Di Matteo Sacked

missingtime

And now for something completely different...

Apparently Susan Boyle's PR team are promoting her new album with the hashtag #susanalbumparty. This is why you should hire proofreaders.

Glico Man

EdenHazard wrote: »

LMAO to me this just shows football management up as overrated. The guy won 2 cups in a few months, including the biggest prize in club football. In anything else he would be considered a protigé! What he doesn't have is the glamour that Pep has which to me is what it seems more and more managers are about. Pep will not transform Chelsea into Barca 1.0.

2.0 no?

Leiva

aaronh007 wrote: »

2.0 no?

1.1.2

Mr.Micro

Abramovich has made a big mistake IMO sacking Di Matteo. Who in his right mind would want to work for him and Chelsea when you are only one match away from the sack? He has learned nothing, it appears. Juve outclassed Chelsea last night in defence. I am sad for Di Matteo as he did a great job, just a bad run at the minute, which happens to many clubs. If I were Guardiola, I would think twice about the job, if offered, as yer man makes all the decisions. The problems with Chelsea is Abramovich, not the manager(s) or the team.

opr

SlickRic wrote: »

if this myth were put to bed, it would solve a lot of the problems too IMO.

Here's the full list of players he's signed since he's been at the club (please read the summary below):

2004/05

£2m - Josemi: peanuts and was moved on in a swap for Kromkamp 18 months later
£1.5m - Antonio Nunez: part of the Michael Owen deal and filled a gap for a while. Peanuts.
£10.7m - Xabi Alonso: Massive success and sold for £30m+ in the summer when he wanted to leave
£6m - Luis Garcia: Massive success and sold to Atlético Madrid for £4m
Free - Pelligrino: Stop gap that allowed us to rest Sami for league games, benefitting us massively in Istanbul. Now on the coaching staff.
£6.3m - Fernando Morientes: Pretty much everyone made up when we signed him, top class, but never settled. Sold for £3m to Valencia.
£1m - Scott Carson: One the most highly rated young keepers around. Lost out through injury and signing of Reina when Dudek left the club. Sold for £3.25m.

Total bought: £27.5m

Free - Marcus Babbel: Released to Stuttgart at the end of his career.
£2.5m - Danny Murphy: Xabi Alonso signed to fill the role Murphy had in the side
£8.5m - Michael Owen: Wouldn't sign a new contract and sold before he left on a free. He's done nothing since that is a masterstroke with hindsight.
Free - Stephane Henchoz: Released to Celtic at the end of his career

Total sold: £11m

A total of £16.5m net spend in his first year at the club, with the vast majority of that being spent on Xabi Alonso.

2004/05 net spend: £16.5m

2005/06

£240,000 - Antonio Barragan: Kid for the future. Sold for £675,000 to Deportivo a year later.
Free - Boudewijn Zenden: Signed for nothing and released for nothing. Did a job for us.
£6m - Pepe Reina: In the top 3 or 4 keepers in the world now and still young. One of Rafa's best signings.
£5.6m - Momo Sissoko: Brilliant for a few years, had that eye injury and sold to Juventus when his form dipped for £8.2m. Replaced by Mascherano.
£7m - Peter Crouch: One signing I did question but proved to be a great bit of business. Turned him from a laughing stock into an international. Sold for £11m.
Unkown - Miki Roque: Kid bought for peanuts. Sold again for an unknown amount.
£150,000 - Jack Hobbs: Highly rated 16yr old signed from Lincoln. Didn't progress as hoped and sold to Leicester for a reported £1.5m, although figure not confirmed.
£190,000 Besian Idrizaj: No idea who he is
£1.5m - Mark Gonzales: Cheap player to provide back up for the left wing. Sold for £3.5m to Real Betis.
Exchange - Paul Anderson: Swapped for John Welsh. Sold for £250,000.
Exchange - Jan Kromkamp: Swapped for Josemi. Later sold for £1.75m
£5.8m - Daniel Agger: Blighted by injuries but potentially top class and great signing for the money.
£250,000 - David Martin: Young reserve keeper
Free - Robbie Fowler: Pay as you play deal and no risk involved. Scored a few goals. Released in the summer.

Total bought: £26.73

Free - Vladimir Smicer: Out of contract and released. Played a small part in Istanbul.
£3.5m - El Hadji Diouf: The best £3.5m Rafa has ever recieved.
Free - Pellegrino: Filled the gap in the last 5 months of the previous season, not good enough and released.
£2m - Alou Diarra: Sold for £2m. One of Houllier's buys.
£2m - Antonio Nunez: Bought for £1.5m and now sold for £2m when didn't work out.
£6.5m - Milan Baros: A Houllier signing sold at a profit. He's done nothing since.
Exchange - John Welsh: Swapped for Paul Anderson
Exchange - Josemi: Swapped for Kronkamp.

Total sold: £14m

2005/06 net spend: £12.73m
2006/07

£6m - Craig Bellamy: Good signing and later sold for £7.5m to fund Torres deal.
£2m - Gabriel Palletta: Played a few league cup games, not good enough and sold for £1.2m
Free - Fabio Aurelio: Very injury prone but a good player when fit. Great signing for nothing.
£6.7m - Jermaine Pennant: Second choice after missing out on Alves. Ran his contract down and released. Attitude stank.
£9m - Dirk Kuyt: Has his critics, but has been brilliant for the money. 15 goals last season from wide and vital to the way we play. Ultimate pro. Great signing.
£200,000 - Nabil El Zhar: Few cameos last season and improving. Injured now. Promising still. Peanuts.
£750,000 - Astrit Ajdarevic: No idea who he is, and released on a free to Leicester.
Loan - Daniele Padelli: Reserve keeper, made one appearance and never seen again.
Undisclosed - Jordy Brouwer: Young reserve.
£2.5m - Alvaro Arbeloa: Bargain signing, great service for a few years and sold for £3.5m when running his contract down.
Loan - Javier Mascherano: Rescued from West Ham, now one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and will probably be sold to Barca this summer for a massive profit. Paid £18.6m for him a year later at end of loan deal.

Total bought: £27.15m

£200,000 - Zak Whitbread: Youngster
Undisclosed - Bruno Cheyrou: Houllier flopped, sold for a reported £1.5m.
£3m - Fernando Morientes: Didn't work out. Cut his losses.
Free - Didi Hamann: Great servant, released at the end of his career
£675,000 - Antonio Barragan: Paid £240,000 for him.
£2m - Djimi Traore: Houllier signing and daylight robbery getting £2m for him
£500,000 - Neil Mellor: Signed as a kid and did a job for a while. Not good enough and released.
£1.75m - Jan Kromkamp: Nunez bought for £2m, swapped for him, who then sold for £1.75m. Stop gaps at minimal expense.
£525,000 - Darren Potter: Acadamy lad, not good enough and robbery getting that much for him.
£1.5m - Steven Warnock: Probably sold to cheap and looks a mistake with hindsight. Good squad player.
Free - Salif Diao: The clearout of Houllier's flops continues.

Total sold: £10.15m

2006/07 net spend: £17m

2007/08


£5m - Lucas Leiva: Brazilian player of the year when signed. Could still go either way but a lot to prove.
Undisclosed - Krisztian Nemeth: Promising youngster currently out on loan in Athens.
£270,000 - Mikel San Jose Dominguez: Youngester plays in the reserves.
£1.8m - Sebastian Leto: Left winger signing but refused a work permit. Sold for £3m.
£20.2m - Fernando Torres: Bargain of the century
Free - Andriy Voronin: Free transfer to strengthen the squad. Plays well in Germany, garbage over here.
£5m - Yossi Benayoun: Took a while to settle but now a key player. Superb signing and an absolute bargain.
£11.5m - Ryan Babel: Highly rated dutch international. Absolute waste of space. Bad signing on reflection, but nobody knew how he'd turn out. Still got potential but he can't be arsed.
Undisclosed - Charles Itandje: Back up keeper signed for peanuts. Now released.
£1.3m - Emiliano Insua: Youngster who is now a full Argentinian international and massive potential. Bargain.
£6.5m - Martin Skrtel: Been off form this season so far, but brilliant last year and a good signing for the money.
£18.6m - Javier Mascherano: Completion of loan deal

Total bought: £70.7m

£2.7m – Florent Simana-Pongolle: Houllier youngster sold wanting first team football.
£100,000 – Daniel O’Donnell: Kid sold
Free – Jerzy Dudek: Released at end of contract
Free - Zenden: Released at end of contract
Free – Robbie Fowler: Released at end of contract
£4m – Luis Garcia: Wanted to return to Spain. Great service.
£6m – Djibril Cisse: Houllier signing sold to part fund Torres deal.
£7.5m – Craig Bellamy: Sold at profit to part fund Torres deal
£3.5m – Mark Gonzales: Signed for £1.5m and sold when didn’t work out.
£1.2m – Gabriel Palletta: Bought for £2m but never worked out. Young defender.
£3.5m – Chris Kirkland: Houllier signing. Injury prone and wanted first team football.
£8.2m – Momo Sissoko: Great signing, good service, sold when lost his form at a profit.

Total sold: £36.7m

2007/08 net spend: £34m

2008/09

Free – Philip Degen: Garbage, but free.
£7m - Andrea Dossena: Italian international left back. Hasn’t settled. Bad signing.
£3.5m – Diego Cavalieri: Reserve keeper. Only played league cup games so far.
£1.5m – David N’gog: Young French striker. Promising.
£19m – Robbie Keane: Everyone made up when we signed him. Didn’t work out and sold back to Spurs for £16m.
£8m - Albert Riera: Spanish international. Started well but jury still out.

Total bought: £39m

£4m – John Arne Riise: Good servant but form tailed off. Snapped their hands off at £4m.
Free – Harry Kewell: Harry who?
Undisclosed – Anthony Le Tallec: Houllier youngster finally released. Fee not known.
£11m – Peter Crouch: Laughing stock bought for £7m. Great signing. Wanted first team football.
£2.25m – Danny Guthrie: Youngster from Acadamy thought not good enough.
£3.25m – Scott Carson: Injury prone and Reina now first choice. Sold at profit.
Undisclosed – Steve Finnan: Sold for a fee believed to be £1m
£16m – Robbie Keane: Didn’t work out.
Undisclosed – Jack Hobbs: Young defender that didn’t progress. Sold for believed to £1.5m.

Total sold: £36.5m

2008/09 net spend: £2.5m


2009/10

£17.5m – Glen Johnson: Big fee, but has been brilliant so far.
£17.1m - Alberto Aquilani: Injured so far but meant to be a class act. Highly rated in Italy.
£2m – Sotirios Kyrgiakos: Last minute signing to fill Hyypia’s shoes. Only money we had to spend.
£160,000 – Daniel Ayala: Young defender, played a few times this season and looked promising.

Total bought: £36.76m

£250,000 – Paul Anderson: Youngster that didn’t progess.
Free – Jermaine Pennant: Out of contract. Poor signing.
Free – Miki Roque: No idea who he is. Bought for peanuts.
£3m – Sebastian Leto: Signed for £1.8m but didn’t get a work permit. Had to sell.
£3.5m – Alvaro Arbeloa: Wanted to leave and out of contract in the summer.
£30m – Xabi Alonso: Wanted to leave. Bought for £10.7m. Great signing.

Total sold: £36.75m

2009/10 net spend: £10,000


Total Players Bought: £228,976,000
Total Players Sold: £145,100,000

Total Net Spend: £83,876,000


So, that’s a total spend of just over £83m in 5 years at the club. An average of £16.6m a year.

The vast majority of his signings have been sold at profit, or if still at the club, are worth a lot more than we paid for them. Exceptions being Babel and Dossena, but we’ll still get decent fees for them when sold as they’re full internationals.

A lot of the signings above have been stepping stones in rebuilding the squad, gradually improving it by replacing players with better ones. Our league positions over the past 5 years and the improvement in our league positions and points totals show the progression.

2004/05: Finished 5th – 58 pts
2005/06: Finished 3rd – 82 pts
2006/07: Finished 3rd – 68 pts
2007/08: Finished 4th – 76 pts
2008/09: Finished 2nd – 86 pts

Is it any coincidence that the progression seems to have stopped this summer? Look at the transfer activity above for this year and it might explain why.

We have a wage bill that is the 5th highest in the league. We can’t afford to pay players £70,000 to be sat on the bench like United and Chelsea can.

Rafa Benitez’ record with signings at the top end of the market is nothing short of brilliant. Robbie Keane being the only flop, but he was sold 6 months later and only a small financial hit taken on that mistake. Rick Parry agreed the fee for buying him in the first place, and common knowledge Rafa wasn’t happy with it; feeling it was far too high.

Where has this myth come from that he’s wasted money on ****e players? Have a look through the lists above and try to point them out. There isn’t many.

The ones that haven’t worked out he’s moved on, and not very often has he made a financial loss on them.

The squad is now worth a hell of a lot more than the one he inherited, and that £83m net spend over 5 years is easily offset by the increased value of the squad. He’d recoup nearly all of that through the sale of Torres alone!

He’s worked absolute wonders with the money he’s had to spend. Then take into account the massive amounts of money he’s self generated by reaching the latter stages of the CL every season. Two final appearances, one win. That £83m he’s spent he’s earned the right to spend.

And when comparing it to what United have spent in the same period is flawed, as they already had a title winning squad and all the foundations in place. They weren’t rebuilding from scratch like we were. It also doesn’t take into account their massive wage bill.

When comparing to Chelsea, they spent all their money before Rafa came to the club and just topping up an already established squad.

Man City have spent more than double in the past 12 months than Rafa Benitez has in his 5 year reign.

Do some people still want to get rid of him? If so, you’ve been listening to Martin Tyler's Monkey and the hairy-handed halfwit for too much and unable to look at the facts yourself to form an opinion.

Every manager makes tactical mistakes. Every manager makes mistakes in the transfer market. Despite what the press seem to think; Rafael Benitez appears to make less mistakes than most.

We’re expected to win the league and European Cup on a budget and wage bill that is entitled to finish 4th or 5th in the league. We’ve been overachieving under Rafael Benitez, not underachieving.

I’m not even going to mention the environment he’s working in under them two clowns.

You’ll only miss him when he’s gone….

I think he's close enough to breaking even on transfers as a whole when you include the sales of Torres and Mascherano. Current squad still contains many of his players worth far more money that he paid for them - Lucas, Agger, Skrtel etc

Opr

Do I smell a net spend debate?

Drumpot

rarnes1 wrote: »

Do I smell a net spend debate?

Yeh, but remember the ABUs neutrals all agree that United cant use the Ronaldo sale because thats just not fair and its ok to quote the veron purchase as a 30mil flop conveniently forgetting the 16mil we recouped from Chelsea. . :rolleyes:

eagle eye

opr wrote: »

I think he's close enough to breaking even on transfers as a whole when you include the sales of Torres and Mascherano. Current squad still contains many of his players worth far more money that he paid for them - Lucas, Agger, Skrtel etc

Opr

Ah here, you have to include the price of the replacements for those two if you are going to include those two in the net spend. Thats Carroll at £35 million and Mereiles at £11.5 million.

opr

eagle eye wrote: »

Ah here, you have to include the price of the replacements for those two if you are going to include those two in the net spend. Thats Carroll at £35 million and Mereiles at £11.5 million.

Yeah cause Rafa would have bought Carroll at that price :P

Edit - I'm not that interested in the exact figure either way. It's just to show that while putting together a side which challenged for the title in 09 he spent **** all money doing it. ON top of which he was earning **** loads in CL revenue year on year.

Opr

Jax Teller

What about wages with them transfers ?

Chucky the tree

eagle eye wrote: »

Ah here, you have to include the price of the replacements for those two if you are going to include those two in the net spend. Thats Carroll at £35 million and Mereiles at £11.5 million.

Include replacements he didn't buy? :pac:

opr

Jax Teller wrote: »

What about wages with them transfers ?

The post points out we had the 5th highest wage bill in the league at the time?

Opr

eagle eye

Chucky the tree wrote: »

Include replacements he didn't buy? :pac:

Include players he didn't sell?:pac:

Washington Irving

eagle eye wrote: »

Ah here, you have to include the price of the replacements for those two if you are going to include those two in the net spend. Thats Carroll at £35 million and Mereiles at £11.5 million.

Yeah, then let's include Fabio Borini and Joe Allen as Carroll and Meireles' replacements and so on...

super_furry

NO. NO! We are not going through this net spend nightmare again. If I have to turn off the internet on you people, so help me God, I will.

Sergio

Couldnt believe it this morning when i heard this news of RDM getting the sack. What a bloody joke of a club chelsea are in fairness. I was waiting for Hughes to be the first to get the bullet at QPR or even Lambert at villa but this latest debacle at chelsea really takes the biscuit!!!

Tchaikovsky

Is Abramovich going to be the next manager? I think he's running out of managerial careers to ruin at this stage..

miralize

It would indeed be mad crack to see Abramovich in the manager seat...

Jax Teller

opr wrote: »

The post points out we had the 5th highest wage bill in the league at the time?

Opr

Ah cool it was a pretty big post . Missed it .

Drumpot

Why would Pep take the job ? Apart from Jose, no other manager has really taken a step up after getting the boot from Roman .. No manager with self respect and ambitions to build a club into an icon would in their right mind take over chelsea with the current owner . . I know chelsea fans will think Im having a pop at the club, Im not, Im having a pop at the idiotic owner . . He prob got a text from Torres saying he wasnt happy being left on the bench . . Give any of us a couple of Billion and we could easily pick and choose top players/managers and eventually get great success with Hartlepool . .

Incidentally, I put a bet (at evens) on Rafa at 12.00 today on Betfair and the odds had dropped as low as 1-4 at one stage . .

Unearthly

Obviously Abramovic is attracted to Benitez's record at Liverpool where he won the champions league and FA cup. That type of pedigree is too hard to turn down and that's why he got rid of Di Matteo.....

EdenHazard

Has RA just not got sick of this now?

gerryo777

Unearthly wrote: »

Obviously Abramovic is attracted to Benitez's record at Liverpool where he won the champions league and FA cup. That type of pedigree is too hard to turn down and that's why he got rid of Di Matteo.....

€50 says Benitez gets sacked if he hasn't won the champions league, FA cup and premiership by Christmas!:D

Joke football club!

Drumpot

Unearthly wrote: »

Obviously Abramovic is attracted to Benitez's record at Liverpool where he won the champions league and FA cup. That type of pedigree is too hard to turn down and that's why he got rid of Di Matteo.....

If taking over the then Serie A and European Champions Inter Milan in 2010 is anything to go by, as a United fan, I will be happy with that appointment . .

starviewadams

Why doesn't Abramovich just become manager at this stage,it's obviously what he wants.

I'm sure he could buy a pro license from UEFA,or find some loophole that allows him to manage.

At least then when he's finished doing a shíte job and has satisfied his managerial urges he'd let the next manager get on with things.

kitakyushu

Abramovich seems to want to buy a team that will win everything immediately and win every year and also play like Barca while doing it. I don't think he actually understands that this is pretty much impossible even if you have the money. If that is his requirement then no new manager will be satisfactory.

His ownership of Chelsea reminds me of the old quote "Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results"

opr

I'm not defending Abramovitch here but this stuff about him wanting to win everything every year I don't feel is right. I think he wants a team to be proud of in terms of they can actually go toe to toe with the likes of Barcelona and maybe beat them while playing football. That may be unrealistic but after the money he has spent I doubt the way in which Chelsea ended up over beating them was really how he dreamed about doing it.

I think what he wants is a football team which dominates games. Yeah Chelsea won the CL last year but everyone knows they aren't close to Barce/Real. I've got a sneaky feeling that if Chelsea went out smashing teams like Barcelona do, playing the footy he wants but did end up getting knocked out unluckily he'd take that at this stage.

The thing he doesn't seem to have figured out is that to get to that stage you need to give a coach, setup and players time to grow a style which takes a good few years. I actually think despite the outrage of getting rid of Di Matteo he was never the man Chelsea should be finally settling on as someone to implement this long term vision if Roman has finally realised he needs to give it time.

The kind of strategy Chelsea have implement at youth level, the profile of players they've bought recently etc indicates that they may be willing to the take the more long term view. I think as part of this setup he wants a coach in place at this stage that he will trust to take things forward for a few years. That was never RDM in his eyes. I don't care how good Juventus are as a team, with the players Chelsea have bought they should never be getting so comprehensively outplayed as they did last night. It shows a tactical naivety in trying to change to this progressive approach that I think just in terms of experience is way beyond RDM. Does anyone even believe he was really driving the boat last year?

That all said I'm still not sure he will give the next man the time needed.

Opr

EdenHazard

Yeah Chelsea won CL last year but not in the beautiful way Roman had imagined they would.

Drumpot

kitakyushu wrote: »

Abramovich seems to want to buy a team that will win everything immediately and win every year and also play like Barca while doing it. I don't think he actually understands that this is pretty much impossible even if you have the money. If that is his requirement then no new manager will be satisfactory.

His ownership of Chelsea reminds me of the old quote "Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results"

The story goes :

Replace one of the most successful managers of modern times with one of the youngest up and coming managers . . His mandate is for a new Chelsea, new way of playing and new system. His record is relatively unproven , but it worked with Jose so it must be a nailed on success . . .

Couple months later, Roman gets a text from Frank . . "Not happy bein on bench . . Me and some of the other players dont like AVB" . . Roman wonders how come after a whole few months the entire club hasnt been transformed . . Sack AVB, hire interim manager . . Worry about who he wants long term later . .

Di Matteo wins CL . . Chelsea are winning the league and looking very good 3 weeks ago . . Then they drop points in a whopping 4 games, leaving them an unsurmountable 4 points behind the leaders who they play this weekend (and Chelsea couldnt possibly cut the gap at home!) . .. But most importantly, Roman has been talking to a few players who havent been getting the playing time they want and shock horror this doesnt make them happy . . :eek:

Sack manager and bring in a manager who, in his last big job had taken over the league and European Champions and whom managed to take the club backwards . .

Ah Roman, living proof that the depths of a persons pocket is not always reflected the level of intelligence they show. Suppose its his money, he can waste it as he sees fit . .

Grayditch

miralize wrote: »

It would indeed be mad crack to see Abramovich in the manager seat...

Ashley Cole will be delighted to know guns aren't banned at training anymore.

Drumpot

opr wrote: »

I'm not defending Abramovitch here but this stuff about him wanting to win everything every year I don't feel is right. I think he wants a team to be proud of in terms of they can actually go toe to toe with the likes of Barcelona and maybe beat them while playing football. That may be unrealistic but after the money he has spent I doubt the way in which Chelsea ended up over beating them was really how he dreamed about doing it.

I think what he wants is a football team which dominates games. Yeah Chelsea won the CL last year but everyone knows they aren't close to Barce/Real. I've got a sneaky feeling that if Chelsea went out smashing teams like Barcelona do, playing the footy he wants but did end up getting knocked out unluckily he'd take that at this stage.

The thing he doesn't seem to have figured out is that to get to that stage you need to give a coach, setup and players time to grow a style which takes a good few years. I actually think despite the outrage of getting rid of Di Matteo he was never the man Chelsea should be finally settling on as someone to implement this long term vision if Roman has finally realised he needs to give it time.

The kind of strategy Chelsea have implement at youth level, the profile of players they've bought recently etc indicates that they may be willing to the take the more long term view. I think as part of this setup he wants a coach in place at this stage that he will trust to take things forward for a few years. That was never RDM in his eyes. I don't care how good Juventus are as a team, with the players Chelsea have bought they should never be getting so comprehensively outplayed as they did last night. It shows a tactical naivety in trying to change to this progressive approach that I think just in terms of experience is way beyond RDM. Does anyone even believe he was really driving the boat last year?

That all said I'm still not sure he will give the next man the time needed.

Opr

In all fairness, I dont really believe this can be proved one way or another. At Barca (Madrid are not the benchmark IMO), they spent 10 years having the club in complete harmony to get the superb squad of the last 4 years.

7 Managers in 5 years is hard to back up the ideals of a man with a vision. at some stage the problem isnt that every manager in the world isnt right perhaps the owner just doesnt understand the game . . Roman has zero credentials in the game and if he was serious about building a true football dynasty he wouldnt interfere with the team (giving them team talks ) or buying mates like Shevchenko and disrupting the balance of a successful team.

For all of Romans revamp of the youth squad how many youth players start for Chelsea ?

I think theres more evidence to suggest that Romans just a child with a toy then there is that he actually has any proper understanding of the game. He has invested an awful lot in the club, that cannot be denied, but thats just common sense from a business perspective. From a football perspective his interference in team affairs has undermined every manager he has hired . .

Sgt Pepper 64

Chelsea like to break records. How about them being the first club to sack 2 managers inside one season, before ANY other EPL manager has been sacked?

Secretly I hope its 'arry, they deserve one another!

or, how about this one?

Benitez joins Chelsea and then buys Atletico Madrid's top scorer and favourite player.
He swiftly goes on to become both the clubs and the leagues top scorer.
But finishes, like Chelsea, with no trophies!
(and repeat!)

LuckyLloyd

I know right? LOL at that Abramovich guy. Took over perennial deadbeats Chelsea and only won one CL, multiple leagues, and many cups in nine years. What a failure!

Oh yeah, nearly forgot, joke of a club.

Anyone

Sham of a club, cant see why any manager would go there. No say in transfers and shoved out at the whim of the owner. And theres the issues with senior players having too much power.

blue-army

Absolutely gutted for Di Matteo.

Was doing a great job up until Fernando Torres was (wrongly) sent off against Man United, and we subsequently went from looking like being in a winning position, to giving up our unbeaten run.
Dropped points in recent weeks were no real shock. Chelsea are a club in transition.
The old guard of JT, Lampard and Drogba can no longer turn the draws into wins, and the likes of Hazard and Oscar need time to fully get used to the English game.

Wouldn't be one bit surprised to see Robbie back in management within a couple of weeks with QPR. I'm sure he'll do a great job too.

opr

Drumpot wrote: »

In all fairness, I dont really believe this can be proved one way or another. At Barca (Madrid are not the benchmark IMO), they spent 10 years having the club in complete harmony to get the superb squad of the last 4 years.

7 Managers in 5 years is hard to back up the ideals of a man with a vision. at some stage the problem isnt that every manager in the world isnt right perhaps the owner just doesnt understand the game . . Roman has zero credentials in the game and if he was serious about building a true football dynasty he wouldnt interfere with the team (giving them team talks ) or buying mates like Shevchenko and disrupting the balance of a successful team.

I think theres more evidence to suggest that Romans just a child with a toy then there is that he actually has any proper understanding of the game. He has invested an awful lot in the club, that cannot be denied, but thats just common sense from a business perspective. From a football perspective his interference in team affairs has undermined every manager he has hired . .

I'd fully agree with all that until recently. Short time after the Torres transfer they started hoovering up some of the best young talent in the world at all levels. At first team level the emphasis has changed to buying young, talented up and coming players rather than marquee buys like Torres. It has been a fundamental shift right across the club. They currently have something like 27 players out on loan. Some of which are extremely talented but many of which are linked in recent times by age profile. At reserve level they've invested hugely in very young players.

In very recent times someone has been in the background with Roman directing things. I thought until he went to City that was Txiki Begiristain but obviously not. I think all along as part of that plan they wanted to bring in a manager who could start coaching and developing all this talent in a team. RDM was never meant to be that guy but winning the CL put a spanner in all of that. Maybe I'm giving too much credit to Roman but the way in which the club is being run on a buying level has changed dramatically recently in terms of profile of players. That hasn't been down to Roman or RDM. Same figures involved in the changes are probably advising him he needs a top class coach in place.

Opr

Wrongway1985

I think its a shame Robbie has been axed especially coming after a defeat that was very realistic before the game kicked off, after all we wouldn't be taking part in the competition had we not won it, of course the Jury was out on the role he played/was playing I was suspect myself but to sack the man in charge of that unforgettable night and FA cup victory, he certainly deserved more time than this.

cardwizzard wrote: »

Which top top manager would take this job?

To me it is the worst job in football. The owner wants his team to play like Barca. Well you dont have the players, the stadium or the history. Let the manager do his job, run the team his way, buy his players and if it doesn't work out then give him the boot in 4 or 5 years, not 4 or 5 months. Joke.

Can't believe that history thing is still up for debate, Stamford Bridge is an excellent stadium and we do have an talented group of players the making of a good team additions obviously required in key areas, its certainly not the worst job as others have mentioned nice pay deal should they fail, you're right it is a joke but its typical of the way the club is run I've become used to it.

cardwizzard wrote: »

Iregk.

You may not agree with what im saying and thats fair enough. I'm talking about teams like Ajax, Munich, AC, Celtic, Real Madrid. Of course not all clubs can be like these and I understand that, but a willingness to try and reach that level is surly the least a supporter can expect.

These clubs have a tradition and ethos that runs through the core of the clubs.

I don't see the point you are trying to prove tbh other than listing clubs you have an admiration for and thats great although I nwouldn't expect you to add Chelsea to it you do list AC Milan who were involved in corruption not too long ago thats not such great ethos and Real Madrid have been known to sack their managers not long after winning trophies something you are here criticizing Chelsea for doing.

cardwizzard wrote: »

A small and maybe not great example is ex great players walking around the club and younger players looking up to them, kinda role model if you like. Or ex players representing the club, like Charlton with Man U. Beckenbaur( spelling) with Munich etc.

As you say yourself it's not a great example you would swear ex Chelsea players didn't go back to club (which they do by the way) I'm sorry they're not world cup winners you would wish.

Drumpot

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

I know right? LOL at that Abramovich guy. Took over perennial deadbeats Chelsea and only won one CL, multiple leagues, and many cups in nine years. What a failure!

Oh yeah, nearly forgot, joke of a club.

Who said he wasnt successful ?

I hate Uniteds owners and they could argue that they havent done too bad . . Theyve just whored our club to anybody who will give them a dollar . . But the one thing, ironically, in this debate, that they have gotten right is that they have stuck by SAF in times when the club was even struggling to get in the top 3. They begun to buy stock in United in 2003 and United didnt win the EPL or CL between 03-07.

I know a chelsea fan (who has been a chelsea fan since the 50s) who hasnt really enjoyed Romans success because he thinks anybody with a couple of billion would eventually find success. Financial Steroids , like putting in a cheat in FM. . That said, had United gotten a billionaire sugar daddy in 1990, I dont think too many of us would be complaining . . I must also say that the Chelsea fan is extremely objective and can step outside his love of the club and fairly analyse how he seems them.

Roman may have an idea in his head of where he wants the club to be but he sure has a funny way of getting there . .

Mr.Micro

Originally Posted by miralize
It would indeed be mad crack to see Abramovich in the manager seat...

Sure there would be no fun in that, who would he blame or sack when things go wrong... himself? Never.

Drumpot

opr wrote: »

I'd fully agree with all that until recently. Short time after the Torres transfer they started hoovering up some of the best young talent in the world at all levels. At first team level the emphasis has changed to buying young, talented up and coming players rather than marquee buys like Torres. It has been a fundamental shift right across the club. They currently have something like 27 players out on loan. Some of which are extremely talented but many of which are linked in recent times by age profile. At reserve level they've invested hugely in very young players.

In very recent times someone has been in the background with Roman directing things. I thought until he went to City that was Txiki Begiristain but obviously not. I think all along as part of that plan they wanted to bring in a manager who could start coaching and developing all this talent in a team. RDM was never meant to be that guy but winning the CL put a spanner in all of that. Maybe I'm giving too much credit to Roman but the way in which the club is being run on a buying level has changed dramatically recently in terms of profile of players. That hasn't been down to Roman or RDM. Same figures involved in the changes are probably advising him he needs a top class coach in place.

Opr

In all fairness, I wouldnt know the club as well as a chelsea fan, I just find his actions conflicting with trying to create a cohesive, settled dynasty. Even when Barca were replacing managers it was managers with the same attacking ethos . . Ancelloti was never an "exciting" manager, but as you stated perhaps Roman has finally figured out that you need to hire managers with a winning mentality, but also who have a creative , attacking management style.

I would also wonder are the buying of many youngsters as much to do with the FIFA fairplay rule (get as many youngsters in as soon as possible) as it might be to change the youth strategy. Im always cynicle of things, so Roman shouldnt take it personally . .:D

adox

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

I know right? LOL at that Abramovich guy. Took over perennial deadbeats Chelsea and only won one CL, multiple leagues, and many cups in nine years. What a failure!

Oh yeah, nearly forgot, joke of a club.

Lol at that Abramovic guy. Invested millions upon millions in the club hoovering top players and managers from around the world and winning leagues and cups for his investments. Despite the success doesn't think the football is sexy enough so gets rid of top class managers. Even gets rid of a world class manager straight after he does the double.

The CL is the holy grail for Abramovic, that's what he really wants to win. Another manager axed mid season and the next manager finally achieves what all that money was spent on - the hallowed CL. 3 months into the new season that manager is sacked.

Oh yeah, nearly forgot, joke of a club.

robby^5

QPR's next boss will be Di Matteo.

Jax Teller

Benitez confirmed to be in new manager till end of season .

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2987554/title/benitez-appointed

BENITEZ APPOINTED

Posted on: Wed 21 Nov 2012
Chelsea Football Club can confirm Rafael Benitez has been appointed interim first-team manager until the end of the season.

The owner and the Board believe that in Benitez we have a manager with significant experience at the highest level of football, who can come in and immediately help deliver our objectives.

The 52-year-old Spaniard is due to meet the players at the training ground in Cobham tomorrow.

The two-time UEFA Manager of the Year comes with outstanding pedigree. He began his managerial career in his homeland, most notably at Valencia where he built a reputation as one of Europe's top coaches by winning the Spanish League twice and the UEFA Cup. He then spent six years at Liverpool and led them to their fifth European Cup and an FA Cup.

BREAKING NEWS- Chelsea appoint Rafael Benitez

as interim first-team manager until the end of the season

BBC

super_furry

Good decision. He'll do well there, will ensure they finish in the top four and even if he doesn't get the job, will hand over the team in a better shape than he picked it up in.

smileyj1987

Chair of Chelsea Supporters Group, Trizia Fiorellino, told BBC Sport: “Benitez will just not be accepted by Chelsea supporters.
“I don’t think Benitez is a good manager, he’s been out of work for two years now. If he was any good, why hasn’t any other club snapped him up?”
David Johnstone, a spokesman for fanzine cfcuk, added: “Rafa Benitez is not a Chelsea manager.
“Some people are born to play for or manage certain clubs and, for us, Benitez isn’t what we want.
“When he was Liverpool manager and Jose Mourinho was Chelsea boss, there was a bit of ’beef’ between them.
“He was very dismissive of Chelsea, very rude towards us and my impression of him was, whenever anything went wrong, it was always somebody else’s fault – not his.”

I wonder will he suceed at Chelsea given that alot of their fans seem to hate him .

Hidalgo

Right or wrong, it's Roman's club. He's the one that pumped millions after millions into Chelsea. Is it that strange that he doesn't want a say in how the club is ran. Football is becoming more and more like a business, one where the results must be instant and constant or else its P45 time.

People saying this is awful, a joke etc are harping back to the good ol days. They simply aint coming back. The days of a manager getting 3 or 4 seasons in a club to bring success is a thing of the past.

mayordenis

Interim basis? So Abramovich has decided that 6 month is now the upper limit for managers.

LuckyLloyd

Significant upgrade needless to say. Best of luck to him.

smileyj1987

mayordenis wrote: »

Interim basis? So Abramovich has decided that 6 month is now the upper limit for managers.

He must have decided no more payoffs . I have to say this made me laugh hard

Simon Clancy ‏@SiClancy
Head of Chelsea Fans on 5Live: "Benitez is a very poor manager. A terrible choice. He won the CL title on penalties. A total fluke" Oh dear