Futbol del mundo starring Vusumuzi Ndlovu - Roman’s Dilemma

Roman’s Dilemma

Futbol del mundo starring Vusumuzi Ndlovu

Under Roman’s reign at Chelsea, interim managers have delivered above expectations and went as far as reaching the Champions League final, Hiddink excluded.

This is not fluke, luck or a mere coincidence, it goes with the pressure of coaching Chelsea since the Russian tycoon took over 9 years ago. Abramovich’s ambitions and great expectations have been clear since commenced bankrolling the London side. The billionaire is success-starved; he is glory-chaser and a very difficult boss to please.

The case that he hasn’t been complaining about the team’s unattractive type of play speaks volumes about his desire for silverware; he wants results at all costs. But this might change as soon he gets the elusive and most wanted Big Eared trophy; the UEFA Champions League. Ever since the Jose Mourinho won the league successively, his main focus has been the most prestigious club trophy in world football; the UEFA Champions League.

Frankly, little can be said about Claudio Ranieri, who was the manager when Roman took over except that he is serial perennial under-achiever. Mourinho critics insist he harvested what was sown by Ranieri.  Of course he made Terry captain but who else deserved it more than him? Lampard spoke highly of Ranieri saying he brought him to the Bridge and changed his mindset; nonetheless, he went without winning the league.

Then in came Jose Mourinho, grinding out results with ruthless efficiency. He had his way of absorbing pressure; he took it off his players and pilled on his shoulders, allowing the team to play freely. With that he took full responsibility and with full responsibility he wanted full powers without interference in team selection and transfers.

As he said: “If I ran his business world we would be bankrupt and he if over saw proceedings at training we would be relegated.” 

Abramovich interrupted, most visible with the purchase of Andriy Shevchenko. Mourinho saw the exit door and Avram Grant took over to lead the team the Champions League final where they lost to Man United in the penalty lottery. The uncalculated hiring of Big Phil Scolari did more damage than good and his sacking was inevitable.

Carlo Ancelotti’s impressive European record with AC Milan landed him at the Bridge but he hadn’t conquered Europe overnight at the San Siro, he needed time to implement his ideas and bring players of his choice if the situation called for. He came in oozing fire and class, recording high scores as well as a double on his 1^st season until the departure of ass coach Ray Wilkins. Chelsea enjoyed a fairly good time with former players as assistant coaches, from Steve Clarke, Wilkins to Eddie Newton. Ancelotti’s narrow diamond was well read and ineffective in his 2^nd season, changes in style of play and some playing staff was imminent but that didn’t happen as he was shown the doorway. The Russian did what he does best only to employ a novice in the form of Andre Villas-Boas and send him packing within a season at the helm.

In came Roberto Di Matteo, whose calm and low-key approach won him the players’ respect making his work much easier. 

Roman finds himself in not-so-tricky situation to hire RDM full time or not. He must relinquish his tendencies of hiring high profile incompetent coaches, who when they come try to change the team completely at the same time failing to impress the boss that they deserve more time to build a formidable team.

Chelsea's performance says it all, solid displays highlight his short stint in charge. Winning the FA Cup and reaching the Champions League final warrants full time employment in my world of football but my reasoning and understanding counts to naught in Roman’s bid world.

A man travels the whole world in search of something only to return and find it at home.