'He’s taken a lot of s***' – Alan Shearer defends Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino

Alan Shearer has jumped to the defence of Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino's first season in charge of the west London club has been a rollercoaster, with poor results leading to constant speculation about his future. Recent victories, including a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, have since gone some way to turning the tide in the Argentine’s favour.

Yet Pochettino has refused to rule out the possibility of leaving the Blues in the summer. He stated in his pre-match press conference on Friday that it "would not be the end of the world" if owner Todd Boehly decides to let him go at the end of the season.

Now Match of the Day pundit Shearer has voiced his support for the 52 year old head coach. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the Newcastle legend commended Pochettino for his work, given that he took over a team that finished 12th last term and has faced unrelenting criticism this season.

Shearer said via the Mirror: "He's had to take a lot of s*** this season, a lot of it through no fault of his own because we know how it works at Chelsea. I think that was him having a little dig back [at the rumours of his dismissal].

"I think he's done a really good job. They could get sixth place. If he were to get that it would be a bloody good season for them."

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Pochettino, who has a year remaining on his deal, has been met with widespread discontent from Blues supporters and has seen his players booed on several occasions. Still, he has guided the team to seventh in the league, level on points with Newcastle in sixth with two games still to play.

The former Tottenham and PSG boss candidly spoke about his uncertain future last week, stating: "I never said that I am not happy. I said maybe I am happy, maybe I am unhappy. I never said I am not happy. It is a normal headline and sometimes too much honesty, talking. It is not a problem.

"I have one year more in my contract, like I said yesterday, I am thinking long term and thinking for a life here. We are working because we are professional and thinking to win games and trying to make the owners happy, trying to make the staff, players and fans happy.

"I had an honest conversation in the press conference. To clarify, if the owner is happy with my job we can continue."