Chelsea fans, and some players, will be desperate to exorcise the demons of the 2008 Champions League final defeat to Manchester United when they return to the showpiece of Europe’s premier club competition this weekend. The bitter disappointment of that night remains as a constant reminder of the club’s continual quest for the trophy. A win over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena would secure the most triumphant night in the west-Londoners history, but Ruud Gullit has intimated that Roman Abramovich would be just as pleased to see his team defeated.
Andre Villas-Boas struggled to maintain control at Chelsea and after being removed from his position as coach, Roberto Di Matteo was drafted in for the interim. Only expected to ride out an extremely average season, the Italian has surpassed his remit and taken his team to FA Cup glory as well as a Champions League final. He is now one of the favourites to secure the permanent post, and there would be little opposition should the Blues lift the ultimate prize on Saturday. However, Ruud Gullit has suggested Abramovich would be equally pleased with defeat in order to select the new manager freely. He told The Sun:
“I think there is somebody already in line. But will he still want the job if Chelsea win the Champions League? Would even Jose Mourinho want to come in and replace Robbie [Di Matteo], knowing he could not top what his predecessor had achieved? If Robbie wins the Champions League, it would suddenly put a lot of pressure on the next guy. So maybe the owner doesn’t even want to win the final.”
Given the history of the Russian owner’s whimsical hiring and firing of managers there is of course cause for some pessimism. But Abramovich’s sole aim since purchasing the club has been to win the Champions League. If he has a manager who can deliver that, why would he sack him?
Despite a disappointing season, Di Matteo has a chance to complete a double. The last Blues manager to guide the team to such a feat was Carlo Ancelotti in his debut 2009/10 season. When he failed to match that trophy haul the following year he was shown the door. There will be immense pressure to appoint Di Matteo if Chelsea defeat Bayern. Win, and the 41-year-old may get a shot but his reign at would come under severe scrutiny with improvements expected early next season. Surely lifting the title would prove he is worthy of the position?
If the Stamford Bridge outfit decided not to go with the former West Bromwich Albion manager, what other options are open to them? Fabio Capello has been linked to the position but he is out of experience at club level, similarly to France coach Laurent Blanc. Chelsea hired World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari but he failed to translate his exploits at national level to the domestic stage.
Jose Mourinho has also been touted for a return to the Bridge but he has reaffirmed his commitment to Real Madrid and would have little to gain by taking over at his former club so soon. Pep Guardiola is without doubt the stand-out candidate, but his decision to take a sabbatical makes him unavailable for the job. So why not trust in Di Matteo. He has proven to be a hit with fans and players alike whilst also securing the goods.
Chelsea are notorious for meddling in transfers above the head of the coach. Mourinho was explicitly disappointed at the signing of Andriy Shevchenko while it was clear that Ancelotti had little to do with the capture of Fernando Torres. The club’s executives will likely be able to retain control over such areas with Di Matteo in charge rather than a higher profile coach.
Yes, defeat for Chelsea would allow Abramovich more freedom to choose the man he wants to continue the job next season, but realistically he will not be hoping to lose. That is preposterous. Failure is not an option as it would mean the Blues would play no part in the tournament next season. The Russian billionaire is in charge of the club and is not one to crumble under media pressure. He is just a few hours away from getting his hands on the trophy that he so fervently craves. If Di Matteo can supply him with that, he will no doubt be rewarded handsomely.
What do you make of Gullit’s claims? Let me know on Twitter @thwebber.
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