Following Chelsea’s humiliating 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough away in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday, manager Mauricio Pochettino faces immense pressure once more. The 51-year-old witnessed his team encounter familiar issues that have plagued them this season, requiring a turnaround at Stamford Bridge in two weeks.
At the 20-game mark, Chelsea sits mid-table with an equal number of wins and losses, exacerbating Pochettino’s challenges. Despite his relatively recent appointment in the summer, this isn’t the first time he’s encountered criticism in his managerial role.
Previously, the club stood by Pochettino after a 2-0 loss to Everton at the beginning of December. However, within a month, some fans started questioning his managerial capabilities. Despite the pending second leg, slight improvements in league form, and an upcoming FA Cup fourth-round fixture, hope among supporters is dwindling.
Under different circumstances, Chelsea might have scored multiple goals against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, but Cole Palmer’s missed opportunities before halftime forced a reaction from Chelsea. Hayden Hackney’s decisive goal was a consequence of Michael Carrick’s determined Boro team punishing Chelsea for yet another slow start.
Following Middlesbrough’s early lead, Chelsea dominated possession, creating numerous chances to level the score but fell short. While Pochettino has a chance to rectify matters, patience among stakeholders is wearing thin. The semi-final’s second leg remains, representing only halftime in the contest.
With odds at 14/1, Pochettino ranks as the Premier League manager least likely to face dismissal, trailing behind Roy Hodgson, Erik ten Hag, Eddie Howe, Vincent Kompany, and Thomas Frank. Nonetheless, it’s notable that all these managers have held their positions far longer than Pochettino.
Despite Chelsea’s determination to support Pochettino, who still has 18 months left on his contract, the club’s recent struggles in cup competitions against lower-league opponents and their 10th-place Premier League position pose a challenge.
