Maurizio Sarri has held discussions with the Chelsea hierarchy about the club’s pre-season plans, despite ongoing doubts surrounding the head coach’s position at the club.

Pressure has grown on Sarri since the turn of the year, particularly after a series of defeats including heavy losses at Bournemouth and Manchester City and the painful FA Cup defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last month that triggered an angry reaction from home supporters.

Performances have improved since then, however, with back-to-back victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham reviving Chelsea’s challenge for a top-four spot.

Thursday night’s home meeting with Dynamo Kiev in the first leg of the Europa League last-16 tie offers the possibility to extend that run.

Sarri maintains he is not dwelling on his long-term prospects, although he expressed a belief on Wednesday that, if results continue to improve, he will still be at the club beyond this season. His involvement in planning preparations for the new campaign, including a trip to Japan, will do nothing to dent that view.