So Scolari, World Cup winner and all round lovable Brazilian, is sent packing after just a few months in charge.
Over the course of this season, the last remnants of Mourinho's Chelsea have ebbed away to nothingness - some of his players remain but their spirit is broken.
When the Portuguese swanned into the Premiership spotlight announcing himself as "a special one" back in 2004, a formidable new power in European Football was destined to emerge. Chelsea transformed from the inconsistent sleeping giant, into the resolute conquerors of all before them. At their peak they suffocated teams, not with great flair or skill but with their character, togetherness and resolution.
This obstinacy, although not likely to win them many friends, was their hallmark and resulted in back-to-back Premier League titles and the most successful period in the club's history.
For Abramovich however, this wasn't enough.
Unfortunately, the Russian's desire for fluid, attacking, flair football has ultimately come to undermine the clubs past success. Not satisfied with Mourinho's demands, nor Avram Grant taking Chelsea to within literally a few inches of the European Cup, Scolari, with his history of managing Brazil and Portugal, was to bring the Samba to Stamford Bridge. Now the party is over, the Russian turns to his long time friend Gus Hiddink - a sign of desperation?
Successful clubs require consistency and allow managers to imprint a philosophy on a team. Managers must feel free to sign the players needed to implement this philosophy, melding together the correct ingredients to make a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
When Mourinho had ingredients forced upon him, the likes of Shevchenko in particular, things began to turn sour. You only have to look at the approach of Randy Learner to see how a talented manager can be allowed to flourish.
Until Abramovich realises this, the continuing demand for immediate success on his terms may be the key to his and Chelsea's downfall.
Over the course of this season, the last remnants of Mourinho's Chelsea have ebbed away to nothingness - some of his players remain but their spirit is broken.
When the Portuguese swanned into the Premiership spotlight announcing himself as "a special one" back in 2004, a formidable new power in European Football was destined to emerge. Chelsea transformed from the inconsistent sleeping giant, into the resolute conquerors of all before them. At their peak they suffocated teams, not with great flair or skill but with their character, togetherness and resolution.
This obstinacy, although not likely to win them many friends, was their hallmark and resulted in back-to-back Premier League titles and the most successful period in the club's history.
For Abramovich however, this wasn't enough.
Unfortunately, the Russian's desire for fluid, attacking, flair football has ultimately come to undermine the clubs past success. Not satisfied with Mourinho's demands, nor Avram Grant taking Chelsea to within literally a few inches of the European Cup, Scolari, with his history of managing Brazil and Portugal, was to bring the Samba to Stamford Bridge. Now the party is over, the Russian turns to his long time friend Gus Hiddink - a sign of desperation?
Successful clubs require consistency and allow managers to imprint a philosophy on a team. Managers must feel free to sign the players needed to implement this philosophy, melding together the correct ingredients to make a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
When Mourinho had ingredients forced upon him, the likes of Shevchenko in particular, things began to turn sour. You only have to look at the approach of Randy Learner to see how a talented manager can be allowed to flourish.
Until Abramovich realises this, the continuing demand for immediate success on his terms may be the key to his and Chelsea's downfall.
1 comment:
You're in danger of becoming the Newcastle of the south... although there'll be something less charming about Chelsea fans removing their shirts, revealing all those swastika tattoos.
Seriously though, according to Harry Harris the deal's already been done - Clarke and Zola were interviewed and are taking over at the start of next season.
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