Distasteful Ancelotti axe setting new Premier League standards

Published by adam | Filed under Champions League, Football (aka soccer), Premier League

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Chelsea fans must be slightly uncomfortable as the 7th manager in 8 years gets sacked. Carlo Ancelotti, who brought Chelsea Football Club their first ever double, was sacked shortly after he gave his post-game analysis on the final day of the season. In his post-game speech he said: “that he would talk with Chelsea about his contract in a week.” As he walked back down the stairs, Ron Gourley, Chelsea’s chief executive, caught him by surprise with Abramovich’s axe and told him of his dismissal.



In the end, Ancelotti did get a nice compensation fee, but the whole situation was distastefully handled. However, most of us were prepared, as we are beginning to expect nothing less from the “puppet master,” Roman Abramovich.


Chelsea will undoubtedly make some signings this summer in some much needed younger players. Now, they will also need to find a new manager. Guus Hiddink looks to be the candidate most likely to take over at Stamford Bridge. Hiddink has already managed Chelsea for the short stint in 2009 after Luiz Felipe Scolari was axed. Hiddink did his job, and did it well while being Chelsea manager. He was able to secure Champions League qualification, earned 34 out of a possible 39 points, and won the FA Cup.


Nonetheless, trigger-happy Abramovich has made it evident what he wants. The Champions League, however, is certainly no small feat for any manager’s first season in charge. With so many changes in such a short time, the situation behind the scenes must be somewhat unstable. Each new manager, with a staff from all over the world, brings a new way of looking at the game, new tactics, new players, while their philosophy takes time to be soaked in. Many Chelsea fans have pointed at Sir Alex Ferguson, who did not do well in his first couple of seasons at Manchester United. Clubs like Barcelona for example, were not built in a summer. Home grown talent, years and years of playing together, getting everyone on the same page, and understanding the club’s philosophy make a club successful, not just a new manager. Clubs and new managers take time to grow with each other.


Luckily Hiddink will be dealt a good hand with the quality players at Chelsea, but living up to Abramovich’s wishes is another story. Whoever is brought in next year will have a difficult time, and unless the manager’s philosophy and style fits right away with the old players and new signings, good chemistry will be hard to find.


Good luck to Guus Hiddink or whoever is next at Stanford Bridge because Mr. Abramovich sleeps with his axe.