Clouds are darkening over Stamford Bridge... all under the microscope for Poch

'I never thought it was going to be easy but seriously it's way more difficult than expected.'

Those were the words of Thiago Silva's wife Isabelle on social media following another demoralising Chelsea setback against Aston Villa on Sunday.

They could easily have come from club's owners and the hierarchy overseeing this Chelsea project, having had little to show for their staggering £1bn-plus investment so far.

From the posh seats up in the stands, around the Stamford Bridge pitch and down the tunnel co-owner Behdad Eghbali – increasingly prominent across Chelsea while fellow co-owner Todd Boehly has taken a step back - plus sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart strode following the Villa loss, Eghbali attempting to lift spirits in his interactions with Mauricio Pochettino's players in the dressing room area.

The powers that be at Chelsea making that journey in the wake of a poor result has become a regular sight.

And after Boehly made the same one last season following the defeat to Brighton in April and told the squad their season had been 'embarrassing' while singling out one of the senior stars it is one that attracts added attention.

The continuation of Chelsea's woes under their new ownership, though, means increasing questions are being asked of them and their recruitment policy.

Already, just six league games into the new season, Pochettino found himself having to highlight that, amid their disappointment, 'they need to support the plan' in what sounded like a reminder, if needed, that this will not be a quick fix.

The plan is one based on the long-term with young, high-potential players on lengthy contracts but it will need time and patience.

But that is at odds with a club where you do not tend to