There is uncertainty about Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Chelsea. The Argentine tactician’s ability to lead the team past this season will be largely dependent on the team’s pursuit of European football.
Pochettino is under scrutiny despite having signed a two-year contract with a third-year option last summer. This is because of a run of inconsistent performances, which culminated in a heartbreaking loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
The 51-year-old coach is under increased pressure following the defeat to Liverpool at Wembley, particularly given the Reds deployed many youth players near the conclusion of the match.
Chelsea’s recent performance, which included a fantastic draw against Manchester City, has given the team hope despite this setback.
Yet, Pochettino faces a critical stretch of games that could seal his fate at Stamford Bridge, with the club’s brass eyeing a coveted spot in European competitions next season.
Chelsea’s indifferent league showing means the FA Cup might be Pochettino’s golden ticket to Europe, with a pivotal clash against Leeds in the fifth-round looming large.
A loss here could exacerbate the scrutiny on the ex-Tottenham manager, even as the club plans to hold off on any managerial review until the season’s end.
Sources whisper that Chelsea’s higher-ups have already begun scouting for Pochettino’s potential successor, with Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon on their radar.
However, Amorim’s future looks to be elsewhere, with other clubs ready to offer him European football next season. This scenario underscores the challenges Chelsea might face in attracting top managerial talent should Pochettino depart.
Despite the swirling rumors and the Wembley incident where Pochettino seemingly snubbed co-owner Todd Boehly, insiders claim no ill intent from the Argentine.
His post-final comments, hinting at a strategy leaning towards penalties, were also clarified. Pochettino explained, “Some players like [Conor] Gallagher or Chilly [Ben Chilwell] started to feel really tired, and we used different players to help, the team start to feel that maybe penalties would be good for us.”
This was meant to highlight his squad’s fatigue rather than a premeditated plan for a shootout.
