Sunday proved to be a dismal day for Chelsea’s manager Mauricio Pochettino. Witnessing his team concede four goals for the second consecutive game, albeit against mid-table rivals Wolves this time instead of league leaders Liverpool, marked a significant low point. This may be remembered as the moment when the fanbase began to turn against Pochettino. Adding to the pressure, the wife of senior player Thiago Silva appeared to advocate for his dismissal, stating, “It’s time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late,” although she later apologized for her remarks.
To be fair, Mrs. Silva’s comment could have referred to various changes needed at Chelsea, perhaps even tactical adjustments for the upcoming FA Cup fourth-round replay against Aston Villa. Nonetheless, Pochettino is well aware that in times of crisis, managers often bear the brunt of criticism and are the first to face repercussions. “Nobody is safe,” he conceded after the match.
During the game, there were sporadic chants for Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho, former owner and manager of Chelsea respectively, as fans reminisced about a more prosperous period in the club’s history, which now seems distant.
If Pochettino overheard fans calling for Mourinho, it likely stung considering his past experience of being replaced by Mourinho at Tottenham in 2019. With Mourinho currently available after his dismissal from AS Roma, Chelsea’s co-owners might consider him as an option, given the limited alternatives to Pochettino.
However, bringing Mourinho back for a third stint would likely be a disastrous move. Although some fans desire a manager like Mourinho, known for his track record of winning trophies and being uncompromising with players, the reality of his tenure could exacerbate the toxicity already present at Chelsea, particularly considering the team’s current roster.
Critics of Pochettino point to managers like Unai Emery at Aston Villa, who swiftly revitalized the team upon his arrival, as evidence that Pochettino should be doing more to improve Chelsea’s performance. Tonight’s FA Cup replay against Villa, with Emery at the helm, presents yet another unfavorable comparison for Pochettino.