Despite the poor outcomes, everything at Chelsea still appear to be quite under control.

It appears like Mauricio Pochettino will remain in command through the conclusion of the season, if not beyond. Even as we blunder towards yet another mid-table finish, there are no indications of dissatisfaction within the dressing room, the manager dutifully supports the owners and their decisions when questioned, and there isn’t any imminent pressure.

However, things don’t appear as lovely underneath. Turning over the stones at Stamford Bridge reveals some unpleasant critters, according to Simon Phillips’ Substack piece regarding the management predicament.

First, Phillips raises the possibility that Mauricio Pochettino may depart of his own volition, saying that “sources are not ruling out Pochettino walking away” and that there may be “some whispers of unhappiness from his camp.”

If he believes that others in positions of authority have either hampered him or left him hаnging, we can see why.

Possible substitutes and a temporary emerge𝚗cy

We can rule out Julien Nagelsmann taking his place if he were to go. According to the article, Phillips “didn’t see eye to eye” with the Chelsea suit that interviewed him, and he would be “shocked” if Chelsea pursued him once more. We don’t have many options with so many high-profile positions opening up this summer, which is why sticking with Pochettino is the best course of action.

However, there are “contingency plans,” which is never anything you want to hear about. In the event that the FA Cup is eliminated due to “difficult results,” “an interim appointment could still be made to finish the season.”

That sounds like a really last choice, but if we continue to lose against teams that are in the relegation zone, it might happen sooner rather than later.