Maurizio Sarri's game against Manchester City in Sunday's Carabao Cup final could be his last as Chelsea coach.
After a string of bad results and strain on the Italian's relationship with fans, Sarri now appears to be a dead man walking at Stamford Bridge and he is running out of time as they face Malmo in the Europa League tonight, City on Sunday and Spurs next Wednesday.
Under-pressure Sarri has been left in no doubt that his future is on the line, and if he suffers more bad results, bosses are ready to make a change and are already considering potential replacements.
Fans chanted for Chelsea legend Frank Lampard on Monday night but the Derby boss is in his first season and may not be ready for the task.
Juventus boss Max Allegri could be a big-name alternative, but Zinedine Zidane’s chances are not helped by his poor English.
POOR ENGLISH: Zinedine. Photo: BENOIT TESSIER/REUTERS
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia - a close ally of Roman Abramovich - is also under the spotlight as she championed Sarri’s appointment.
Meanwhile, Mirror Sport has revealed that Sarri is struggling to convince Chelsea’s serial silverware winners that his management style is the right way.
While many of Chelsea’s players know what it takes to achieve glory, Sarri is still waiting for his first managerial honour.