Pochettino getting sacked in summer? Pep Guardiola gives clear verdict on Chelsea sacking Pochettino in summer
Pep Guardiola has voiced his thoughts over demands for Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, to be fired.
Despite only taking over at Chelsea in the summer, Pochettino’s team has underperformed this season compared to expectations.
After ten losses this season, the London team is currently ranked ninth in the Premier League table, and their chances of participating in the European football league next season are all but gone.
Chelsea’s only realistic chance of making it to the Europa League was to win the FA Cup, but they were eliminated from the competition on Saturday after falling to Manchester City 1-0 in the semi-finals.
Despite being the underdogs going into the match, Chelsea was undoubtedly the superior team because they missed a number of easy opportunities.
Pochettino faced calls to be sacked by some sections of Chelsea’s support this season, and he was booed after a 2-2 draw with Brentford last month.
Ahead of Saturday’s game at Wembley, City boss Guardiola offered his support to Pochettino in his programme notes.
“There are so many top managers in England right now and Mauricio is definitely one of them,” wrote Guardiola.
“Chelsea will become a far better team with him as manager. I have no doubts about that.”
Chelsea faired pretty well against City in the Premier League this season, holding the reigning champions to 4-4 and 1-1 draws.
Pochettino’s contract has another year left to run, but he has remained bullish despite the pressure he is under.
“We love a challenge,” said Pochettino last month.
“The challenge is massive and I come here to accept the project and challenge, knowing it is never easy with the pressure and the feeling that you are Chelsea and you need to win.”
With Cole Palmer enjoying a superb season with Chelsea – following his move from City last summer – it feels like Pochettino is building something at Stamford Bridge, albeit slowly.