Chelsea stand by Liam Rosenior with European spots in jeopardy

A slim 1-0 loss to Manchester United over the weekend has Chelsea sitting sixth in the Premier League table tied on 48 points with Brentford and Bournemouth nipping at their heels.

The tension is building even more with Brighton and Hove Albion plus Everton lurking just a point back on 47 while Sunderland stays close on 46.

A bid that appeared destined for Champions League contention has morphed into a desperate scramble for any European involvement.

Chelsea are enduring a run of four straight league defeats and a further loss against Brighton this evening (Tuesday) would ramp up the strain as they near the business end of the campaign.

At present the stance from Chelsea is firm in affirming Rosenior has their continued support though whispers are growing about the longevity of that faith if performances fail to turn the tide swiftly.

One possible ray of light persists as a win against Leeds United at the weekend could propel Chelsea to the FA Cup final and sustain dreams of lifting a trophy.

Still the broader outlook feels fragile for Rosenior fresh off a six year commitment when he joined Stamford Bridge his overarching strategy now faces real peril.

Club leaders are eager to insulate their manager from extra scrutiny amid these pivotal weeks yet those in the know hint that prolonged struggles might prompt a switch in leadership come the seasons close.