Mauricio Pochettino’s season at Chelsea began with hope but has ended with anything but.
Despite having a considerably stronger squad available and on the Wembley surface, the Blues were unable to defeat an injury-ravaged Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final.
It was the latest setback for a manager who has seen his team recover from the rubble of a disappointing campaign and thread a few results together.
Losing the final will be the most bitter pill, and Todd Boehly’s expression at full-time says it all.
The American must also accept responsibility for the fiasco. If it weren’t for his incessant interfering, Chelsea could have a more settled side by now.
Instead, and injuries haven’t helped Pochettino, he’s had to piece together a team most weeks.
A team that is still not playing together on a regular basis and does not resemble a cohesive unit.
The FA Cup match against Leeds is already looming on the horizon, and it might decide the Argentinian’s future at Stamford Bridge.
No way back for Pochettino if Chelsea loses to Leeds.
Given Chelsea’s current Premier League position of 11th, winning the FA Cup appears to be their best chance of qualifying for European competition next year.
If you be beaten by a resurgent Leeds, for whom Daniel Farke is bringing out the best in them, there isn’t much hope for the manager to recover.
The Daily Mail reports that Ruben Amorin may be lined up as a result.
