Pochettino faces uncertain future after Chelsea's Carabao Cup final defeat

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s long-term position as head coach is uncertain, with qualification for European football emerging as a crucial factor in determining the Argentine’s future.

The pressure is mounting on the 51-year-old following his team’s Carabao Cup final loss to Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.

Pochettino signed a two year contract last summer, with the option for a third.

However, there are now significant doubts over whether Chelsea are prepared to continue the partnership heading into the season climax.

There was not a knee-jerk reaction to the loss at Wembley despite the disappointment, particular after the Anfield side ended the game with a host of academy players on the field.

The recent upturn in results prior to Sunday’s loss which saw the club pick up nine points from a possible 12 - including a draw at Manchester City - has provided reasons for optimism.

But Pochettino now faces a crucial run of matches that are likely to determine his long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with club officials desperate to play in Europe next season.

Given their indifferent league form, the FA Cup may provide Pochettino with his best route into UEFA competition next season.

Chelsea face Leeds in the fifth round tomorrow night. Failure to progress would merely compound the pressure on the former Tottenham head coach.

The Blues want to make through to the end of the season before reviewing their management role.

Intriguingly, sources close to the Chelsea ownership have indicated the club have already started looking at potential candidates to replace Pochettino should they part ways.

Chelsea have a long-standing interest in Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, but the Portuguese is expected to have high-profile options