Chelsea fell to their heaviest ever defeat against Arsenal on Tuesday night as a season mired by inconsistency hit a low ebb for Mauricio Pochettino and co.
The hammering at the Emirates not only served as a blow to any aspirations of establishing the west London side's presence further up the table, but as a reminder of everything Chelsea currently are not. Pochettino acknowledged his side 'gave up' against the Gunners and the 5-0 loss secured the club's Premier League record for goals conceded in one season, 57.
However, the Blues remain within three points of Newcastle, Manchester United and West Ham, who are all challenging for sixth place, and will still have aspirations of European football. It comes in a season that could see the club go consecutive years without winning a trophy for the first time since 2004 and consecutive years without European qualification for the first since 1996.
That 2023/24 has been mired in inconsistency may not be a surprise for the youngest squad in the league, particularly one that has been ravaged by injury. There has been little shown to dispel claims that Chelsea are in fact Cole Palmer FC.
There is little doubt under a previous administration, Pochettino would be looking for other work. The side's results this season go beyond head coach and players however, sporting directors and ownership are under the microscope.
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Even if no decision is forthcoming sooner, Pochettino's role is set to be assessed and discussed at the end of the season. The Argentine boss signed a two-year deal upon his arrival last summer and both parties will likely feel there is a lot to be discussed at the halfway mark.
If they do part ways, below are some of the options who could be available. With plenty of competition from other clubs, finding a replacement may not be an easy task.
Mauricio Pochettino was a picture of frustration (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)Thomas Tuchel
The German coach was sacked just months into the beginning of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's tenure in charge of the club. Tuchel is nevertheless held in high regard by the Chelsea faithful having guided the team to Champions League success and was quickly able to solidify a leaky defence in his last stint.
A return would appear unlikely but the 50-year-old will be available after Bayern Munich decided to only stick with the coach until the end of the season.
Jose Mourinho
Chelsea have lost more games against Arsenal in their last five meetings than Mourinho has in his career, and the Portuguese boss remains without a job after being sacked by Roma. Few are associated with winning trophies like the Special One, and while recent jobs may have seen him take a hit to his pedigree, given Chelsea's predicament it would at least see less competition.
The former Manchester United boss is not renowned for developing young players however, and he may not fit the>
Ruben Amorim
It would not be the first time that Chelsea had turned to Portugal for a head coach and Amorim has certainly won his admirers during his time with Sporting. West Ham have expressed their interest, and while he was linked to Liverpool they appear to have turned their attention to Arne Slot.
Amorim has said he will quit his current role should they not win the league. Sporting are currently seven points clear of Benfica however.
Robert De Zerbi
It has not been uncommon for Chelsea to turn to Brighton when in need, though it has not been the source of much success so far. The Italian boss drew plaudits for his first season with the Seagulls after Graham Potter landed at Chelsea but has found thing more difficult in his second term.
De Zerbi has often been coy over his future at Brighton but recently admitted he has no desire to leave currently. “I love Italy and our football,” he said.
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Andrea Maldera speaking with Roberto De Zerbi (James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)“I feel good in England, in the Premier League and I have no intention of leaving. There is no team that can change my mind, I have made a commitment. I like being outside and experiencing the atmosphere of the stadium. Furthermore, in England, I have the opportunity to improve my knowledge of the language and football.”
Thiago Motta
While Xabi Alonso's achievements with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga have been highly regarded across Europe, it should not diminish the job Motta has done with Bologna. The Italian side are set to secure Champions League football for the first time utilising an innovative system of play.
It should be little surprise Motta has received links to Manchester United and Liverpool, and reports have already linked the Brazilian with a departure from La Dotta. Perhaps he would not turn down an opportunity of Champions League experience however.
Xavi
Another coach whose departure has been announced early. The Barcelona boss has shown a canny knack of bringing through young talent at the Catalan club.
The 44-year-old was left discontent with the atmosphere around his job at Camp Nou, so he may need to be persuaded of taking on his next role. A positive environment is not currently guaranteed at Stamford Bridge.
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