Chelsea FC may have an empty seat behind the manager’s desk, but with its last occupant’s impression still warm and a "succeed or perish" remit from the owner, who will want the hot seat?
The 2010/11 season ended with Chelsea in 2nd place (nine points and five goals behind Champions Manchester United) and without a trophy in the cabinet. This meant that their manager, who had brought Chelsea (and Roman Abramovich) a League and FA Cup double in his first season (2009/10), was ignobly sacked on the last day of the Premier League, following the 1-0 loss to Everton. This was despite having one more year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
A club statement read: "This season's performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season's preparations."
The sacking was a surprise for no-one, as speculation and chatter had been mounting following Chelsea’s defeat to Man Utd. The loss effectively ended Chelsea’s hope of winning the Premier League (and therefore any trophy that year).
Word was that Ancelotti would be dropped by Chelsea’s Russian Oligarch and success hungry owner. Similarities to Ernst Stavro Blofeld stroking a fluffy cat and dispatching underlings (into piranha infested waters) with the line “This organisation does not tolerate failure...” were swiftly made.
So who’s next?
The smart money says Guus Hiddink, who currently manages the Turkish national squad. The Turkish Football Federation could scupper any deal, but it looks more likely (after an indifferent start to Turkey’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign) that the TFF will allow the Dutchman to leave.
Chelsea could do a lot worse than court Hiddink (who has also previously managed Fenerbahçe, Valencia & Real Madrid) as he is one of the best managers of his generation. His plaudits include winning the European treble (Eredivisie, Dutch Cup and European Cup) with PSV Eindhoven. He took the Dutch national side to the semi-finals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup and led South Korea to a fourth place finish in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. His international acclaims also include giving Australia their best ever finish in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and coaching Russia to the semi-finals of Euro 2008, (their best performance since the breakup of the Soviet Union). He also has history at Stamford Bridge, leading Chelsea to their FA Cup triumph against Everton in 2009 (as caretaker manager following the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari).
Hiddink is at 4/9 with Paddy Power and -700 in the SBR sportsbook, nothing overly tempting. It’s still not a done deal so there are a couple of other names to consider. Former Fulham manager Mark Hughes is in the market for a new home, but he is the clear favourite for the Aston Villa job (as Roberto Martinez seems to have nailed his colours to the Wigan mast). Hughes is at +600 betting odds.
Chelsea would reportedly have to fork out a large compensation fee to the TFF if they wish to take Hiddink away, but despite the global recession don’t expect to see Abramovich’s yacht, Loadsofroubles, on E-Bay any time soon.
The other “big” name in the furry Russian hat is that of ‘arry Redknapp who worked wonders with Spurs last season, and surely would soar to new heights given the sort of transfer budgets Chelsea can throw around. He was at one point 25/1 for the Chelsea job but is now around 7/1.
Unless things change there’s little profit to be made betting against Hiddink. There’s also Andre Villas-Boas at 10/1. Marco van Basten at 25/1, Martin O’Neil at 50/1 and Rafa Benitez at 50/1, but the only manager I’d even consider other than Guus is the special one himself Jose Mourinho (40/1). Even if just for the joy of seeing him back in the EPL, with all his special ways. If you fancy a fun bet then back John terry to be manger as the 2011/12 season kicks off, odds unavailable at time of press.
In and out
While the next Chelsea manager might be living on borrowed time if the results don’t go his way (fast), he shouldn’t be the first manager sacked. There are plenty of soccer odds out there on the first manager to be shown the door next season and plenty of opportunities to make the bookies sweat.
Starting with the least likely; you can get infinity minus 1 to 1 that Alex CHEWING and SHOUTING Ferguson will be shown the door at Man Utd. and I still wouldn’t bet on it.
I’d keep an eye on the following who could well be circling the metaphorical drop: Blackburn’s Steve Kean who took over when Sam Allardyce was sacked, only just managed to keep his side up, expect Blackburn to want fresh blood and a new broom at Ewood Park.
Sunderland’s Steve Bruce also had a bad run at the end of last season and his bosses might want a new hand at the helm for a new season. Arsene Wenger might be a surprise name to bandy about with talk of redundancy. However, Arsenal haven’t won ANYTHING for six years, and the board might feel that the Frenchman has run his course. Other than that, Newcastle (anything can happen) United change managers with such regularity it almost seems rude not bet on Alan Pardew being the first out come next season, just on general principles.
All in all before a single ball has been kicked, there’s plenty of soccer betting to be had ahead of the 2011/12 season of the English Premier League.