Chelsea: Mauricio Pochettino sack update ahead of Leeds United clash at Stamford Bridge
Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Chelsea relies heavily on European football qualification and the FA Cup could provide the best route ahead of a clash with Leeds United on Wednesday 28 February, according to Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported [27 February, page 67] that the Argentine’s future at Stamford Bridge is hanging in the balance but winning the FA Cup could help secure the club’s target of European football next season.
It is understood, as per sources close to the club, that the Chelsea owners have already begun the search for a possible replacement, with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim a potential candidate.
Can Leeds United bypass Chelsea in the FA Cup?
Considering both sides’ current forms, the Whites have every chance of beating Chelsea in the FA Cup Fifth Round, which would compound more pressure on Pochettino.
Though the Blues boss will be fighting to keep his job, his players will be exhausted after reaching extra time during a loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, already handing Daniel Farke an advantage.
However, Leeds have their own issues to worry about, with fitness doubts over Patrick Bamford, Crysencio Summerville, Daniel James and Georginio Rutter ahead of the FA Cup clash.
All four of these stars have been vital to Leeds’ success this season, rising above Ipswich Town and Southampton in the Championship table and chasing Leicester City at the top of the table.
Farke will also have his own priorities set ahead of the meeting at Stamford Bridge, with Premier League promotion the main goal of the season at Elland Road. This does not mean, though, that Leeds will roll over for Pochettino and his side.
They have proven this in their journey to the Fifth Round, deploying full-strength teams against Peterborough United and Plymouth Argyle.
In other Leeds United news, Gretar Steinsson has been hailed as one transfer flies under the radar at Elland Road.
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