Stamford Bridge is falling down
2007-09-25 10:24
George Dearnaley
Oh dear. For all you Blues fans out there, don't say we didn't warn you.
Your filthy rich owner has gone off his head, and now wants to be a Premiership manager. Or at least have a say in who plays and how they play.
I for one was not that surprised that Mourinho packed his bags. In fact, I'm honestly surprised that he lasted this long into the new season - I really thought he would be gone before the start of the new season.
There is a lot of evidence out there that suggests Peter Kenyon has been knocking on a lot of big name manager doors prior to the start of this season.
Guus Hiddink was favourite to take over from Jose, but then got bust with some dodgy tax issues that halted his move across to the Bridge.
It seems that "Cuddly Pete" (as Kenyon is known by Manchester United fans) couldn't quite convince anyone else to come over and be joint-manager with Roman.
Obviously things have come to a head in recent weeks, with a league defeat at Aston Villa followed by home draws against Blackburn Rovers in the league and then Rosenborg in the Champions League.
The English press have also pointed out that captain John Terry has played his part in getting rid of the manager.
Jose asked the medical staff if there was any reason why Terry was playing well below his best this season, and when the captain found out, he almost refused to join the team in the pre-match warm-up against Rosenborg.
Terry was also at fault for the goal conceded against the Norwegians, and refused to accept the blame in the dressing room at half-time.
This led to speculation that Jose had "lost" the dressing room - and one day later the 'Special One' was gone!
The thing I am really shocked by is Mourinho's replacement.
A club like Chelsea, with their recent success, the quality of their squad, and the impact that a character like Mourinho had on their squad leads me to believe that a similar type coach would be needed to keep the flame burning.
I think Avram Grant is there to keep the owner happy, and I respect Mourinho's decision to leave with his dignity intact. But I think the signs are there that the Bridge is starting to fall down.
Liverpool booed off by loyal fans, Arsenal keep improving
It wasn't that long ago that I was under pressure from Liverpool fans to hail their new squad, and their impending challenge for league honours.
It seems ages ago now, considering their last three outings have all ended in draws. A friend of mine was at Anfield on Saturday to see the Reds finish 0-0 against Birmingham.
He said he was shocked by the abuse heaped on the manager and the players after the poor result.
Liverpool have to win their home games if they are serious about their title challenge. And home matches against newly promoted teams are supposed to be certainties.
The fans can't understand why Benitez is rotating the squad and resting key players, but I think it is early enough in the season to drop a point here and there, while ensuring your team are fit for a very busy mid-season period.
I say have faith in Benitez, and although I am not convinced Liverpool will win it this year, because I think their defence is still not strong enough, I do think they will be very close, possibly third with Chelsea dropping out of the top three.
Arsenal look very good. The only concern for Gooner fans is whether the youngsters can stay fit and healthy for most of the season. Cesc Fabregas is having the season of his life, but because he is so central to Arsenal's cause, they will not be the same without him. He needs to be protected, but they won't be the same when he is rested.
Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns all taste defeat
Kaizer Chiefs can't buy a goal at the moment. They have had 30 shots in their last three league games, and scored no goals. Two nil-nil draws followed by defeat against Ajax this weekend will have coach Muhsin Ertugral looking over his shoulder.
Pirates coach Bibey Mutombo has resigned after their 2-1 defeat away against Golden Arrows which led to violent protests by Bucs fans in and around the stadium.
They need a strong coach who will instill discipline throughout the ranks, and get them tight at the back, and lethal up front. They have the players to beat anyone, but apart from a decent early season cup run, they have flattered to deceive. It's tough times for the Soweto giants and more heads will roll if they don't improve.
Sundowns are useless in Africa. The defending PSL champions have perhaps had it too easy in SA, because they certainly haven't got used to African club competition.
Owner Patrice Motsepe has made it clear that he wants his team to be an African powerhouse, but at the moment they are nothing but a bunch of well paid tourists handing out points to the home teams.
It's a sad state of affairs in local football, when our top three teams, who have a combined 90% of the best local talent, are all in the last third of the league and can't score goals for love or money.
George is the publisher of Kick Off soccer magazine and represented South Africa during the 1994 World Cup qualifiers.
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