Under-pressure Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino admits he's in the dark about how bosses judge his performance

The Argentine tactician's admission of being in the dark regarding the evaluation of his performance by the club's hierarchy, particularly Chelsea co-owners Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, reflects the uncertainty surrounding his position. This revelation comes in the aftermath of Chelsea's humiliating 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, compounded by their FA Cup exit last weekend, signalling a turbulent period for the London club.

With their prospects of European qualification hanging by a thread and the spectre of a trophyless season looming large, Pochettino faces an uphill battle to salvage Chelsea's campaign. He is further troubled by a crippling injury crisis that has sidelined 12 players but will be boosted by Cole Palmer's return for the upcoming clash against Aston Villa.

In response to inquiries regarding his rapport with Chelsea's sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, Pochettino candidly admitted: “That’s a good question for them if you have the opportunity to ask them. 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.”

While acknowledging his accountability for the team's on-field performances, Pochettino pointed to major issues in the broader structural and recruitment procedure that transcend his authority.

“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 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.”

Pochettino's remarks hint at a disconnect between the Chelsea board and the coaching staff. The manager publicly demanded "support", "trust", and "confidence" from the board which he feels has been lacking.

“We need to trust the players, and they need to trust in us. The owners need to trust in us, trust in our vision and view," he said. "The sporting directors need to understand that we are the people dealing directly with the players, performance and medical staff. Football is about supporting each other, trusting each other, and having confidence in each other.

"It happens in clubs that are well and winning titles, they are working in this way. It is about having trust and having a vision that this is the way we need to operate and work.”

As Chelsea navigate turbulent waters, Pochettino's remarks offer insight into the complex relationship between the coach and the club's hierarchy. It remains to be seen if he continues to remain at the Stamford Bridge dugout in the next campaign if Chelsea once again fail to secure European football.