Paul Merson has stated Chelsea shouldn’t part ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the season and insists the Argentine is a good manager.
Pochettino has overseen another largely disappointing campaign, although since the turn of the year the Blues have shown signs of improvement with only Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool scoring more points in 2024.
The last two games have perhaps been two of Chelsea’s best performances this season, and have shown there are positive signs for the future at Stamford Bridge.
Merson thinks Pochettino should stay
Pochettino signed a two year contract last summer with the option of a further year, and the plan has always been to sit down at the end of the season with the club’s hierarchy to discuss his future.
After the Tottenham game the 52-year-old admitted his future was out of his hands, and despite improvements in recent weeks a large section of the fan base still want him gone.
It’s been reported that Chelsea are demanding Europa League football next season, which despite everything that’s happened this season is still a possibility.
Following Manchester United’s 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night the Blues sit seventh, two points behind Newcastle in sixth, with three games remaining.
With a lack of viable alternatives out there, it’s starting to seem more and more likely Pochettino will remain in charge next season, and Merson believes that should be the case.
“I can’t see how Poch isn’t in charge next season, though nothing surprises you”, Merson said in his Sky Sports column.
“I haven’t thought they should ever get rid of him, he’s a good manager.
“Individuals don’t win anything, and as long as they can keep sorting that out and keep playing as a team now, they’ll be alright.”
I don’t think Chelsea can afford yet another managerial change and more upheaval at the club, at some point a manager needs to be backed through a difficult spell.
