Chelsea are on their route to finishing the 2023/24 Premier League season strongly. After a close 2-1 victory in their most recent encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea have all but secured European qualification for next season with a UEFA Europa Conference League spot imminent. If all goes well for the London club, they could even surpass Tottenham Hotspur to clinch a Europa League berth.
The situation Chelsea is in right now is highly appreciated by those around the club considering how the season has gone by for them. Mauricio Pochettino has had to endure a challenging time both on and off the pitch during his first season at Chelsea. The Blues are now finally gaining results of their ambitious long-term project.
🔵 Pochettino: “We talked about patience and when you need to build something, you need time, but it always looks like an excuse at a big club”.
“We kept working and being positive to finish in a good way for the club”. pic.twitter.com/WHzhPSY3wl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 16, 2024
With Chelsea’s season displaying alarming levels of inconsistencies, there have been numerous talks throughout the campaign discussing Pochettino’s future at the club. The coach, however, has been adamant about his work, stating,
“We have improved results and performances. We talked about patience and when you need to build something you need time but it always looks like an excuse at a big club. We have kept working and being positive and to finish in a good way would be good for the club.” Todd Boehly has also expressed his faith in the Argentinian to build a successful base at Chelsea.
Chelsea’s history of sacking managers too quickly
Chelsea have been one of the most successful clubs in England in modern times. The West London club has accomplished two Champions Leagues, five Premier League titles, and several other trophies since the turn of the century. However, the club’s impatience with their managers over the years has been one of the few criticisms associated with their model of operating.
The Blues have been fortunate enough to be coached by some of the most accomplished managers on the planet. These managers have coached their respective squads to great victories but have also experienced the ruthless nature of the club’s expectations. Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte have all experienced how much-continued success is valued at Chelsea.
“I loved it at Chelsea and in England” 🏴
Could we see Thomas Tuchel back in the Premier League next season…? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KSqbX2rEA9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2024
Perhaps, the most surprising sacking was of Thomas Tuchel in 2022. The German had joined Chelsea at a time when the team was suffering due to challenging results. Within six months of his arrival, Tuchel led his team to a Champions League victory against all the odds. The fanbase was fascinated by their boss and expected to build a historical time together. However, the new ownership decided to not continue with Tuchel who was relieved of his duties in a decision which is still debated to this day.
Mauricio Pochettino looks set to continue at Stamford Bridge
Mauricio Pochettino, however, looks to be rewarded with more time for his efforts during his first season at Stamford Bridge. It has been widely debated in England whether Pochettino has done enough to warrant continuity at Chelsea. The former Tottenham boss seems to have won over the fanbase who are willing to give Pochettino another chance to show his tactical prowess.
🗣️ Todd Boehly via @QatarEconForum on Chelsea’s goals: “If you look at franchises that dominate for a long time they have real stability in the team, front office and coaching staff.” (via @JacobsBen) pic.twitter.com/sIyM55hUXg
— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) May 15, 2024
Chelsea owner, Todd Boehly, too is impressed with the manager’s work so far considering the state of the club when he took over. “To dominate for a period of time, you need to have real stability in the team and stability in the coaching,” said Todd Boehly after the 2-1 win over Brighton. Pochettino clearly looks to be the face of a new era that is being built at Chelsea.