Chelsea have made huge ‘demand’ of Mauricio Pochettino before end of season

Chelsea have reportedly made a huge demand of Mauricio Pochettino as he nears the completion of his first season in charge.

After a dismal campaign featuring three managers last time out, the Blues spent a record £434.5 million in the summer transfer window.

Their struggles have continued under Pochettino, who appears to be under pressure less than a year into his deal.

The west London club have been a real mixed bag, winning 15 times but losing 11 and heavily relying on the abilities of Cole Palmer.

But with two impressive back-to-back victories, they now find themselves in seventh place ahead of Manchester United.

Just two points behind Newcastle United in sixth with three games remaining after a 5-0 thumping of West Ham at Stamford Bridge, the Blues could yet sneak into a European position after all.

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But according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the club's top brass are demanding that Chelsea finish in a Europa League position, rather than the more realistic Europa Conference League spot.

Speaking on NBC Sports, Ornstein said: "Chelsea have a situation of their own with Mauricio Pochettino in position for now, coming up to a year into a two-year contract - with an option to extend.

"That situation will be reviewed in the summer. Chelsea are demanding that they qualify for Europe for the Europa League, not the Europa Conference League."

Chelsea are still in with an outside shout of qualifying for the Europa League, though they are reliant on other results.

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They are guaranteed to finish higher than last season, when they came 12th on 44 points.

In the same update, Ornstein confirmed that should they part company with Pochettino, they will not bring back former managers Antonio Conte or Jose Mourinho, nor will they opt for Hansi Flick or Ruben Amorim.

Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Nottingham Forest on 11 May.