Chelsea are facing a huge stick-or-twist decision over the future of Mauricio Pochettino with players at the club braced for another summer of upheaval.
Telegraph Sport understands that no majority decision has been taken on whether Pochettino will remain as head coach past the end of this season, despite the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City and Tuesday night’s thrashing by Arsenal.
Pressure is growing on Pochettino amid frustration over some decisions, but he retains support within Chelsea and there is recognition that he has been working in tough circumstances.
There is also some belief that Pochettino cannot be held solely accountable for the difficulties Chelsea are facing because he was not responsible for the transfer policy and the decision to build such a young squad.
A host of players also face uncertain futures, with Chelsea needing to raise money to make signings and stay within profit and sustainability rules.
Despite the disruption and chaos of the past two years, sources insist that Chelsea remain an attractive proposition to some top coaches who would be prepared to succeed Pochettino if he departs.
Chelsea cannot finish the season with a trophy after losing to Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, having lost in the final of the Carabao Cup to Liverpool.
Pochettino’s team now face an uphill task to qualify for Europe through the league over a tough six-game run-in that starts with difficult games against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
Failure to qualify for any European competition will put Pochettino’s job in greater jeopardy ahead of an end-of-season review by co-owners Behdad Eghbali, Jose E Feliciano and Todd Boehly, together with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.
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