Pochettino on Palmer's 'special chance', England squad and Jackson

Alex Howell, BBC Sport

Mauricio Pochettino has been speaking to the media before Chelsea host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Fitness updates: Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku are continuing with their rehabilitation programmes.

• Cole Palmer, a summer signing from Sunday's opponents, was name checked by England boss Gareth Southgate on Thursday and Pochettino also praised the 21-year-old: "He is a really clever guy who has had to adapt quickly. We are building the team at the minute and he showed character and personality to take the move. We are so happy with him - but I think he will improve. It is a special chance for him to play his former team-mates."

• On Reece James not joining up with the England squad: "It's never the decision of the player. The medical staff, sports science and coaching staff always take the decisions, not the player. Reece is desperate to go to the national team and I only think this will be good for the national team and Chelsea also. But it's not a decision by him."

• On Raheem Sterling, who missed out on selection for a fifth England squad in a row: "It's difficult to talk as I don't want to say anything again. He's my colleague, Gareth, and you need to respect his decision. All I can say is that Raheem and all the English player are desperate to go to the national team. Sometimes they are disappointed because they are not there, but the only way to change it is by working hard at your club."

• On Manchester City: "For me, they are the best team, best coaching staff and best manager. We need to tell the truth - it is one of the best organisations in the world. From the top to the bottom, they are doing it all really well."

• On Nicolas Jackson, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-1 win at Tottenham: "It’s a process. I haven’t changed my view about him. He scored three goals. It should have been six - of course, it is never enough. It is about being responsible, keeping calm and relaxed. With time, he will score goals. Monday will help him be less nervous and approach games in a different way."

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