Following Chelsea’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, manager Mauricio Pochettino finds himself under intense scrutiny once again.
The 51-year-old witnessed his team grappling with familiar issues that have plagued them throughout the season, necessitating a turnaround when they return to Stamford Bridge in two weeks.
With Chelsea currently positioned in the middle of the Premier League table after 20 games, experiencing as many losses as victories, Pochettino’s challenges are escalating. Despite taking charge in the summer, this isn’t the first instance of criticism directed at the former Tottenham head coach.
The club stood by Pochettino after a 2-0 loss to Everton in early December, but within a month, some supporters began questioning his managerial prowess. Despite the second leg of the Carabao Cup still looming, a slight improvement in league form, and an upcoming FA Cup fourth-round clash, optimism is diminishing.
Although Chelsea could have netted three goals at the Riverside Stadium on a different day, Cole Palmer’s missed opportunities before halftime compelled them to chase the game. Hayden Hackney’s decisive goal reflected Middlesbrough capitalizing on Chelsea’s sluggish start.
Post-match, Chelsea dominated possession and created numerous chances to level the score but fell short. Pochettino has the chance to rectify the situation in the second leg, but patience is wearing thin, and it’s only halftime in the semi-final.
Despite being the least likely Premier League manager to face dismissal at 14/1, trailing behind Roy Hodgson, Erik ten Hag, Eddie Howe, Vincent Kompany, and Thomas Frank, the precarious situation is evident. Notably, all these managers have been in charge for more extended periods than Pochettino.
Chelsea remains committed to Pochettino, who has 18 months remaining on his initial contract.
The club’s recent struggles in cup competitions against lower-league opponents and their 10th-place league position underscore the severity of the situation, challenging the resilience of a manager who aims to navigate through a turbulent period at Stamford Bridge.
