Surprise...Surprise...Carlo is gone -

To no surprise at all, after our last game of the season, Roman has yet again pulled the trigger and sacked another manager! As Chelsea fans we have seen this time and time again, and since the Russian Billionaire took control in 2003, we have seen 7 different managers come and go in just 8 seasons.  The sacking of managers has become a common feature at Chelsea, and it seems that the policy that is in place is ' Win a trophy or your out!'

I mean I am all for the changing of management of the team, if it is the right decision, and it helps the club progress forwards.  However, I do not agree that changing managers is the answer each time.  It was only 12 months ago that Carlo Ancelotti, in his first season in charge brought us the double for the first time in our history, and now after a trophy less season, he finds himself out of a job.  Yes, I do agree that this season has been poor, and Carlo has made mistakes as well, but we have to bare in mind that some of the circumstances were not ideal for him at times.  Last summer, the club decided that it needed to trim the wage bill and decided to let 5 experienced players go, to instead rely on the younger up and coming players.  This did not matter as the season started just as we had ended the previous season, with nothing but goals galore and wins.  However, after a few injuries to key players, it became clear that our depleted squad could not handle it, as ultimately a mid-season dip in form cost us significantly.  Furthermore, Ray Wilkins was axed as Carlo's assistant as the board decided that he was no longer needed.  This is not something that Carlo had wanted, Carlo was very happy working with Ray and this was not his decision.  The departure of Ray and also injuries to key players all coincided with the poor run of games that ruined our season.  

However, OK fair enough Carlo did make mistakes, and a lot of the time this season it did seem like he had no plan B when things didn't go as expected, but given that this is the same man that made history with us, I believe the manner in which he has been sacked is disgraceful.  Although Carlo is partly to blame for the short comings this season, I think he should at least be given credit for turning the season around, because it was only few months ago that we were struggling to even get into the top 4 in a Champions League place, let alone challenging for the title, with Spuds and City both above us.  Therefore, to finish the season in 2nd place is actually a good achievement.  Yes, OK we didn't win any trophies, but it is not always about winning silverware, and it was Carlo who kept the team going and believing, otherwise we probably would have finished outside the top 4 and would have been stuck with Thursday night Europa League on channel 5. 

It is my belief that the club should have kept Carlo and let him rebuild the team for next season.  They should have kept him till the end of his contract in 2012, and given him the finances to restructure the squad in the summer.  The fact is that the below par season has not only been down to management decisions but also the fact that the current squad of players is reaching the end of its natural cycle and needs a revamp.  Some members of the squad need to move on and be replaced by fresh new talent.  That is why I believe that Carlo should have been kept and been allowed to reshape the squad, as well as been given another chance with regards to Roman Abramovich's obsession - the Champions League.  I mean yes Roman has pumped in billions into the club and we are all very grateful for that, but clearly whoever advises him does not know an awful lot about football.  Money does not buy everything, and Roman should see that it is not his playground where he can instantly get what he wants.  Long term success is built on solid foundations and constant changes in the manager every other year does not help the cause. 

If the club really felt that Carlo was not the right man for the job, I sincerely hope that the next man in charge is there for the long term and not just one or two seasons.  However, too be honest, after getting used to Roman's habit of sacking managers hastily, I won't be surprised if the next manager doesn't last long either.  Furthermore, the manner in which the club decided to relieve Carlo of his duties is disgusting to say the least.  After the final game of the season, where we lost to Everton, Carlo was sacked within an hour of the end of the match.  If he was to be sacked, he should have been at least given the dignity of having a meeting with the board properly rather than simply being told that he no longer has a job straight after a match.  A week earlier when West Ham had sacked Avram Grant in the same way, I thought that was disrespectful, but I did not for one second think that our club would treat Carlo in the same way as those pikeys.  However, throughout the last few weeks, hats of to Carlo for being professional and gaining the respect of many people for the way he has handled the whole situation, because he probably knew that he was a dead man walking ever since our defeats to Man- United.  What is clear is that second best simply is not good enough for Roman Abramovichpre-Abramovich days without the billions, just so that club is more 'ours' and without the same old bollocks of trophy obsession and instant success.  

THANKS FOR THE DOUBLE CARLO AND GOOD LUCK!

However, whether we think Carlo sacking is right or wrong we need to move on from here just continue to follow our team! The club need to get a adequate replacement for Carlo, which certainly won't be easy as there are not many better managers out there, and the club needs to instill some stability from now on with the right manager.  

As Chelsea supporters we need to remember, players come and go, managers come and go but the club will remain no matter who is wearing the blue shirt and who is in charge, and we will always be there following our team through the good and bad!
 

CTID

KTBFFH

 

Onwards and upwards - taking positives from defeat

Just as we had done about 3 weeks ago, we went to Old Trafford and left with a 2-1 defeat.  First of all credit where it is due, United were the better side and they deserved to win the game and they have deserved the title this season.  So congratulations to them, we simply did not put a good enough performance on. 

Before the match at Old Trafford today, we had hoped that we would avenge last month's champions league defeat, with a victory this time round.  However, the start could not have been any worse, as we were sloppy and seemed to be asleep.  United went ahead inside the first minute, due to our poor defending when Hernandez put the ball into the back of the net.  As the first half went on, the possession was with United, and although Carlo had decided to go with the tried and tested 4-3-3 formation, with Kalou and Malouda on either side of Drogba up front, it was not working.  

Enough chances were not being created in the first half, and instead what we were seeing was sloppy play from Chelsea.  Even David Luiz, who has been a breath of fresh air since joiing in the transfer window seemed to be off the ball, however Carlo did reveal later that he had not been fully fit and that is probably why he was not up to standards, when the goal was conceded.  Chelsea were punished for poor play in the 22nd minute when Vidic put the home side 2-0 up.  If there had been a late season title challenge from the blues, it was now looking over.

Carlo made some changes at half time, with Alex and Ramires coming on to replace Luiz and Mikel.  The second half started brighter for Chelsea, and more chance were now being created.  The half time changes did seem to have an effect, as Chelsea had more fight in them.  Ultimately Lampard did give some hope when he pulled a goal back with just over 20 minutes still to play.  However, soon after the goal, Chelsea almost conceded another goal, but Alex was there to stop it.  Despite the glimmer of hope, a further two goals would still be needed to win and that was looking unlikely to occur.  

We were simply were outplayed on the day, and United were worthy winners.  The win put them six points clear of us and barring miraculous wins by both Blackburn and Blackpool, United are within touching distance of the title.  However, we should not be too disappointed, we should instead be proud of the courage that Chelsea have shown over the last month.  Everyone thought our season was over after our champions league exit, and given that were were flirting with the Europa League positions only few months ago, credit must be given to Carlo for picking the team up and instilling belief in them.  Had we just given up on our season when it appeared when the odds were against us, then we would not be in 2nd place right now, we would instead be where the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool currently find themselves in the league.

All in all, this season hasn't been how we would have hoped, but coming 2nd and ensuring champions league football is still a decent season.  Yes, we will not see any silverware this season, but we have to remember as Chelsea fans we have seen a lot worse, and as I said we should be proud that we came back from what looked like the end of our season to push United and give them a run for their money till now.  

We have two matches left and the best way to end the season would be to secure second place by getting two victories.  Roll on Newcastle at home next week!

So remember: 'Don't worry about a thing, because every little thing is going to be alright' 

Don't worry about a thing.....


KEEP THE BLUE FLAG FLYING HIGH

UP THE CHELS!

They thought it was all over..........not any more!

So where shall we start, basically a few months ago if any of us had said the words 'title' and 'Chelsea' in the same sentence we would have been laughed at........BUT after a run of games that have produced 25 points out of a possible 27, we are back in the title race now with it all to play for!

After last weekends matches, we now find ourselves 3 point behind United, with a trip to Old Trafford to come this Sunday, albeit with a bit of good fortune and a little help from Arsenal.  Last weekend, we beats spurs 2-1, and despite the bit of luck we got with regards to the goals, we were still the better team on the day and therefore it was perhaps a bit of deserved luck.  Despite starting of well and producing chances, it was Tottenham that took the lead when Sandro fired in the top corner past Petr Cech.  However, despite this setback, we were pushing forward and a goal for us was imminent.  Just before half time, an effort from Lampard went past the Spurs keeper Gomes, to bring us level. However, this was somewhat a controversial goal, as Gomes had scrambled to retrieve the ball, and there it is debatable whether the ball was fully over the line.  Whatever the case, the linesman gave the goal, and we were level going into the break, and even if it was a bit of luck for us it doesn't really matter because not even Spurs fans can argue with the fact that we were the better side and that Gomes has floppy hands.  The second half began as the first with Chelsea dominating and pushing forward.  However, the blues frustratingly failed to find the net despite being the dominant side, and it was not until the 88th minute that there was more to smile about when Kalou grabbed the late winner!  

 

 

If the win against Spurs on Saturday wasn't good enough, the weekend got even better when Arsenal beats the mancs on Sunday!  For this I say thank you Arsenal, and I must admit I was an Arsenal fan for 90 minutes last sunday!

We are now only 3 points behind United, and a win at Old Trafford on Sunday will see us back at the top of the league for the first time since November, albeit on goal difference.  It is simple, if we win our remaining 3 games we can retain the title, but we will need to grab a fair few goals to make sure our goal difference is ahead of theirs, should the title be decided on the last day on GD.  

A month ago, no one would have thought we would be in this position right now, as everyone thought our season was over after the crushing exit from the champions league.  However, it was not the end for us, despite all the set backs we continued to believe and we have fought back and come back to now be in with a real chance to end the season with some glory.  Sunday will be like a cup final, and we are certainly up for it, as the outcome of that match will have a large bearing on the eventual champions this season.  

Over the last few games we have been playing well and have been back to our old selves prior to our mid-season slump in form.  I believe that we have been most effective when we have played with the tried and tested 4-3-3, and it is in my view that we should start with this formation with either Drogba or Torres leading the front line at OT.  However, even if we start with 4-4-2 and start with two in the front line attack, this could also work, as long as Carlo makes appropriate changes early on, as and when required. What is clear is that whoever is in the starting line up and whichever formation is used, the players will all be up for it and will put in a good fight.  

The time is now, so lets beat the mancs on their own turf and let go back to where we belong - the top of the league! We are together in this and we can do this by continuing the fighting spirit we have shown over recent weeks! 

On a final note, must congratulate Carlo Ancelotti, who has deservedly won the second Barclays Manager of the Month Award after our impressive winning run!

UP THE CHELS! KTBFFH

Watch the match promo video here