Chelsea no.1 Djordje Petrovic has said that manager Mauricio Pochettino still has the full backing of the first-team squad.

While supporters have started to turn on the Blues boss, Petrovic says that the Argentine has not lost the dressing room despite the club’s poor recent form:

“All of us believe in the manager and we’re all behind him. The final was a learning experience because we are a young team and in the process. It was a good lesson, a good school for us.”

“For sure we’re better players now with more experience after the final. We will keep going, look forward to making better results in the Premier League and getting to a better place in the table.”

Pochettino was criticised by supporters during the Brentford game

Fans were audibly calling for former manager Jose Mourinho in the away end at the Gtech Community Stadium during the 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Pochettino admitted after the match that he doesn’t have the backing of his own supporters. For the time being, though, the club’s owners are holding fire on sacking him.

Chelsea are considering potential replacements

It is believed that co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are reluctant to fire another manager midseason, having witnessed the terrible form following the departure of Graham Potter last year.

They are said to be hoping to get to the end of the campaign before deciding on whether to part company with Pochettino. However, a succession plan is being put in place.

The Blues have reportedly already added Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi to their list of options. More names are also expected to be considered.

For now, the club will keep faith with Pochettino. As Petrovic says, he does still have the backing of the players, which means there is a chance he can turn things and secure this season’s target, which is European qualification.