Chelsea Fires Andre Villas-Boas, Continues Managerial Revolving Door

The trouble with despots? They are seldom enlightened. Chelsea oligarch Roman Abramovich has sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas, just eight months after paying $21 million to pry him from his Porto contract. AVB joins a lengthy list of gentlemen being paid not to manage Chelsea. Caretaker Roberto Di Matteo will be the seventh manager since 2007.

Chelsea hired the 34-year-old Villas-Boas last summer, fresh off winning the treble in his first season. He was the hottest young manager in Europe. He also had just one year of experience (neither at a big club nor in a top caliber league) and was barely older than the squad’s veteran core. His style, up tempo and attacking, was at odds with the club’s aging personnel.

This season was supposed to be one of transition, with AVB performing the soccer equivalent of a rigid pro-style to spread conversion in football. He bought a couple players, Juan Mata and Raul Meireles, who fit his system but otherwise had to make due. He faced the same conundrum every post-Mourinho manager has faced with Chelsea’s veteran core: enact much needed change or keep things intact for short-term results and dressing room harmony. He opted for the former option and it has cost him.

AVB lost the players’ support. His style left his defense exposed too often. Fernando Torres, signed for $80 million, has become soccer’s Barry Zito with just two goals in 22 league appearances. Chelsea has, consequently, hit a terrible run of form, winning just three of their last 12 EPL matches and dropping points to six teams below 10th place. Yesterday’s limp 1-0 loss to West Brom to fall three points behind Arsenal for fourth was Villas-Boas’ last straw. The situation, regarding Chelsea’s Champions League future, is dire, though one wonders whether yet more turnover will be the prudent response.

Abramovich has invested more than $700 million in Chelsea’s squad since 2003 and more than $200 million the past two seasons. The trouble has been comprehensive instability and impatience from their owner. The Blues need a manager with the gravitas to wrest control, the aplomb to handle the pressure and the delicacy to keep Abramovich placated. You’ll hear much talk of Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola, though the best man for the job works at Real Madrid.

[Photo via Getty]

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5 Responses to “Chelsea Fires Andre Villas-Boas, Continues Managerial Revolving Door”

philgp Says:
March 4th, 2012 at 3:39 PM

yeah, a shame he was let go so soon. I’m the resident Porto fan here so I’m a little biased, but I thought he did a great job last year and will do well in subsequent jobs. Despite just now being in first place in Portugal after beating Benfica, I would characterize this season as a disappointment compared to last year, despite having many of the same personnel (with the notable absence being Falcao). Anyway, hope he gets a better gig, he deserves a shot at leading another team to some silverwarr

ol' scrappy grinder Says:
March 4th, 2012 at 5:03 PM

I was hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst with AVB. I liked his aggressive tactics in the early part of the season, but it was pretty obvious that he didn’t sell the Chelsea players on his approach. I agree with philgp that he’s a really good young manager, but not suited for a squad with veterans like Lampard, Drogba and Terry.

My guess is that this starts the transition. We have to make a decision on Torres, and then probably let Lampard and Drogba exit. This team still has a decent core with Mata, Sturridge, Cole, Cech and Ramires, but I would love to see a Hulk or Cavanni help on the frontline.

BFFredo Says:
March 4th, 2012 at 9:23 PM

For AVB (or any manager) to have the chance to win there, he has to have the power to overhaul that locker room. And not just the old guard of Drogba, Lampard, Cole and Terry, but the failures like Torres and Bosingwa. He needs carte blanche to wipe away the past and start fresh.

Will Roman ever do that? Doubt it.

Cowboy Mike's Red Hot Ricochet Barbecue Sauce Says:
March 5th, 2012 at 9:41 AM

The problem with that team is the old guard, who are loyal to Jose, but are all on the downswing of their career. I fail to see how Jose is the solution unless he is going to get rid of those players.

MP Says:
March 5th, 2012 at 3:46 PM