Chelsea’s recent struggles have seen them drop to 11th place in the Premier League table following a 4-2 defeat at home to Wolves on Sunday.
The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was tense, with frustrated supporters booing the team off the pitch at the end of both halves. Fans also expressed their discontent by chanting “we’re f***ing s***” and invoking the name of former owner Roman Abramovich.
There is growing discontent among the fan base, with calls for manager Mauricio Pochettino to be sacked. However, the Daily Mail reports that removing Pochettino may not be straightforward due to financial constraints.
Chelsea is concerned about breaching Premier League spending regulations if they decide to part ways with Pochettino and his staff, as the payout could exceed £10 million.
Additionally, the club is still obligated to pay £13 million to former head coach Graham Potter until he secures a new job.
If Chelsea were to dismiss Pochettino before June, any severance payment would count toward this season’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) calculations. According to Premier League regulations, clubs are permitted to incur losses of up to £105 million over a three-year period.
Chelsea’s aggressive spending in the transfer market has put them at risk of exceeding this limit, especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, which currently seems unlikely.
Sanctions for breaching PSR can be severe, including points deductions. Everton has already been docked ten points this season and may face additional penalties.
Nottingham Forest is also facing charges and could suffer a similar fate. Chelsea is wary of these potential consequences, which makes the decision to sack Pochettino even more complicated.
The report indicates that Chelsea is not actively considering a managerial change at this moment, with financial implications playing a significant role in their decision-making process.
The club prefers to reassess the situation at the end of the season, when they will have a clearer picture of their financial standing and league position.
Despite their poor performance in the Premier League, Chelsea has managed to reach the final of the Carabao Cup. They are set to face Liverpool at Wembley on February 25, where Pochettino will aim to secure his first trophy in English football.
This achievement could offer some respite and potentially shift the narrative surrounding his tenure.
Chelsea’s current predicament underscores the broader challenges they face both on and off the pitch. The club’s financial health, regulatory compliance, and competitive performance are all intertwined, making any decision regarding the manager particularly complex.
As the season progresses, Chelsea will need to balance these factors carefully to avoid further setbacks and navigate their way back to stability and success.
