Too Much Too Soon For Villas-Boas

After months of talking about the 'new project' taking place at Chelsea, Roman Abramovich has finally returned to his old ways by unfairly dismissing the young Andre Villas-Boas. After just 8 months in charge of the London club, the Portuguese was shown the exit door after seeing his team fall to fifth in the table, outside the Champions League qualification spots. The total number of different managers in the dugout since Abramovich took charge in 2003 is now at an alarming nine, with Roberto Di Matteo appointed temporary manager this month.

Although results had not gone in favour of Villas-Boas, with disappointing defeats to Everton, Napoli and West Brom, there was an ounce of sympathy felt by many after the decision of his sacking was made public. In order for a new project to be successful, time must be given to the man making the decisive changes. Before the 34 year old was appointed in the summer, fans of the club and critics of its owner were calling for changes to be made on and off the pitch. With older players such as Florent Malouda, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba nearing the end of their contracts and failing to perform in key matches, drastic changes were needed. Yet, one major factor prevented Villas-Boas from making the necessary adjustments. The elder players omitted from the starting line-up began to demonstrate their power at their club, and also their egos.

Once a key player for the blues, Lampard was unable to come to terms with being overlooked and turned to the media to voice his concern about the managers decisions. This unprofessional and egotistical behaviour created enemies for the young manager amongst the public as well as inside the dressing room.

Similar to the England national squad, the players are given too much power and are dictating the fortunes of the manager. Although the decisions made by Villas-Boas did not provide instant success, there was a platform being made to build off. Whoever the new manager is should stick to the plans left in place by his predecessor, because change is what this club needs.

Furthermore, what is also needed, that Villas-Boas lacked, is a manager who can demand respect from his players. Without this squad of power-mad celebrities on side, the new man in charge can expect to suffer similar circumstances of previous fallen Blues managers.