Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has given every indication the club's hierarchy have the 'patience' to keep Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.
Last summer, Pochettino arrived at Stamford Bridge with the task of getting Chelsea back into Europe after a dismal 2022-23 campaign.
As it stands, the Blues are one win away from guaranteeing seventh position in the Premier League standings, and potentially two away from finishing in sixth, which would guarantee a Europa League place.
However, ahead of closing fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth, speculation persists that Pochettino's position in the Stamford Bridge dugout is not safe.
Pochettino, himself, has hinted that it is also not beyond the realms of possibility that he and his staff walk could away from their respective positions at the West Londoners if the relevant parties are not able to agree on matters behind the scenes.
Although much may depend on how Chelsea fare during their final two fixtures, they make the trip to the Amex Stadium on Wednesday looking to record a fourth successive victory in the top flight.
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Boehly encouraged by Chelsea development
Earlier this month, Boehly was not shy in heaping praise on Chelsea's recent performances, feeling the team were starting to play "beautiful football".
Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, the American has seemingly given further words of encouragement regarding an extended Pochettino stay, admitting that the club's board need to have 'patience' with the development of their project.
Boehly said, as quoted by journalist Ben Jacobs on X: "The number one thing is you have got to be patient. You are putting something together and expecting it come together really quickly, but the reality is anything really good takes a little bit time. Patience was always a thought for us.
"When we bought the Dodgers in 2013 we started 15 and 25, but we kind of just kept sticking to the plan because we believed the it was right. And we went through a similar thing with Chelsea.
"You have to have the resolve to not hear all the noise around you and remain committed to the plan. And since Boxing Day, we are the fourth best team in the Premier League. When you look at what is going on it now, it feels better and better."
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Will final two matches really make the difference?
There was a time not so long ago when it was suggested some Chelsea board members were in favour of Pochettino remaining at the helm even when European qualification appeared to be unlikely.
Such has been the upturn in results that failing to qualify for the Europa League or Europa Conference League would now be viewed as a missed opportunity, rather than the perception that it could have been a bonus.
Pochettino has 24 wins from his 49 matches in charge of Chelsea in all competitions, but as Boehly has alluded to, Chelsea are the fourth-best performing team in the Premier League since Boxing Day.
While much remains in the air, it seems far more likely than not that Pochettino will be kept in charge of Chelsea for the 2024-25 season.
Darren Plant
