The Argentine coach’s acknowledgment of being uncertain about how his performance is evaluated by the club’s top brass, particularly Chelsea’s co-owners Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, highlights the ambiguity surrounding his position. This revelation follows Chelsea’s humiliating 5-0 loss to Arsenal and their recent FA Cup elimination, indicating a tumultuous period for the London team.
With their European qualification hopes hanging by a thread and the looming possibility of a trophyless season, Pochettino faces a daunting task to salvage Chelsea’s season. Moreover, he grapples with a significant injury crisis that has sidelined 12 players, though the return of Cole Palmer provides a glimmer of hope for the upcoming Aston Villa clash.
When questioned about his relationship with Chelsea’s sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, Pochettino openly admitted: “That’s a good question for them if you have the opportunity to ask them. But it’s not a subjective idea of us [that we have problems] – it is the reality. Okay, that is a point, if we are [considered] responsible, we are responsible. Maybe we are not responsible in this situation. I cannot answer the question because, to be honest, I don’t know what they are thinking.”
While Pochettino acknowledges his responsibility for the team’s performance on the field, he points out significant issues in the broader organizational and recruitment processes that extend beyond his control.
“My responsibility is that the team performs,” he asserted. “But of course, the club is designing and planning a structure that you need to prove works. Because of the results, you can say it’s just [the manager]. But I don’t have the key to the club. I don’t make all the decisions here. That is to be made clear. If you say to me I have the key and this guy is here because it’s my decision, that is one thing.”
Pochettino’s comments imply a disconnect between the Chelsea board and the coaching staff. He publicly called for “support,” “trust,” and “confidence” from the board, sentiments he believes have been lacking.
“We need to trust the players, and they need to trust in us. The owners need to trust in us, trust in our vision and view,” he stressed. “The sporting directors need to understand that we are the people dealing directly with the players, performance and medical staff. Football is about supporting each other, trusting each other, and having confidence in each other.”
As Chelsea navigate through turbulent times, Pochettino’s statements shed light on the intricate dynamics between the coach and the club’s leadership. Whether he remains in charge at Stamford Bridge next season hinges on Chelsea’s ability to secure European football once again.
Chelsea performance and stats
Chelsea
Chelsea is currently 9th in the Premier League with 47 points.
In the last 32 games, it has won 13 times, drawn 8 times, and lost 11 times. In its last match, Chelsea lost 5-0 against Arsenal.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 61 goals and conceding 57.
Chelsea will play the next match in Premier League against Aston Villa on Saturday 27th of April in Birmingham. The prediction is Aston Villa winning the match.
