Chelsea’s recent struggles have seen them fall to 11th place in the Premier League after a 4-2 home defeat 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 dissatisfaction by chanting, “we’re f***ing s***” and referencing former owner Roman Abramovich.
Growing discontent among the fan base has led to calls for manager Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissal.
However, the Daily Mail reports that firing Pochettino could be complicated due to financial constraints.
Chelsea is concerned about breaching Premier League spending regulations if they part ways with Pochettino and his staff, as the payout could exceed £10 million.
Additionally, the club still owes £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 can incur losses of up to £105 million over three years.
Chelsea’s aggressive transfer spending puts 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, complicating the decision to sack Pochettino.
The report suggests 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 have a clearer picture of their financial standing and league position.
Despite their poor Premier League performance, Chelsea has reached the Carabao Cup final and will 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 highlights 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.
