Roman Abramovich is yet to demonstrate his grasp on the term “mercy”. In the last ten years, five different Chelsea managers have all received the same fateful call to his office and in no uncertain terms, have been “relieved of their duties”.
The £13.3m compensation package paid to FC Porto for AVB marked a change in attitude by the Chelsea owner. The appointed experience of Ranieri, Mourinho, Avram-Grant, Scolari and Hiddink demonstrated a demand for immediate success. So 34 year old Villas Boas triggered a change in the owner’s ways and perhaps a long term strategy was finally being considered. The aging Chelsea side needed a shake-up and through the eyes of Abramovich, AVB would be the perfect man to implement such changes.
His initial 19 points from 8 games was received well by the watchful eyes of press and public. Chelsea ensured a place in the last 16 of the Champion’s League, though the road through the group stages was anything but smooth. As the months progressed the Blues slipped further away from the leading Manchester clubs and now find themselves embroiled in a fight for fourth place. Subsequent rumors of fall-outs with senior players have done nothing to paper over the cracks of Chelsea’s failing league campaign. Much of the spotlight has been shone on AVB’s relationship with Frank Lampard:
“I think, from the outside, you can probably see that it's not been ideal but the important thing is not to focus on individual relationships too much.” - Frank Lampard
Upon further examination of the Chelsea squad, it’s evident that factions have emerged and a shift in power over a prolonged period has developed. Player power is undoubtedly a universal bi-product of professional football, but to the extent that it has weaved its way into the foundations of Chelsea Football Club is deeply concerning.
For a young manager of any ability, tackling this troublesome balance in the club’s structure is a task of epic proportions.
On the field, AVB hasn’t been ringing any wholesale changes. Mata and Sturridge have if anything enhanced the technical capabilities of previous Chelsea teams whose emphasis was always on power and strength. Lukaku and Romeu brought in as future prospects will only improve over time. Cahill - a long term replacement for the “noble” king Terry.
Though now faced with a manager who boasts just 3 wins in 12, out of the title race and with a mountain to climb in the return leg of their Champions League tie against Napoli, this is Roman Abramovich’s biggest test as much as it is AVB’s. Whilst the Portuguese employee faces the challenge of turning around the clubs fortunes, Chelsea’s owner faces a test of faith in the man he appointed just nine months ago.
"I've spoken to the people near to him. Obviously he is disappointed with the results and asking questions about how we set up the team, which were duly explained." Andre Villas-Boas on Roman Abramovich
The self comforting repetition of the term “project” that AVB consistently alludes to is now at the mercy of the sands of time. A long term plan must still be sustainable and in their current form Chelsea are simply a shadow of their former selves under monsieur Mourinho, a compatriot of AVB.
However, Roman Abramovich much adhere to the principles upon which he head-hunted Villas Boas. Looking only as far as Manchester United and Arsenal may point to an answer on the future of the Chelsea manager. Two clubs with title winning sides over the premier league’s 20 year history who have shown wholehearted faith and trust in their managers. Stability at a club is a commandment that very few can fulfil.
In 1989, after six defeats and two draws, Manchester United lost 5-1 to their same City rivals. The board trusted their manager and showed faith in his ability. Take note Mr.Abramovich, Mr. Ferguson didn’t turn out to be so bad.
Dale Moon
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