Mauricio Pochettino has only three months to convince disgruntled owners that he can succeed at Chelsea, despite their wasted spending and strategic errors. The extra time in the League Cup final against Liverpool seemed to haunt Pochettino. Chelsea’s perplexing performance in extra time further dimmed his reputation. For Pochettino, who has never won any titles in England, Chelsea’s 0-1 loss to Liverpool reinforced the perception that he struggles in significant matches.

Missed Opportunities for Pochettino

Reputations are built in those moments. Unfortunately for Pochettino, English glory eluded him once again. He could argue that Chelsea did everything to defeat Liverpool in regular time, lacking only a goal. However, it seems Chelsea would have still won in extra time.

But what transpired afterward doesn’t favor Pochettino. Why did Chelsea let Liverpool take control with young players? Was it a tactical issue or a lineup problem? Was it because Chelsea lacked someone capable of dominating the game? Or was Pochettino unable to exert any influence from the sidelines?

Whatever the answer, coaches usually bear the brunt of criticism. This is a precarious moment for Pochettino. Rumors have begun circulating from Stamford Bridge. Pochettino has faced scrutiny despite only arriving last summer. Reliable sources predict a possible departure if Chelsea, currently languishing in 11th place in the Premier League, fails to achieve their minimum target of securing a European competition spot.

However, blaming the coach is too easy at Chelsea right now. Pochettino has suffered painful defeats and lacks a specific playing style. But it can be argued whether he is the biggest issue at Chelsea, considering the numerous injuries throughout the season, remarkable performances against top teams, and, most importantly, not being accountable for the £1 billion spent on such an “unusual” squad.

This is not Pochettino’s project. He is the head coach tasked with building a winning team from a squad that lacks a true striker. It wasn’t Pochettino’s idea for Chelsea to sign Axel Disasi, the defender who allowed Van Dijk to score the decisive goal on Sunday.

However, Pochettino’s future at Stamford Bridge is no longer certain. Chelsea has initiated the search for a new manager. Chelsea has long been interested in Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon, and this summer might be the time for them to act.

Nevertheless, this might not be the time for instability. Liverpool trusted Klopp during tough times. Arsenal supported Mikel Arteta. Chelsea won’t progress if they don’t give someone time to build, and Pochettino has three months to convince them not to rush.

Chelsea vs Leeds Prediction: Not Easy to Overcome Leeds

After losing to Liverpool in the League Cup final, Chelsea’s only remaining chance for silverware is the FA Cup, where they will face Championship side Leeds in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge. However, this might not be an easy match for Pochettino’s squad as Leeds has shown remarkable form recently, including a 3-1 win against the Championship leaders, Leicester.

Leeds secured their ninth consecutive win in the Championship, signaling a challenging game for Chelsea. Former England striker Alan Smith believes that Daniel Farke’s squad will come to Stamford Bridge with confidence to create an upset.

“I think this will be a dangerous game for Chelsea,” Smith said. “Everyone thinks they can easily win, but this lively Leeds team will cause an upset at Stamford Bridge. All Chelsea fans will expect a home win, but I think there might be a shock.”

However, Leeds will not enter the match with any complacency, as Chelsea had one of their best performances of the season in the fourth-round match, defeating high-flying Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park.