Roman Abramovich Thread

[Muzchap 8,966]

so you are suggesting we should not have freedom to discuss what we like? No wonder you like the Russian! Perhaps you should change your name to Stalin!

Yeah, Stalin - you're a genius, how did you know I was reincarnated?

See my post above cant be arsed going through it again...

[TacticalBlues 2,817]

Guillem Balague

In favour of Roman Abramovich

I can see kicking Roman Abramovich is one of Britain’s favorite sports. He has a lot that makes him an easy target but I won’t get there now. Instead let me tell you why I think he should have a much easier ride

1. His money has helped the football wheel go round

2. In July, he gave Torres the word that he will allow him to proof he is still worthy of leading Chelsea’s attack even though Falcao was offered to him all summer, including few hours before the European Supercup where the Colombian scored a hat trick against Chelsea. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but basically he was giving one of his big assets a chance before deciding what to do with him if it didn’t work

3. Roman knows about football. Enough to identify who should lead the team on the pitch and the offices. Like Michael Emanelo, who is de facto technical secretary of the club and one with an intelligent understanding of the game. Michael and Rafa will find common ground I am sure

4. If Roman wants to run the club on his own he wouldn’t have given it to José Mourinho. So now he is basically looking for someone who can do that job and he has not been convinced by the ones he gave the job to lately.

5. Finally, by choosing Rafa Benítez, a man universally respected inside the world of football, he has ignored the noises coming from the fans. I thought Roman was scared of the fans. Well, actually he must have thought, I tell you what, I have analysed the situation and

Rafa is a good solution. No matter what people think. Good

I think Rafa will be in charge for longer that people think. 7 minutes ago

Disagree with last part though.

[zolayes 14,489]

Guillem Balague

In favour of Roman Abramovich

I can see kicking Roman Abramovich is one of Britain’s favorite sports. He has a lot that makes him an easy target but I won’t get there now. Instead let me tell you why I think he should have a much easier ride

1. His money has helped the football wheel go round

2. In July, he gave Torres the word that he will allow him to proof he is still worthy of leading Chelsea’s attack even though Falcao was offered to him all summer, including few hours before the European Supercup where the Colombian scored a hat trick against Chelsea. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but basically he was giving one of his big assets a chance before deciding what to do with him if it didn’t work

3. Roman knows about football. Enough to identify who should lead the team on the pitch and the offices. Like Michael Emanelo, who is de facto technical secretary of the club and one with an intelligent understanding of the game. Michael and Rafa will find common ground I am sure

4. If Roman wants to run the club on his own he wouldn’t have given it to José Mourinho. So now he is basically looking for someone who can do that job and he has not been convinced by the ones he gave the job to lately.

5. Finally, by choosing Rafa Benítez, a man universally respected inside the world of football, he has ignored the noises coming from the fans. I thought Roman was scared of the fans. Well, actually he must have thought, I tell you what, I have analysed the situation and

Rafa is a good solution. No matter what people think. Good

I think Rafa will be in charge for longer that people think 7 minutes ago

Disagree with last part though.

well I think Rafa will last longer than 7 minutes ...NOT much longer tho

[diskoviolente 425]

Im going to go on a bit of an out of character rant here because tbh i am sickened by some of the stuff i have read about Roman these past 48 hours.

Now do i agree with his decision to sack Roberto Di Matteo? no, but some of the knee jerk reaction's dearie me, didn't we learn from the AVB sacking when we hastily stripped Lampard of his legend's tag, only to back track a couple of months later and realize he wasn't as guilty as we thought.

Roman is a Chelsea fan like we are, if i was the owner i would probably do things that would have some of you tearing your hair out, we would do what we think is best for the club as a whole and Roman is doing that.

We seem to want managerial stability, this is not the ancient times any more it just doesn't happen in football these days, Ferguson is a complete one off as soon as he is gone United will join the growing club or chopping and changing managers, it's the way football works these days (rightly or wrongly) and by in large it get's result's. Roman is not this evil owner who changes manager's for the sake of it, it's just the way modern football works just we for some reason seem to be scapegoated for it. Roman's method's get's result's, period.

Our stability is Roman, and believe me id rather change managers and have a dedicated owner than vice versa.

Below are the stats of most top European clubs (and Tottenham) and how many times they have changed manager since Roman's takeover at Chelsea.

Chelsea: 8

Bayern Munich: 7

Real Madrid: 10

Inter Milan: 9

Ajax: 7

FC Porto: 8

Tottenham: 6

Now if you ask the two English clubs who are in a better position now compared to 10 years ago most will say (after City) Chelsea and Spurs, surprise, surprise the two serial manager changing clubs off the last decade, but what both clubs have is stability upstairs, which is much more important.

So can someone explain why are we the 'joke' and the 'poison chalice for managers' when their is more than 1 other club around just as bad when it comes to chopping and changing ill never know.

Constant managerial changes are the norm in most football clubs on this planet these days, not just Chelsea, Ferguson is a one off, we need to get the idea of us finding our version out of our head right now.

We might if were lucky find a manger who will stick around for 3-5 years but another Fergie? as much chance as a lottery win so best never get too comfortable with a manager, because the days of managerial changes here and abroad are not going away, so best get use to it.

not exactly clubs which are stable in europe

[unclezillion 23]

I think debate is great.

But regurgitating the same old shite is just plain boring...

Fact: RDM is gone! Will bleating about it change anything? NO.

It's just stupid to have such a polarising thread in the immediate aftermath...

It's not going to change opinions and only leads to conflict.

The subject is too emotive to be pragmatic...

Edit: And people claiming they no longer support CFC is madness. Fine, if you're going to do it, do it - but don't then come back to a CFC forum and try to divide the forum...

There are leaders and there are sheep! you my friend are firmly in the second category!

[Muzchap 8,966]

There are leaders and there are sheep! you my friend are firmly in the second category!

So you're a leader because you slag off RA and the Board?

Hmm - I would change Leader into spoilt, whiny, clueless, spineless numpty...

What's done is done, you bleating on about (sheep reference) ain't gonna change anything.

So either accept this is the way it is (reality) or go on living in your fantasy world where RDM was the best manager in the world.

[badenblue 21]

I think debate is great.

Glad to hear it.

But regurgitating the same old shite is just plain boring...

May be to you, seems there are a majority on here that do not share that view.

Fact: RDM is gone! Will bleating about it change anything? NO.

NO, but people are angry, letting of steam is one way to cleanse that anger

It's just stupid to have such a polarising thread in the immediate aftermath...

Well lets all wait a year, before we state anything, about anything, then everything will be forgotten, then no need for any forums.

It's not going to change opinions and only leads to conflict.

Debate changes lots of things, try it you will surprise yourself.

The subject is too emotive to be pragmatic...

So are a lot of things about Chelsea at this moment in time, does not mean we have to ignore them.

Edit: And people claiming they no longer support CFC is madness. Fine, if you're going to do it, do it - but don't then come back to a CFC forum and try to divide the forum..

No, not madness, foolhardy perhaps, many words spoken in anger, they are not dividing the forum, just stating something different to your views, that my friend is something you will have to live with, or counter it with a different argument, not just say, "close the thread".

Glad to hear it.

May be to you, seems there are a majority on here that do not share that view.

NO, but people are angry, letting of steam is one way to cleanse that anger

Well lets all wait a year, before we state anything, about anything, then everything will be forgotten, then no need for any forums.

.

Debate changes lots of things, try it you will surprise yourself.

So are a lot of things about Chelsea at this moment in time, does not mean we have to ignore them.

.

No, not madness, foolhardy perhaps, many words spoken in anger, they are not dividing the forum, just stating something different to your views, that my friend is something you will have to live with, or counter it with a different argument, not just say, "close the thread".

[ZOS 580]

Roman spent hundreds of millions of pounds with out getting a pound back in profit to make CFC an European power house, he deserves a lot more credit than he's getting.

[Muzchap 8,966]

Glad to hear it.

May be to you, seems there are a majority on here that do not share that view.

NO, but people are angry, letting of steam is one way to cleanse that anger

Well lets all wait a year, before we state anything, about anything, then everything will be forgotten, then no need for any forums.

.

Debate changes lots of things, try it you will surprise yourself.

So are a lot of things about Chelsea at this moment in time, does not mean we have to ignore them.

.

No, not madness, foolhardy perhaps, many words spoken in anger, they are not dividing the forum, just stating something different to your views, that my friend is something you will have to live with, or counter it with a different argument, not just say, "close the thread".

Hmm - but having a disruptive thread where people are drawing enemy lines is not conducive to a 'debate'?

A debate can be broken to down into component parts - the problem is, that 99% of the posts are emotive and not judging RDM on his managerial skill...

RDM = Club Legend

RDM = Super Guy

RDM = Average Manager

Now that's my opinion - I'm trying to remove emotion. I went back and studied WBA form, the same thing was repeating itself at CFC - so for whatever reason, the board didn't feel comfortable that RDM would be able to turn it around.

Now RA and the Board are being abused, for putting the club first, in their opinion and best interests...

I just dont see how people can be claiming this is so bad and they don't want to support the Team because of 1 decision. None of us know if it will be the right decision until the end of the season, but my stance is, the decision has been made, let's back the Team.

If people want to bash RA - then they should send emails to the Club, not protest in-game / at games etc - as this damages the player morale - which we shouldnt be doing.

Hope that clarifies the situation...

[Fulham Broadway 17,333]

The sacking of RDM, and the way it was done, was just wrong in my opinion and loads yesterday had the same sentiment

However looking back I was the same when Ranieri was appointed and Vialli was sacked. I was totally fucked off and ashamed to say how I cunted of the tinkerman. Lovely bloke, top manager as it turned out ( even though Bates was way out of order-he hates people richer than himself). Some dismissals however,are totally unwaranted such as replacing Jose with Grant

With hindsight no one likes change, and to attack Benitez personally is detrimental to the team.(FSW 'll be sacked soon enough anyway).

[unclezillion 23]

Roman spent hundreds of millions of pounds with out getting a pound back in profit to make CFC an European power house, he deserves a lot more credit than he's getting.

credit yes but blind loyalty no!

[laura90 556]

RDM knew how to defend with right players while playing defensive football. He won trophies playing like that.

He didn't know how to defend properly while playing attacking football. That is what got him sacked, and us out of CL group. In that, he was similar to AVB, shaky, clumsy, sloppy, desorganized defence combined with attractive and attacking football.

Against solid teams , we often looked out of shape. Talented individuals chasing shadows without plan and organization.

Against Juventus he tried to play defensive, looking for remi, but didn't manage to do it with current crop of players. It was different during last CL, there even Drogba played RB as often as a striker. But that's Drogba - one of the kind.

I don’t agree with people who claim that he would take us to the top four next season for sure. He wouldn't imo. Even if he got a striker . He would just last longer and would have been treated better, but he was not, from the very beginig, right man to take this club forward.

Robbie was treated unfair, I agree. But that’s because he didn’t have a striker and CM at his disposal. He was in bad place from the day one.

But with his lack of experience, it took natural born menagement skills and tactical nouse to lead the group of young, talented players to play effectively football different from the one he won CL with. To take and lead the new team of players where the most important ones haven’t played together, through Premier League without dropping out of CL.

Experience matters. Because, if you are not born talent, that is the only way to gain knowledge. I realized that RDM is not born talent after the way he handled big games and our defence. Without experience, he is the coach with amazing potential who is still learning. I wish him all luck and success in the world.

But can we afford: owner who is still learning

players who are still learning

manager who is still learning all at the same time?

I can see why RDM, Chelsea legend, was fired.

Benitez is appointed to make CL spot, that's it. I guess, he has some experience. He also had time to look back and realize what he he was doing wrong in his career. I personaly believe we will play Europa League this season and the next one. In that case, RDM firing could turn to be a mistake.

I don’t criticize Roman because he is bad owner who hurt my pride. Just because, with all the money he spent, he shouldn’t face problems he is about to face.

How important managerial longevity really is, we shall see after core of Terry, Lampard, Cole, Essien and Drogba is completely gone.

Just my opinion.

[Blue Gino 377]

• What a great topic to post. Of course the anti Chelsea writers in the media fail to point out all the managerial changes elsewhere in the world of football. Because Roman crashed the party and pissed in the punch bowl at the party where only Arsenal, United, and Liverpool were invited. Feck em'!
  

[OneMoSalah 8,886]

Whats the bet if Shakhtar beat Juve and we win vs Nordjsaelland half of yous "anti-Benitez" critics will shut up for a while. Well hopefully.

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

Whats the bet if Shakhtar beat Juve and we win vs Nordjsaelland half of yous "anti-Benitez" critics will shut up for a while. Well hopefully.

Yes, because under RDM we would have lost to Nordsaelland, a team we beat 4-0 on the road, at Stamford Bridge and what Shaktar does is influenced by who are coach is. Give me a break.

[laura90 556]

Whats the bet if Shakhtar beat Juve and we win vs Nordjsaelland half of yous "anti-Benitez" critics will shut up for a while. Well hopefully.

Same old story. AVBesque

Winning trophies makes manager perfect and world class regardless of experience and consistency whatsoever.

When they are going trough bad patch in this club: Leave them, they have huge potential, they are for the future.

When they are fired, If you say, well maybe they didn't have enough skill or experience,: You are evil, I hope their future success will make you shut up. You are not supporter, or even better, you are plastic.

When somebody take over after AVB and succeed: Well AVB was clueless, look him at Tottenham, he is a clown.

I can't see if Benitez will be better, but I have a feelng not so much.

So it will take RDM to have another job in order to see if he was perfect or not.

The best scenario would be if he could get Mancini's job. Unlike Mancini, he knows how to win Champions League and I would like to see him winning another one. Not to mention, with those players, we would see how good manager he really is, without, well he has worse players than he would have with us..

Everybody is cheering when we get Mata, Hazard, Oscar and expects Falcao and so, but that comes with a price. They don't consider that maybe, for long term success, great players need even better manager to get the best out of everybody. As long as we don't have 'perfect' manager who has it all, they will search for one. Deal with it.

Being club legend and winning trophies demands respectfull treatment, but doesn't make 'perfect' long term manager for the club. Fact.

Wait for his next job, and than have your say. He won't have problems with getting one.

[bloody 209]

agreed with what tomo-91, henrique, muzchap, ryandavidson, kojo posted here.

[termninja 5,290]

Shahtjor is Ukranian. Roman is Russian. Roman is rich. Shaktjor need to win for us to remain in CL.

[Rambo 1,729]

Shahtjor is Ukranian. Roman is Russian. Roman is rich. Shaktjor need to win for us to remain in CL.

Giving Juve a taste of their own medicine?

[GodZola 630]

Good debate, decent thread - well done Tomo!

Firstly I didn't like most agree with RDMs sacking but can also understand Romans thinking- even Jose would of been fired for not making the last 16 of the CL so it came as no surprise to me, RDM was in the same boat as Ranieri in that he was a dead man walking, Roman was just waiting for the opportunity to sack him & recent results have given him that chance to wield the axe...again!

I believe Romans pride has been stung in the very fact that bringing Torres to the club was a mistake & to get him out of the £50m hole he sacks a club legend who also happens to have class & brings in a man who is the last throw of the Torres dice just to try & justify his knee jerk January transfer because that is the sole reason Benitez is here - does that justify some of the ridiculous comments on here about Roman? Absolutely not, every fam has a right to be angry & to vent some steam towards Roman & his henchmen but some comments go over the line.

Some of us waited a quarter of century to see us win something & had to endure watching crap most of the tine, Roman has taken us to the pinnacle of European elite & I will always be forever in his debt for that & some of you jonnycomelatelys should try to imagine what state we were in pre Roman & many years before that.

I'm not happy about Benitez either & already vented my anger on his performance tonight but I will remain open minded & give the guy a chance, I hope the Chelsea faithful eventually do the same.