Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has reportedly been tasked with winning the Europa League in order to keep his job at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri has started to come under fierce pressure after the club's recent poor form in the Premier League, and it has left the Blues in danger of missing out on next season's Champions League.
Chelsea only sit one point adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United in the top-flight standings, but United are currently one of the form teams in the division.
The West Londoners can also qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League in May, and according to The Telegraph, Sarri may have to be successful in Europe in order to remain in the dugout.
Chelsea begin their campaign in the knockout stages with a two-legged tie with Malmo, and defeat against the Swedish outfit could potentially result in a managerial change.
However, progress into the last 16 may lead to the Chelsea hierarchy keeping faith with their current coaching setup ahead of the closing three months of the season.
Darren Plant
