Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich looks set to target top bosses like Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho as he searches for a permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas, but some of his former managers have warned the Russian’s hands-on approach makes it an impossible job. Abramovich is searching for his eighth manager in five years after sacking Villas-Boas just 257 days into his turbulent reign at Stamford Bridge. Former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo will take charge until the end of the season, but Barcelona chief Guardiola and Real Madrid boss Mourinho are believed to the leading names on Abramovich’s wanted list. Abramovich is certain to try to tempt one of those managerial giants with the promise of a hefty salary and substantial transfer warchest.
However, there is a growing belief that the tycoon’s dictatorial regime, which has seen six managers axed, makes it impossible to thrive at Chelsea for long. Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the League Managers’ Association, believes the situation “is a serious embarrassment to the owner, the club, the fans and the league”. But Abramovich clearly feels his vast investment in the west London club gives him carte blanche to call the shots. He piled pressure on Villas-Boas by turning up at training sessions and asking the managers’ tactics, as well as holding an inquest with the players and manager after a 2-0 defeat at Everton.
Even Mourinho, who brought Chelsea unprecedented success, lasted only three years before one disagreement too many with Abramovich, so it is hardly surprising to hear Luiz Felipe Scolari speak in less than glowing terms about the experience of working for the Blues in the 2008-09 season.
