Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to be under serious pressure right now.
Following his side’s exit from the FA Cup last weekend, Chelsea were humiliated by London rivals Arsenal last night, losing 5-0 at the Emirates.
It was a major setback in their bid to qualify for the Europa League next season, with sixth-placed Newcastle United having the chance to increase the gap between them and Chelsea to six points when they take on Crystal Palace later.
The Blues will have a game in hand over the Magpies after they play tonight, but Chelsea fans will not be feeling confident about it after what happened yesterday.
Chelsea were without star man Cole Palmer for the London derby defeat, but Pochettino thinks the 21-year-old being available may have not actually changed anything.
The latest on Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea future
Amid Pochettino’s struggles at Chelsea this season, the club are looking at the manager market as they contemplate making a change.
HITC insider Graeme Bailey has now told The Chelsea Chronicle that the Chelsea board continue to do their due diligence and there is an expectation that the 52-year-old will depart Stamford Bridge.
He said: “We know they are looking at the manager market. It’s something they’re doing their due diligence on, the hierarchy.
“Me personally, from what I’ve been told from a few sources etc., the expectation is they’ll make a change. I think they will.”
Pochettino and his men face another tough away game when they travel to Villa Park on Saturday to take on Aston Villa.
When could Mauricio Pochettino be sacked?
With May only around the corner, it would be a surprise if Chelsea decided to get rid of Pochettino before the end of the season.
There is also still a chance of the Blues qualifying for either the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Do that, and the Argentine may end up saving his job.
However, as things stand, it does seem like there is a strong possibility of the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur boss departing west London before the end of his contract.