Chelsea FC

(21-02-2012 23:10 )admin Wrote:  Heard on Sky Sports tonight....

Jeff Stelling: What did you think of Chelsea's defending?

Graeme Souness: What defending?

at least you got that away goal. still to play for.

A few of the newspapers are claiming that Rafael Benitez is on stand-by to take over at Chelsea.

His sacking probably wasn't a surprise to Andre Villas-Boas.
He'll already have packed his bags.

The biggest surprise is Chelsea appointing Roberto Di Matteo as the manager until the end of the season.
They need a new man in now..

Chelsea statement:

"Andre Villas-Boas has parted company with Chelsea Football Club today. The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointment that the relationship has ended so early. Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season. The club is still competing in the latter stages of the Uefa Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League, and we aim to remain as competitive as possible on all fronts. With that in mind we felt our only option was to make a change at this time. With immediate effect Roberto Di Matteo has been appointed first team coach on an interim basis until the end of the season."

Next Chelsea manager from PaddyPower:

Jose Mourinho 7/4
Rafael Benitez 9/4
Roberto Di Matteo 5/1
Pep Guardiola 6/1
Fabio Capello 9/1
Didier Deschamps 14/1
Guus Hiddink 16/1
Harry Redknapp 20/1
David Moyes 20/1
Marcelo Bielsa 20/1
Joachim Loew 20/1
Brendan Rodgers 22/1

Next Chelsea manager from SkyBet:

Rafael Benitez 6/4
Jose Mourinho 4/1
Fabio Capello 6/1
Pep Guardiola 6/1
Roberto Di Matteo 7/1
Marcelo Bielsa 12/1
Guus Hiddink 16/1
Joachim Loew 16/1
Harry Redknapp 16/1
Didier Deschamps 20/1
Jurgen Klopp 20/1
Cesare Prandelli 20/1
Brendan Rodgers 22/1

(04-03-2012 15:05 )Charlemagne Wrote:  The biggest surprise is Chelsea appointing Roberto Di Matteo as the manager

Yes I would have expected a total clear out with Di Matteo being shown the door too, rather than being put in charge.

I don't know why Guardiola, is priced at 6/1. In what mind would he want to leave Barca for Chelsea, if he does it will be one of the biggest managerial shocks ever.

Can see it being Mourinho or Deschamps. Former manager that everyone want's back, or a former player who did very well for Chelsea.

They might appoint another up and coming manager, but I will a bit surprised if they do i.e Rodgers, Klopp or Loew.

I've never really been one of those who wanted to see Mourinho back at Chelsea, but now I'm struggling to look past him. I feel the only way Roman can make up for sacking AVB is by trying to bring back Jose. But I reckon he'll more likely go to Spurs

Moyes was my number one choice last summer, and I'd still love us to get him. Unfortunately, that won't happen though as: a) He's not glamourous enough for Abramovich, and b) I doubt he'd want to come to Chelsea. (Lambert and Rodgers are two others I wouldn't mind, but again not big enough names).

(05-03-2012 15:06 )gavlcfc10 Wrote:  I don't know why Guardiola, is priced at 6/1. In what mind would he want to leave Barca for Chelsea, if he does it will be one of the biggest managerial shocks ever.

Wouldn't surprise me, he said he wants a new challenge. And trying to stay as Chelsea manager for more than a month sounds like a big enough challenge

Not sure really why Moyes should be considered. He has kept a mediocre mid table team, mid table. Everton are a good side and he has them where they should be. People say he's worked miracles, but I don't see it myself.

Di Matteo has brought in Eddie Newton at number 2, they done a decent job at West Brom in the championship, and maintained playing decent football. I think he's decent enough to be put in charge.

As for long term, maybe Abramovic should put himself as manager

(05-03-2012 15:06 )gavlcfc10 Wrote:  I don't know why Guardiola, is priced at 6/1. In what mind would he want to leave Barca for Chelsea

I think he's priced at 6/1 because his contract with Barcelona is up at the end of this season and so far he's declined to make any decision on whether to renew it or not.