Jose Mourinho’s position as Chelsea coach appears to be hanging by a thread following the Blues’ penalty-shootout defeat to Stoke City on Wednesday evening.
The Portuguese coach was already under pressure following the Pensioners’ desperate start to the league season, and his position was further jeopardised when Chelsea were defeated by London rivals West Ham United on Saturday.
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While various pundits believe the reigning champions’ Premier League clash against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Saturday will be decisive, Stoke’s victory in the Capital One Cup in midweek may also prove costly for the Portuguese coach.
Chelsea thought they’d taken the lead in the first half when John Terry back-heeled Willian’s cross past Jack Butland, but the linesman correctly flagged the effort offside—much to the chagrin of Mourinho.
The Blues then fell behind to a stunning Jon Walters strike, but were saved late on when substitute Loic Remy equalised at the death.
However, Chelsea weren’t to make the most of their momentum, and the tie went to penalties. With the goals flying in, Eden Hazard proved to be the fall guy as he failed to convert his effort, sending the reigning league cup champs out of the competition.
While the bout with Liverpool may well be decisive in the eyes of Roman Abramovich, the Russian owner is unlikely to look favourably on the midweek loss.
Will this defeat ultimately hasten the Special One’s exit?