Mauricio Pochettino faces intense scrutiny as the head coach at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea’s decision regarding his potential dismissal has now come to light.
The ex-Tottenham manager assumed the role at the Blues this summer, aiming to uplift the club’s performance following a disappointing 12th-place finish in the previous Premier League season.
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Despite his efforts, Chelsea’s struggles persist under his guidance, currently placing them in 10th position after 20 games in the 2023-24 campaign.
On Tuesday, Chelsea experienced a recent setback by losing the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final to Championship club Middlesbrough.
However, The Telegraph reports that Pochettino’s current job security remains intact, indicating that his position is stable as long as Chelsea maintains a ‘realistic chance’ of securing a spot in European competitions.
Despite being 12 points adrift from the top four, necessary for Champions League qualification, Pochettino’s role is not under immediate threat.
Chelsea’s pathway to securing a spot in the Europa League involves finishing fifth in the league or winning the FA Cup. Their advancement to the fourth round on Saturday keeps this option alive.
Alternatively, finishing sixth might suffice, depending on the winners of the domestic cups. Additionally, overturning their Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough and winning against either Liverpool or Fulham in the final could guarantee Chelsea a place in the Europa Conference League.
As long as these avenues for European qualification exist, Pochettino’s job at Chelsea remains secure for the time being.
The stakes will intensify for Chelsea if they fail to secure a victory in Saturday’s west London derby against Fulham, as they aim to make strides up the Premier League standings.
