Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino may get some respite from supporters because his side have mostly home games coming up.
That is according to BBC pundit and former Blues star Pat Nevin.
It’s been widely covered that travelling Chelsea supporters were chanting against head coach Mauricio Pochettino during last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Brentford.
Journalist Simon Phillips recently reported via Substack that Chelsea plan to see through the rest of the season with Pochettino in the dugout but more bad results could change that.
Now, the Blues start a run of six matches where five of them are at Stamford Bridge, including on Monday night at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Pat Nevin has a theory that Chelsea’s home support is a lot less hostile than the away fans.
He thinks Pochettinoo and the Blues hierarchy can be happy about this next set of fixtures at the Bridge.
We’d interject by predicting the mood is still going to grow pretty toxic at home games if results don’t drastically improve.
“A good section of the Chelsea fans turned on him (Mauricio Pochettino) at Brentford, when even a late Axel Disasi equaliser couldn’t prevent them slipping down once again to the bottom half of the table, less than a week after they lost a cup final they could easily have won,” Nevin told BBC Sport.
“There is, however, something odd going on here. The Chelsea fans at the Bridge seem much less antagonistic towards the manager and indeed the current ownership, than the travelling hordes.
“…The core, dyed in the blue wool travelling fans are becoming disgruntled by how long it is taking for the big spending to bear fruit and are trusting the long-term project less and less each week.
“Saturday was a big moment, and the ‘legacy’ fans made their feelings known. Fortunately for Mauricio, Todd and co, five of the next six games are at home, in front of a much more compliant audience.
“This should make life seem a little more pleasant – in the short term at least.”
Chelsea fixtures
First, Chelsea will look for their first league win since 12 March when Newcastle visit in a few days.
Afterwards, there’s a massive FA Cup quarter-final tie at home to Leicester City.
We also welcome Burnley, Manchester United and Everton during the home run, so let’s hope the team can try make the Bridge a fortress again.
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