The jury is still out as to whether Mauricio Pochettino will be in his role of Chelsea manager when next season comes around.
The Argentine has been under pressure pretty much all season at Stamford Bridge, despite it being his first campaign here.
Pochettino has certainly helped the club show improvements from where they were last season, leaning heavily on superstar Cole Palmer’s brilliant individual campaign.
Yesterday saw them put on arguably their best performance of the lot from their recent form, winning 5-0 against London rivals West Ham United.
This saw the Blues finally move into the European places, with Manchester United still to play tonight against Crystal Palace.
Pochettino must achieve Europa League
Journalist David Ornstein has now claimed to NBC Sports that a top seven placing may not be enough, with Europa League football being demanded as a minimum.
He said: “Chelsea have a situation of their own with Mauricio Pochettino in position for now, coming up to a year into a two-year contract – with an option to extend.
That situation will be reviewed in the summer. Chelsea are demanding that they qualify for Europe for the Europa League, not the Europa Conference League.”
The Blues have three games left to play this season, travelling to a hungry Nottingham Forest side buoyed by some individual brilliance recently by former Chelsea man Callum Hudson-Odoi.
With the inconsistent form of some of the sides around them, and Newcastle still needing to face United before the season comes to an end, there is a very realistic possibility the Blues can continue their strong run of form and finish in a top six position.
Chelsea seeing injured players finally return
Their efforts will certainly be helped by some of their top players returning from injury.
Yesterday’s game saw Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku return, with them both able to play key roles for the side before the season comes to an end.
Wherever the Blues end up, Pochettino has shown in recent weeks that he should be given more time with this squad, with the improvements in players such as Moises Caicedo being clear to see throughout this season.