Big Phil Shown The Door As The House Falls Down

After less than 10 months in charge Phil Scolari has been sacked as manager of an apparently crises ridden Chelsea. A man with an excellent South American club record and one world cup to his name could not reverse fortunes at the club which now appear to be in free fall with a precious champions league spot now in peril. Although there was an initially promising start (5- 0 away win to Middlesborough was particularly) the team of late appeared toothless with an ageing Ballack and Deco in midfield which dovetailed ineffectively with a listless John Obi Mikel. The fact that one of the must under-rated player in past seasons run to the Champions League final Micheal Essien was missing for the most of the current season hasn' t helped matters either, however, his failures as a coach to adequately prepare teams to defend set pieces which was highlighted in the past two European Championships came back to haunt in an increasingly set piece orientated Premiership.

Once teams cottoned on that by stopping the Chelsea fullbacks in the form of Cole and Boswinga getting forward their attacking threat has been increasingly subdued due to a lack of natural width. It didn't help that Drogba has thrown rattlers, soother and all out the pram and Anelka is about as potent as a water pistol in the desert since November. All in all this team was in decline before his arrival but he did little to solve the fundamental problems within the football team (one of ageing and un-motivated star players and natural width). The transfer deadline signing of an unfit Quaresma did reek of desperation. The 0-0 draw with a Hull team after an horrendous series of results was the straw that broke the camels back.

Gus Hiddink is the bookies favourite but I reckon it will be the cheaper option of Zola with Clarke returning as assistant manager. Expect a summer clear out and a team continuing to struggle for form as the season comes to an end.

In tradition blog fashion a song is required to capture the vibe of Chelsea football club not that it bothers me too much. So Mr. Abramovich... The Beatles