Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard has admitted Graham Potter faces the sack as Chelsea manager following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Southampton.
The Blues are now five games without a win and have suffered five defeats in their previous nine games. James Ward-Prowse produced another moment of magic from a set-piece with a superb free-kick late in the first half.
Losing to the Premier League's bottom side has compounded the pressure on Potter, with Chelsea now embarking on their worst run of form since 1995. The Englishman is now the new favourite to be sacked after losing his ninth game in charge, overtaking Bournemouth’s Gary O’Neil.
Read more: Mauricio Pochettino has already given stance on Chelsea job as Graham Potter tipped to be sacked
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been tipped to replace the 47-year-old after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. The Argentine was a popular figure at Spurs, guiding the club to two Premier League title challenges and a Champions League final.
But while it's understood that Todd Boehly will stick with Potter, for now, after handing him a six-year contract in September, talk of Potter's reign at Stamford Bridge coming to an abrupt end has intensified after the defeat.
And speaking to NBC Sports, Howard has admitted he fears the worst for Potter for the remainder of the campaign. "It's a mess. Two wins in their last 14 Premier League games," the former Manchester United and Everton shot-stopper said.
"I think they go one of two ways. I think he gets sacked, which I would hate, I can't believe I'm even saying that, because you have to win ultimately to keep your job. Or the season just becomes a wash and right now that's what it feels like.
"It feels like there's no continuity in the team. They've brought a bunch of players and they have to get a bunch of players out. It just feels as, if they don't sack him, their season will just be a wash. They'll try and get things right, they'll have a mass exodus in the summer and then go again next year."
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