Chelsea’s disappointing performance against Arsenal has cast doubt over the future of manager Mauricio Pochettino, with reports suggesting he could be sacked at the end of the season. The Blues were thrashed 5-0 by their London rivals, further damaging Pochettino’s reputation after Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City.
Chelsea’s poor form has left them ninth in the Premier League, and the prospect of another season without European football is looming. This has led to growing discontent among the club’s ownership, who have invested over £1 billion in players since Todd Boehly’s consortium took over two years ago.
Pochettino signed a two-year contract with the option of a further 12 months when he joined Chelsea at the start of the season. However, there is now significant uncertainty surrounding his future as manager. The club hierarchy is understood to want things to work out under Pochettino, but there is a growing sense that a change of manager could be necessary.
One of the potential replacements for Pochettino is Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim. Amorim was linked with the Liverpool job before holding talks with West Ham on Monday, but he is understood to be open to a move to the Premier League.
Pochettino’s fate is instructive of Graham Potter’s experience at Chelsea. Potter signed a five-year contract with Chelsea but was sacked after less than seven months as patience wore thin. Pochettino and his staff have already started planning for pre-season, but he could be out of a job before the new campaign begins.
