Chelsea’s attempt to raise morale by boasting of their unbeaten Europa League record back-fired this week, as disgruntled supporters immediately hit back over the standard of opponents they have faced.
hours to go!
Unbeaten so far, the Europa League is back tomorrow! #MALCHE pic.twitter.com/NNNYlYZhJL
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 13, 2019
Morale is at rock-bottom at Stamford Bridge right now, following a recent 6-0 thrashing by rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.
Ahead of a return to Europa League action, the Blues were hoping to gain a bit of respite and build spirits back up among the fan-base. But things did not quite go to plan.
The Blues travel to Sweden for a Valentine’s Day clash with Malmo, as they bid to progress to the latter stages of the competition.
Chelsea are keen to drum up momentum, knowing that winning the competition overall would provide route into next season’s Champions League.
Taking to Twitter, the club’s official account started the count-down klaxon by writing: ’24 hours to go! Unbeaten so far, the Europa League is back!’
But the responses came thick and fast, with few punches pulled.
Can you stop this unbeaten nonsense now
Thank you
— WillieBiom (@Paa_Willie1) February 13, 2019
‘Oh boy this ‘gloating’ doesn’t feel right, after that thrashing vs City…’ added another.
Chelsea fans are clearly still feeling the pain from the Premier League mauling which put Maurizio Sarri’s job precariously on the line.
Trying really hard to get us excited pic.twitter.com/JgYqioHejJ
— Claire (@Clairey_Galvin) February 13, 2019
Defeat at the Etihad saw Chelsea fall off the points in the hunt for a top four finish, going level with Arsenal on 50 and now a point behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recently resurgent Manchester United.
The defeat by City came soon after another humiliation, at the hands of Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth.
As long as Sarri is still coach we won’t progress. Just FIRE this clueless & talkative dude!
— Liberty Jongwe (@MrlibsJong) February 13, 2019
Taking a bleak yet realistic outlook on the situation, Sarri admitted to reporters he believes his job is firmly in the balance.
Remaining coy over his future, when asked if he was expecting a call from Abramovich, Sarri pointed towards the power structure at Chelsea.
‘You have to ask the club,’ Sarri said amid growing calls for his removal after a fourth defeat in eight games.
‘I’m worried about my team. I’m worried about the performance. My job is always at risk.