Chelsea already made Pochettino sack decision as clear timeline set

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has already faced questions about his future on a number of occasions following a mixed start to the 2023/24 season. The Blues currently sit tenth, 11 points off the Premier League's top four, with just one win in their last four following defeat this past Wednesday against Manchester United.

Following some poor results for the Red Devils, Erik ten Hag has been under pressure but that was somewhat alleviated with his players putting in an excellent performance. Chelsea, on the other hand, were brutally exposed in midfield without Conor Gallagher and missed a number of clear cut opportunities in an extremely open first half.

With the game played in the middle of the week, the Blues have the chance to make amends for their defeat and performance when they take on Everton at Goodison Park this Sunday. However, Sean Dyche's side head into the contest in good form off the back of two consecutive wins with one of those a 3-0 triumph over Newcastle who beat Chelsea 4-1 just a few weeks ago.

Injuries have significantly affected Pochettino's ability to succeed thus far with the obvious one surrounding Christopher Nkunku. The France international wanted to be in the matchday squad for the trip to St James Park last month, but Pochettino and Chelsea have opted to carefully reintroduce both him and Romeo Lavia.

However, in order to pick up form with the busy Christmas period on the horizon, Pochettino may be left with no choice but to bring Nkunku back in. Although there are disgruntled supporters complaining about Chelsea's recent form, Pochettino looks set to be awarded plenty of time to turn things around with the long-term view remaining the same from the Chelsea hierarchy, according to David Ornstein.