Key Chelsea figures back Pochettino ahead of crunch talks

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino appears to be regaining the support of key figures at the West London club even though his future remains unclear ahead of a crucial end-of-season review, according to The Guardian.

The Argentinian manager has endured a rollercoaster debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.  

Early season struggles and a hefty transfer outlay that failed to secure Champions League football put Pochettino under immense pressure from the go.

However, a recent resurgence, especially their current four-match winning run, has propelled Chelsea to the cusp of Europa League qualification.

This positive momentum appears to have swayed some influential voices within the Chelsea hierarchy. 

Prominent figures believe retaining Pochettino, who signed a two-year deal with an option for a third, is the wisest course of action. 

However, the final call rests with controlling co-owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, and Jose Feliciano. 

There’s a growing sense that Pochettino will stay, but there must be a unanimous decision from the board.  

Per The Guardian, several figures were leaning towards sacking Pochettino just weeks ago.  

Fortunately for the manager, wins against West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Nottingham Forest have shifted the narrative.

This uncertainty has clearly impacted Pochettino, who hinted at potentially leaving the club following the review.  

He wants greater control over transfers to bring in more experienced players. There is possibly friction with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, who are keen on adding more young talents instead.

Ahead of the review, Chelsea are keen to ensure Pochettino feels valued. They understand the challenges he has overcome and believe a sixth-place finish is a respectable achievement.  

The club has credited Pochettino with developing young talents like Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto, and Conor Gallagher. Pochettino’s tactical tweaks (like using Marc Cucurella as an inverted full-back) have also revitalised the squad.