“The players need to speak up” — Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea Football Club, has stirred up speculation about his future at the club by urging the media to inquire whether his players prefer Jose Mourinho as his replacement.

Since his arrival at Chelsea ahead of the 2023-2024 season, Pochettino has faced significant challenges. Despite a promising run in the Carabao Cup, where Chelsea reached the final but lost to Liverpool on February 25, his tenure has been marred by poor performance in the Premier League.

With 10 defeats, 6 draws, and only 10 wins in 26 league games, Chelsea currently languishes in the 11th position on the Premier League table, accumulating 36 points.

The club’s recent struggles have led to discontent among fans, evident when chants of “f*** off Mauricio” and calls for Mourinho’s return echoed through the stadium after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Brentford on March 2, 2024.

Jose Mourinho, who previously coached Chelsea from 2004 to 2007 and then returned for a stint from 2013 to 2015, is viewed favorably by many Chelsea supporters.

During his time at the club, Mourinho secured an impressive collection of trophies, including three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups, and one Community Shield.

Currently unemployed after being sacked by AS Roma earlier in the season, Mourinho remains a popular choice among Chelsea fans to succeed Pochettino.

Addressing the media ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on March 11, Pochettino displayed a level of openness about his position.

“Look, I respect Jose, he is my friend. He was amazing for this club, his medals here are amazing. We need to be pushing and believe in us and accept the things that come from the fans,” Pochettino stated.

Pochettino further added;

“If the players believe that with another coach they can do better…maybe they can talk with the owner or sporting director. You need to ask the players. You can ask. Do you see me worried about this?”