Pat Nevin believes Mauricio Pochettino may get some respite from the Chelsea supporters because his side mainly play at Stamford Bridge over the next few weeks.
The away support turned against Pochettino in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Brentford with the Argentine subject to unsavoury chants.
The 52 year old is under immense pressure as the Blues find themselves in the bottom half of the table and facing a tough task to qualify for European football next season.
It has always been the plan to assess Pochettino’s future at the end of the season which marks the half way point of the two year contract he signed last summer but that could change if results don’t improve.
Chelsea now have five of their next six matches at Stamford Bridge starting on Monday night against Newcastle and former Blues player Nevin feels the home support is less hostile than the away support which could provide some respite for Pochettino.
Nevin told BBC Sport: “A good section of the Chelsea fans turned on 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.”
“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.”
