“I can be honest?”- Mauricio Pochettino reveals which defeat braced him for Chelsea sack

Mauricio Pochettino felt he could lose his job when Chelsea suffered the 4-2 defeat to Wolves

Mauricio Pochettino found himself under intense pressure following Chelsea’s humiliating 4-2 defeat to Wolves at home, sparking widespread criticism and calls for his dismissal. Despite the mounting scrutiny, Pochettino’s position at the club remains precarious, with his future set to be evaluated by the board at the end of the season.

The Argentine manager has faced a rollercoaster ride since assuming the helm at Chelsea, enduring both highs and lows. However, with the Blues currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League, there is still a chance to salvage the season and end on a positive note.

Chelsea’s recent form suggests a potential upturn, and securing a European spot for next season would provide a much-needed boost. Additionally, a victory coupled with a defeat for Tottenham Hotspur could see Chelsea snatch fifth place in the league standings, offering a glimmer of hope for Pochettino and his side.

But Pochettino will remember his first season as Chelsea manager as one of the most difficult times of his career, and when asked where he felt he had braced himself for a difficult call from Chelsea’s owners, he said via Guardian:

“I can be honest. I think after the Wolves. Remember what happened after, too? Remember?’’

The timing of Wolves’ defeat, following closely on the heels of Chelsea’s 4-1 loss to Liverpool, inevitably heightened the chaos within the club. Supporters were quick to direct criticism towards both the management and the board, with the head coach often bearing the brunt of such scrutiny.

For Pochettino and his team, it was undeniably a challenging period, marked by uncertainty and pressure. The consecutive defeats plunged them into a serious dilemma, amplifying the scrutiny on the coaching staff and intensifying the need for a response to quell mounting concerns.

Mauricio Pochettino felt he could lose his job when Chelsea suffered the 4-2 defeat to Wolves.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino thought he could lose his job in Blues’ 4-2 defeat to Wolves.

Reflecting on those defeats now, it’s indeed remarkable how the club has managed to bounce back and position itself on the brink of European qualification. At the time of those losses, hope seemed scarce, and there were fears of a disappointing finish, reminiscent of previous seasons where Chelsea found themselves in the lower half of the table.

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Pochettino deserves significant credit for orchestrating the turnaround and steering the team towards a positive conclusion to the season. His ability to rally the players, implement effective strategies, and instill a winning mentality has been pivotal in Chelsea’s resurgence.

Finishing the campaign on a positive note not only boosts morale but also sets a promising foundation for the future.