Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez must return from Japan with the Club World Cup if he is to survive the axe.
The Daily Express says sources close to Russian owner Roman Abramovich said he was furious at the manner of their second-half capitulation at West Ham United and could make a quick and dramatic U-turn on his decision to appoint the Spaniard as temporary successor to Roberto Di Matteo.
Benitez will be in charge for the Club World Cup next weekend, but embarrassment in Japan could force a rethink.