Why Chelsea owners haven’t sacked Mauricio Pochettino despite heavy defeats against Liverpool and Wolves

Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images

In the days of Roman Abramovich, every Chelsea fan would be sure that Mauricio Pochettino will be sacked on Monday morning, after the 4-2 defeat to Wolves on Sunday.

The new owner’s decision against sacking Mauricio Pochettino despite recent struggles stems from a multifaceted perspective on the situation.

The Chelsea board is believed to be in support of Pochettino, despite Chelsea’s indifferent form, which is notable following a series of challenging matches, including a 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Middlesbrough.

This continued backing comes amidst a backdrop of significant financial investment in the team, with Chelsea spending over £1 billion under Todd Boehly’s ownership, focusing on signing young players for the future​​.

Several reasons contribute to this stance. Firstly, there’s an acknowledgment of the broader issues at Stamford Bridge that transcend Pochettino’s tenure.

Previous managers like Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard faced similar challenges, with each leaving for various reasons. This pattern suggests that managerial changes have not resolved the club’s underlying issues​​.

Secondly, there’s an understanding that Pochettino needs more time to implement his ideas and for the team to gel, especially considering the significant turnover in players and the challenges posed by injuries.

The expectation is not for immediate success but for gradual improvement, with comparisons drawn to the patience shown by clubs like Arsenal with Mikel Arteta, Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp, and Manchester United with Sir Alex Ferguson. The belief is that given time, Pochettino can replicate these success stories​​.

Moreover, the club’s current situation, including a lack of a clearly defined style of play and consistent results, fuels debates about the effectiveness of a mid-season managerial change. While acknowledging the team’s underperformance, there’s also recognition of the potential disruptiveness of another managerial transition. The upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool is seen as a critical juncture for Pochettino’s future, with success potentially vindicating the decision to maintain confidence in him for the time being​​.

In essence, Chelsea’s reluctance to dismiss Pochettino is a reflection of a broader strategy aimed at stability and long-term planning, despite the immediate pressures of football management and the high expectations of supporters and pundits alike.