Chelsea take stance on Mauricio Pochettino's future after Middlesbrough cup defeat

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is facing increased pressure from supporters amid a disappointing start to the season. It has been a turbulent time for the Blues, who have sunk like a stone since the arrival of new owner Todd Boehly.

Mass spending was designed to take Chelsea to the next level, but it has had the opposite effect, with the Blues missing out on European football last season, while they don't look particularly likely to qualify this term.

Chelsea are currently down in 10th place, and while they are three points off a Conference League spot, they are as many as 12 off the top four pace. Pochettino hasn't managed to find the consistency that was missing last season, and it got no better earlier this week.

The Blues lost 1-0 away to Championship side Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, and that game led to more criticism for Pochettino. But according to The Telegraph, the Argentine is not under immediate pressure from the board, even if fans are beginning to make their feelings clear on the poor form.

The report does, however, add that if the gap between Chelsea and the European spots begins to grow, Pochettino's position will come under scrutiny. Chelsea's upcoming league games include Fulham, Liverpool, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Tottenham. That could make life difficult for Pochettino as he and his side look to close in on the European spots.

The Blues will also have their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg and an FA Cup fourth round clash with Aston Villa within that time. They also have the advantage of not competing in Europe while some of their rivals in the European race will be from February.