Chelsea have begun to discuss the possibility of firing Jose Mourinho, but his departure would cost the club £30 million ($46 million).
Mourinho signed a new four-year deal this past summer after winning the Premier League title.
Chelsea are in 15th place and Mourinho has created a culture where refereeing decisions going against the team are seen as a big factor after nearly every game.
Mourinho is paid $15 million per season as manager of Chelsea.
A number of Chelsea players have questioned Mourinho's management and decision-making this season, although John Terry, Cesc Fabregas, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and Diego Costa remain part of a decreasing group still fully behind him.