Football is a funny old game. One minute you're the toast of the town, the next you are just, well.....toast. Only 12 months ago Roman Abramovich was singing the praises of Carlo Ancelotti. Chelsea had secured a historic League and Cup double and were riding high as the dominant force in English football. A year later, Ancelotti is jobless having steered Chelsea to a trophiless season and a solid, second place finish in the Premiership. Some have said that Ancelotti has been treated harshly, a sentiment I share to some degree, but overall one must be judged in reference to one's remit. Abramovich has made it no secret that he wants the European Champions League Trophy and will stop at nothing to acquire it. Having splashed out £50 million on Fernando Torres, a player who was in very average form at the time, he has shown that money is no object in his quest for glory. Maybe Carlo would have avoided the axe had he delivered a second successive league title, but such is the ruthlessness of Abramovich in pursuit of European glory, I'm not even sure that would have sufficed.
Andre Villas-Boas is a managerial prodigy. Having been influenced by mentors such as Bobby Robson and Jose Mourinho, he has certainly served an apprenticeship under credible leaders. The problem with Villas-Boas is that he is comparatively inexperienced compared to the other options at Chelsea's disposal. Yes he has won the Uefa cup, yes he has won the Portugese Title but has he got the tactical nous to take on the express paced chaos of the English Premier League? Chelsea are paying out a fortune to sign the Portugese (15million euros has been quoted), but should they have looked at someone with more experience at the highest level? Abramovich has chased former Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink for the vacant post although it has been rumoured he will be employed as Director of Football. Many experienced, illustrious European names are available for the job. Rafa Benitez, Frank Rijkaard, Didier Deschamps, Marco Van Basten just to mention a few. There could also be a case for former Chelsea player, Mark Hughes, the former Manchester City, Blackburn and Fulham boss who has not only managed in the Premier League, he has also won it as a player in his Manchester United days.
I think Villas-Boas is a gamble here, he is obviously a talent but at 33, he still has a lot to learn about top class management namely in one of the leading four leagues (Of which the Portugese Primeira League isn't) and at Champions League Level. I think Chelsea would be wise to go for experience over youth in their pursuit of an all conquering leader.
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