After failing in their attempt to pry Michael Olise away from Crystal Palace, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino admits his faith in Armando Broja may prevent him from acquiring a new striker.

Olise, a forward for Palace, passed down the opportunity to join Chelsea this week and signed a new deal just days after it was claimed that Pochettino’s team had offered to pay his £35 million release clause.

Not going to France Olise, a player under the age of 21, leaves Pochettino’s team with what appears to be a dearth of attacking options.

Christopher Nkunku, a close-season acquisition, will be sidelined until December due to a knee injury.

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Albania attacker Broja has been sidelined since the end of last year with a knee injury, but Blues manager Pochettino is still waiting for him to play again.

Pochettino stated that he would be hesitant to enter the market for a player who may reduce Broja’s prospects of making the first squad.

“I think at the same time we are keeping one or two eyes on Armando Broja because I think we can’t forget him,” Pochettino told reporters on Friday.

“We cannot stop him, and to bring some profile of player than can stop his evolution.

“We really believe in him. We know him very well. He can be a really important striker for Chelsea. We need to be careful.”

Before getting hurt, Broja played 18 times for Chelsea last season, scoring once in a 3-0 victory over Wolves in October.

That came after his productive loan season at Southampton the year before, during which he scored nine goals in 38 games.

The only available striker who is currently healthy for Pochettino is Nicolas Jackson.

But Pochettino wants his team to demonstrate its adaptability after a spending frenzy during the transfer season that saw the club spend more than £350 million, including the £53 million acquisition of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia on Friday.

“We’re working of course, seeing all the options that we can manage in the market. All clubs are doing the same as us,” Pochettino said.

“We’re disappointed with the situation of Christopher because he should be a very important player for us, helping Nico Jackson to score goals. But that is football and we need to accept that situation.”

Pochettino was also questioned about rumours that certain members of his team view him more as a buddy than a manager.

“I am not happy with this,” he said.

“Tell me the names of the players, because there’s something wrong if I am more friend than coach.

“No, I understand the situation. To be strong like a coach, in the same time you can be friendly.

“You can be honest and be tough, and in the way that we can approach today, all the young guys can be my kids.

“I prefer to be a better coach than a better friend.”