On the 30th of May 2010, fans of Chelsea FC didn't have a care in the world. They had just seen their side take a one-nil victory at Wembley to secure the league and cup double for the fist time in their 105 year history. In his first season as manager, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti guided his team to both the Premier League and FA cup titles, scoring record number of goals in the process. So how is it that, one year on, Chelsea are reflecting on such a poor season, in which, for only the third time in Roman Abromavich's reign as owner, they have failed to win a single trophy?
Many people would point out the fact that Chelsea let a number of experienced players leave the club in the summer of 2010. Players like Deco, Ballack and Belletti still had plenty to offer the Chelsea squad, regardless of their age. It was a mistake by Ancelotti to let them go for free, leaving the squad dangerously short of cover. Only two players (Brazilian international Ramires and Premier League veteran Yossi Benayoun) joined Chelsea to replace those that left and, although they have had good seasons, they haven't been enough to make up for all the quality lost. The January additions of Torres and David Luiz were too little too late, especially with the former in dismal form.
Another key factor in Chelsea's demise this season has been the sacking of popular and successful assistant manager, Ray Wilkins. He was seen as a necessary link between the manager and the players, having been at the club longer than Ancelotti. The decision to sack him last Autumn was inexplicable, and results turned soon after he left, with Chelsea thrashed three-nil by Sunderland the very next week. He will be sorely missed at the club and the board need to find a replacement sooner rather than later.
Injuries also took their toll on what is a small Chelsea squad. Important players including Alex and Benayoun enduring long spells on the sidelines along with key midfielder Frank Lampard. It is however, wrong to blame injuries alone - Manchester United and Arsenal suffered similar setbacks with Manchester United, in particular, taking them in their stride.
It seems that, sadly, the manager will be the one who pays the price for Chelsea's lack of success this year: Ancelotti, despite his achievements last season will almost certainly be sacked by the end of May. The new manager will still have a tough act to follow as the wily Italian has left a permanent mark on the Chelsea team.
The future for Chelsea is far from bleak, however. The managerial merry-go-round has had little effect on the squad on previous such occasions, and the high caliber players within the Chelsea squad are unlikely to allow themselves to be too disheartened by the departure of their gaffer. One thing is for sure - Abromovich will spend big to get his team back to the top, so only a fool would write Chelsea off for next season.
Many people would point out the fact that Chelsea let a number of experienced players leave the club in the summer of 2010. Players like Deco, Ballack and Belletti still had plenty to offer the Chelsea squad, regardless of their age. It was a mistake by Ancelotti to let them go for free, leaving the squad dangerously short of cover. Only two players (Brazilian international Ramires and Premier League veteran Yossi Benayoun) joined Chelsea to replace those that left and, although they have had good seasons, they haven't been enough to make up for all the quality lost. The January additions of Torres and David Luiz were too little too late, especially with the former in dismal form.
Another key factor in Chelsea's demise this season has been the sacking of popular and successful assistant manager, Ray Wilkins. He was seen as a necessary link between the manager and the players, having been at the club longer than Ancelotti. The decision to sack him last Autumn was inexplicable, and results turned soon after he left, with Chelsea thrashed three-nil by Sunderland the very next week. He will be sorely missed at the club and the board need to find a replacement sooner rather than later.
Injuries also took their toll on what is a small Chelsea squad. Important players including Alex and Benayoun enduring long spells on the sidelines along with key midfielder Frank Lampard. It is however, wrong to blame injuries alone - Manchester United and Arsenal suffered similar setbacks with Manchester United, in particular, taking them in their stride.
It seems that, sadly, the manager will be the one who pays the price for Chelsea's lack of success this year: Ancelotti, despite his achievements last season will almost certainly be sacked by the end of May. The new manager will still have a tough act to follow as the wily Italian has left a permanent mark on the Chelsea team.
The future for Chelsea is far from bleak, however. The managerial merry-go-round has had little effect on the squad on previous such occasions, and the high caliber players within the Chelsea squad are unlikely to allow themselves to be too disheartened by the departure of their gaffer. One thing is for sure - Abromovich will spend big to get his team back to the top, so only a fool would write Chelsea off for next season.
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