Russian Revolution

It seems to be tough times at Stamford Bridge at the moment. Chelsea have just been dumped out of the Champion’s League by Man United, they are 11 points behind United in the league and have of course already been dumped out of other 2 domestic cups, the Carling & FA cup. It seems as though they only have a top 4 and European place to fight for. (Let’s hope they don’t make it)

There is obviously a lot of media speculation over Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club, and he will be blamed for the failures. I feel sorry for the man. He is a good manager with a proven record in Europe and his domestic double last year in his first season at Chelsea spells out the man’s quality as a manager.  Personally I don’t believe he should be sacked. I do not think the problem lies with the manager. Every team is allowed to have a dip in form, and Sir Fergi will be the first to mention in public that you cannot win every year. Of course, try telling that to Mr. Abramovich. Success is not bought. Although spending is a necessity when trying to compete for 4 trophies every year, surely a long term plan must enter a billionaire’s mind.

Jose Mourinho, the most successful Chelsea manager in Abromovic ownership, spent £225.76m. But that is Mourinho and he is quite frankly special as his self proclaimed nickname states. He was successful, and I have no doubt he would have won more had he not resigned in 2007. He didn’t have the control he wanted even after winning the league 2 years in a row and the FA cup. The Russian felt he wanted flashy and attractive football for his Chelsea, and winning was not enough…

Avram Grant stepped in and did a good job. He ran Man United close in the league and in the Champions League. He too was not awarded a new contract after come close to success. Filipe Scolari was next and he also didn’t last long and was fired in early 2009. Guus Hiddink took over until the end of the season. Chelsea again came close but finished 3^rd. In comes Ancelotti, and Chelsea win the double. It was not long before the Russian decided to interfere again and sacked Ray Wilkens, the man that played a huge role in Chelsea’s tactical planning and planned training sessions. In my opinion, that led to Chelsea’s terribly form in the middle of this season. Then came the £50 signing of Mr. Torres. Do you think Ancelotti wanted him? Do you think Ancelotti, a proven manager, would pick a striker that is horribly off form for a match that could give Chelsea hope for a European Cup ahead of Drogba? I don’t think so. I believe that the Russian dictator is pulling the strings, throwing his cheque book in their faces and just expecting results. Football does not work that way. Football is about passion, chemistry and the right tactics for the players you have. That’s why Mourinho is so good. He gets that blend perfect to get results. Torres does not fit into that team yet. I do not believe the players at Chelsea are that supportive of him either. The attacking players of Chelsea look like they do not want to play with him, and do not look happy at all.

I feel that there could be a revolution on the cards for Chelsea. The average age of the squad is too old. The squad is unhappy (Anelka, Malouda Drogba, Kalou especially) and there is a definite need for younger fresher faces. The team is aging with Lampard turning 33, Anelka 32, Malouda 30/31 and Drogba 32? If you ask me, Drogba, Malouda and Anelka will leave, Kalou might well want to leave too.

They have been linked with big money signings again of Alexis Sanchez, Lukaku and Naymar. I can see them spending big again to try closing the gap on Man United.

Of course there is money to replace these stars that have won the premiership, and generally performed very well. Do you think the Russian will allow young players like Josh McEachran, Danielle Sturridge and Gael Kukuta to break into the team and have the patience to develop into quality players?

If I was the Russian, I would look for stability and have a little patience. I would look towards a 3 year plan and re build the team around fantastic players like David Luiz at the back, Essien and Remires in midfield, Torres (a joke now, but form is temporary, and class lasts forever) upfront. It could give the club the right credibility for the future. I would then let Danielle Sturridge, Gael Kakuta and Yossi Benyoun out wide and promote British youngsters. There is a certain passion that comes from academy players that come through. Look at the half the Man United squad and even Liverpool have pushed through quality youngsters of late that have a will to win and have a passion for the club (most recently young Flanagan at right back). Surely Man United and Liverpool’s blue print is the way forward for clubs when you consider the Fair play rules coming into play. I would sell Drogba, Malouda, Anelka, Ferreira and Bosingwa. I would replace them with younger players, English players if possible.

Of course I would have Carlo Ancelotti re building the team going forward and I would have the faith in the man who has already won 2 domestic titles in England, 2 Champions League trophies and a number of league titles with Milan.  

Hell, I am lying; if I owned them I would blow them up myself and spend the millions for transfers on lawyers. haha.

Surely you stick with Ancelotti’s experience to move forward? But if Ancelotti does get fired after one “bad” season, who replaces him? Who would want a job where your football integrity is questioned by a billionaire dictator that interferes with team selection and player signings?

Over & Out 

Fletch