Pochettino's statement could also mean his future with the club is hanging in the balance.
Mauricio Pochettino expressed uncertainty about the opinions of Chelsea’s sporting directors concerning his performance as manager this season.
The 52-year-old faces significant scrutiny after Chelsea’s recent FA Cup elimination and a crushing 5-0 loss to Arsenal.
With just six games left, Chelsea’s prospects for European qualification are fading, and the club faces a second consecutive season without any trophies—a situation not seen since 2003.
RELATED: Chelsea Contemplate Managerial Change, two targets listed.
RELATED: Pochettino demands decisive action from Chelsea hierarchy.
During a pre-match press conference, Pochettino revealed he had not discussed his standing with Lawrence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, the club’s sporting directors, nor has he been in recent contact with Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
Pochettino asked by the press if he has the backing of the sporting directors:
“That’s a good question for them if you have the opportunity to ask them”, he said in quotes picked up by The Standard.
“But it’s not a subjective idea of us [that we have problems], it is the reality. Okay, that is a point: if we are [considered] responsible, we are responsible.
“Maybe we are not responsible in this situation. I cannot answer the question because, to be honest, I don’t know what they are thinking.”
The Argentine manager acknowledged some of the criticism but pointed to factors like injury issues, the club’s structure, and recruitment strategies, which he views as beyond his control, as contributing to Chelsea’s challenges this season.
“My responsibility is that the team performs”, he added.
“But of course, the club is designing and planning a structure that you need to prove works. Because of the results, you can say it’s just [the manager].
“But I don’t have the key to the club. I don’t make all the decisions here. That is to be made clear. If you say to me I have the key and this guy is here because it’s my decision, that is one thing.
“But if this is not my decision you need to judge me and judge him in his job, no? Because it’s not my direct responsibility.”
“Of course, we are always open to help in all the ways because we want the best for the club. We want the best for the sporting directors, owners, players and our fans.
“We are a coaching staff that has a big commitment to the project and club.”
MORE
Two European giants are reportedly preparing to bid for Levi Cowill
