IT'S A POCH BOTCH JOB

Bad results and choice of words spell Maur trouble

- JOHN CROSS

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has strayed into dangerous territory – and not just because Chelsea have slipped into the bottom half of the table. 

Pochettino admitted after Chelsea’s 4-2 home defeat to Wolves – their 10th Premier League loss of the season – that no one has been good enough, including himself.

“We’re all responsible,” said Pochettino. “At the moment we’re not matching the history of the club.”

Statements like those resonate in the boardroom and leave owners and directors questioning whether they should stick with the manager. It is an open invitation for any owner to take decisive action.

For now, Pochettino probably feels safe because Chelsea have the Carabao Cup final at the end of the month and also an FA Cup fourth-round replay at Aston Villa tomorrow night.

And while the Blues have a chance of reaching Europe next season – beating Liverpool at Wembley on February 25 would get them into the Europa Conference League – they will stick with him.