Enzo Maresca risks same Chelsea fate as Mauricio Pochettino after contrasting fortunes

Chelsea boss saw his side's Champions League hopes dented on Sunday as the Blues were at St James' Park. And the 45-year-old, who took over as Chelsea boss last summer, will be under immense pressure during the final few games of the season as he looks to remain at Stamford Bridge longer than the year Mauricio Pochettino managed.

Maresca replaced Pochettino after the Argentine by mutual consent. But during the Italian's tenure, Chelsea's fortunes have followed the opposite trajectory as they did under Pochettino. And with the Chelsea owners already showing their willingness to change managers when they need to, Maresca may feel his job in the capital isn't guaranteed.

After Pochettino was appointed Chelsea boss in 2023, the Blues endured a difficult start to their Premier League campaign as they lost eight of their 18 matches before Christmas.

But the former Tottenham boss turned his side's fortunes around after the festive celebration as they suffered just three more defeats before the campaign came to an end.

During the second half of last season, the Blues beat Tottenham and Manchester United before thrashing Everton 6-0 and hammering West Ham 5-0. They eventually finished sixth, but Pochettino still left the club.

Maresca, on the other hand, enjoyed a fine start to life at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea lost just twice before Christmas and kept pace with the sides at the top of the table.

But they have been on a dreadful run of form during the second half of the season and have been particularly underwhelming on their travels.

The result against Newcastle means the team have now picked up just six points from their last 10 away matches in the league, a run that has left them fighting a battle just to secure a top five finish.

Chelsea have time to end their season on a high as they are set to face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final later this month. And they could yet cement their place in next season's Champions League.

But Chelsea chiefs won't be happy with what they have witnessed from Maresca's side during the first part of 2025.

Maresca needs to take some inspiration from Pochettino and end the season on a high. But if he falls short, he could face an uncomfortable summer as he waits patiently to discover whether he still retains the full backing of those above him.