'Golo Kante, Matteo Kovacic, and Mason Mount, have also left the club. The Evening Standard reports that Pochettino will make up a decision on his new captain at the end of the preseason.

Who will captain Chelsea next?

Thiago Silva is the strong favourite to take over captaincy duties on a full-time basis. The veteran Brazilian centre-back is still going strong as he gets into the final year of his Chelsea contract.

Other candidates include academy graduate Reece James, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga - who has worn the armband before - and Raheem Sterling, who was one of the captains at his former club, Manchester City.

Chelsea are set to tour the United States for their preseason matches, with the new skipper to be announced sometime then.