Chelsea players do not want Mauricio Pochettino to be sacked as manager faces crucial run-in | OneFootball

Mauricio Pochettino retains the support of the vast majority of Chelsea players, who would prefer some stability over another managerial change and further upheaval.

Pochettino’s future is under the spotlight after Tuesday’s 5-0 defeat by Arsenal.

European qualification could be a key factor in whether he keeps his job next season, with Chelsea six points behind Manchester United in sixth place and still in the mix for a spot in either the Europa League or Conference League.

Chelsea will review Pochettino’s position in the summer, when the Argentine will be involved in a two-way discussion and will push for changes after saying for the club must make some “clinical” decisions after another disappointing season.

Co-owner Behdad Eghbali and sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart will ultimately decide his fate.

Pochettino is well-regarded by most of the dressing room, with players keen for some much-needed stability after two years of constant change and disruption at Chelsea.

There is an appreciation among the young squad that Pochettino has shielded them from criticism and worked to foster team spirit in group of new players from different countries.

Many players accept they have frozen under pressure and struggled to adapt to the expectation of being at one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

Captain Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell have been unable to exert as much influence as they had hoped due to their injury problems.

Perennially injured captaincy duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell have been unable to assert much influence

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The many different languages spoken in the squad have led to cliques in the dressing room, but Pochettino still has the backing of most players.

There is reportedly a feeling among some at Chelsea that Pochettino has been too soft on his some of their inconsistent players and that a tougher approach is needed.

But influential board members also believe Pochettino deserves to remain in charge going into next season, with recognition he has been working within a tough set of circumstances.

Injuries have hit Chelsea hard and Pochettino is not responsible for the decision to build such a young squad or the uncertainty of the futures of a host of players, with the club needing to raise money to stay in line with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.

Mauricio Pochettino has the backing of the players

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Pochettino has failed to win over many supporters and the final six games of the season could be key to the feeling going into the end-of-season review.

The Argentine, who last summer signed a two-year contract which included a club option of a further 12 months, wants to fight for his future.

Pochettino believes his methods will begin to reap rewards in the second season, like they did with a similarly young squad at Tottenham.

As part of the end-of-season review, he will deliver assessments on each player and his feedback could shape summer transfer plans if he is kept on.