Mauricio Pochettino job latest: Chelsea chiefs make decision over head coach’s future after Middlesbrough defeat

Mauricio Pochettino’s position at Chelsea remains safe despite the club’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

Hayden Hackney’s 37 minute finish from close range handed Michael Carrick’s Boro side a 1st leg advantage heading to Stamford Bridge for the 2nd leg later this month as both sides eye progression into the Carabao Cup final.

Chelsea missed several glorious chances that were handed to them by the hosts at the Riverside Stadium, however they were unable to convert and were left paying for their lack of ruthlessness in both boxes.

The full-time whistle was met by audible boos from the travelling Chelsea support on Teesside, with only a handful of players heading over to the disgruntled section, many of whom headed for the exits.

Chelsea have the chance to rectify their 1st leg mistakes in the capital on January 23, but Pochettino will need to ensure his side are ready for the challenge that Boro, who will be desperate to hold on for the 90 minutes, will present.

Pressure is mounting on expectations following a difficult 18 months. Pochettino‘s side are currently 10th in the Premier League and chances of European qualification for next season remain alive.

Should they win the Carabao Cup, Chelsea would qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League at the bare minimum, albeit the club’s owners would ideally prefer Champions League football.

Pochettino’s arrival has split opinion and Tuesday night’s defeat has caused more unrest. However, his future, for now, is not under threat, as reported by Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph.

The 51-year-old’s job is ‘not expected to be put in jeopardy while the club retain a realistic chance of qualifying for Europe’, it’s claimed.

Pochettino remained confident his side could overturn the one goal deficit to face either Fulham or Liverpool in next month’s final.

“It’s the first 90 minutes, first half of the tie and we are losing 1-0. In 15 days we are going to have the second tie and we need to be positive we can win the game and go to the final.”