Malo Gusto makes thoughts clear on Chelsea sacking Mauricio Pochettino

Malo Gusto has made it clear he wants Chelsea to keep Mauricio Pochettino as their manager for next season. The Argentine cast fresh uncertainty over his future after Wednesday night’s win at Brighton, replying “I don’t know” when asked if finishing sixth would be enough for him to keep his job.

The Blues won 2-1 away at the Seagulls despite captain Reece James picking up a red card late on. The victory further aids Pochettino’s cause as he looks to win over his doubters with a strong finish to the season.

The Premier League table since January 1 has Chelsea in fourth, four points ahead of Newcastle and five behind Liverpool having played one match less than both. The Londoners have won all of their last four since a two-goal comeback to draw away at Aston Villa.

That has seen them leapfrog Newcastle and Manchester United in the fight to qualify for Europe. But they are paying the price for a sluggish start that saw them win just three of their first 10.

With Chelsea now hoping to finish as high as fifth, after ending 12th last year, Gusto insists the dressing room are fully behind Pochettino. The ex-Tottenham coach will sit down with the Blues’ board at the end of the campaign to reach a decision over whether he should stay or go.

“We have to be behind the coaching staff, that’s the most important thing,” right-back Gusto said. “I think that’s why we improved more in the last few games.

“We need to stay all together and keep focused on our job.” The Frenchman is confident about the trajectory of this Chelsea team, who have been decimated by injuries this season, under Pochettino.

“We can be one of the best teams in the Premier League,” Gusto added. “We have a lot of talent, we already know that. This season was not very, very good for us.

“We already know that the start of the season was a little bit complicated but we need to finish in a good way.” Gusto has been one of the main success stories for Chelsea in a mixed campaign and has flourished under Pochettino.

The manager recently said he is planning for next season despite the uncertainty around his position. And asked after the win at Brighton if finishing sixth would see him stay at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino said: “I don’t know.

“We have been all the season talking but it looks like my words are not important and no one cares. People only care about rumours and things like this.

“It’s not important, the most important thing is winning games for me. It has been tough with all the circumstances. In one season, with all the circumstances, I am so proud of the squad.”