Chelsea faced a humiliating 1-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, putting manager Mauricio Pochettino under intense pressure. The 51-year-old witnessed recurring issues plaguing his team throughout the season, leaving them in a mid-table position after 20 games with an equal number of wins and losses.
Pochettino previously faced criticism after a 2-0 loss to Everton in early December. While the club initially stood by him, doubts about his managerial abilities resurfaced within a month. Despite a chance for redemption in the second leg, a minor improvement in league form, and an upcoming FA Cup fourth-round match, hope among supporters is diminishing.
Although Chelsea dominated possession at the Riverside Stadium, Cole Palmer’s missed opportunities and a sluggish start led to Hayden Hackney’s decisive goal. Despite numerous chances to equalize, Chelsea fell short, prompting concerns about Pochettino’s leadership. While the second leg offers a chance for redemption, patience is wearing thin.
Despite being listed at 14/1 as the least likely Premier League manager to be fired, trailing behind others like Roy Hodgson and Erik ten Hag, the situation reflects the severity of Chelsea’s struggles. Pochettino’s contract has 18 months remaining, and the club is determined to support him. However, the risk is evident as the team faces a potential collapse in cup competitions and struggles in 10th place—a scenario no recent manager has successfully navigated at Chelsea.
