Chelsea owner Roman Abromovich may not want to sack Jose Mourinho despite the Blues poor run and just dumped out of the Capital One Cup, but the Russian oil mogul could loss his patient anytime some and make a shocking statement.
Mourinho is undoubtedly the best manager in Chelsea’s history, with three Premier League titles in five seasons under his belt.
But his team have struggled since the start of the season, winning just one of their last seven matches in all competitions and pressure is mounting on the Portuguese despite winning the title only five months ago.
Defeat to Liverpool on Saturday at Stamford Bridge could spell the end of an era for the Special One’s second spell in charge.
However, if the Blues owner Abramovich choose to get rid of Mourinho, there is likely to be problems, as the alternatives to replace him do not look appealing.
For the list of coaches currently out of job and available are: Carlo Ancelotti, sacked in 2011, would take a considerable amount of persuading to return and a considerable financial incentive, and would probably only come next summer.
Guus Hiddink, who rescued them in 2009 after Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked, is now 68, but has indicated he would be keen to fill in until the summer.
Some of the long term targets prospects that would be available – namely Pep Guardiola, who turned Chelsea down in 2013, Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone or Ancelotti, should he be persuaded.
If Abramovich decides to stick with Mourinho the key will be Chelsea finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Chelsea currently have 11 points from 10 games with 28 matches left. That means they need 59 points from those games – an average of 2.1 points per game between now and the end of the season.
But the embattled manager has said he can’t guaranty a top four finish for the Blues. That means Chelsea might not take part in the Champions League spot for next season.
Mourinho has had a tough start to his team’s title defence, winning only three of 10 Premier League games this season.
The Chelsea manager is appealing against a £50,000 fine and a suspended one-match stadium ban for suggesting officials were afraid to award his side decisions following the defeat by Southampton, was this week charged with misconduct after being sent off at West Ham last weekend.
The defending Premier League champions sit 15th in the table after winning three league games this season.
Reports have suggested the 52-year-old could lose his job if the Blues are beaten by Liverpool on Saturday.
But the Portuguese tactician is certain the Russian billionaire will retain him even if the club finish mid-table and outside the Champions League places this season.
If Chelsea defeat Liverpool or draw, then it is likely that Mourinho will limp on, otherwise that could send him packing.
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea have won just one of their last eight matches
Anthony Nlebem
