Football: Chelsea managers - a chequelist
Roman Abramovich has seen off nine managers in nine years, at great expense. How does the talent/pay-off ratio stack up? Memphis Barker takes stock
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Your support makes all the difference.Andre Villas Boas (June 2011 to March 2012) £10 million
Villas-Boas didn't lose a single game in his last season as manager of Porto, but quickly picked up the habit when brought to west London by Abramovich. At 34, his lack of authority jarred with an authoritarian style. Put out of his misery within a year.
Carlo Ancelotti (June 2009 to May 2011) £6.5 million
A dignified and phlegmatic character, Ancelotti was hired with a brief to repeat his two AC Milan Champions' League successes. Though he failed in this, he delivered Chelsea's first-ever League/Cup double. Axed after a trophy-less sophomore season.
Claudio Ranieri (September 2000 to May 2004) c. £1 million
Already in the dug-out when Abramovich arrived, Ranieri – dubbed "Tinkerman" by fans – was up against it from the start. Some buys were inspired (Makelele), others got bored and snorted cocaine (Mutu). Finished second in league. Occasionally teary.
Jose Mourinho (June 2004 to September 2007) c. £20 million
The Special One brought a new cocksureness to the Blues, leading them to two league titles, two Carling Cups and one FA Cup. Also enjoyed "mindgames" with Fergie and constructing a "siege mentality".
Roberto Di Matteo (March 2012 to November 2012) £?? million
Italy's coolest cucumber, Di Matteo delivered Abramovich his longed-for Champions League trophy after a campaign that married wonderful steeliness with some very good fortune. Loved by Chelsea fans as a former player. Never less than dapper. Bafflingly sacked after a minor blip.
Avram Grant (September 2007 to May 2008) c. £5 million
A surprising appointment given the Israeli's threadbare CV, Grant nevertheless took Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final – and would have got away with it too, were it not for a final-penalty-flump from John Terry. Bore an unfortunate resemblance to a toad.
Luiz Felipe Scolari (July 2008 to February 2009) £12.6 million
Scolari arrived and on the back of a World Cup win with Brazil but struggled to adapt his love for wingbacks to a team who, aside from Ashley Cole, lacked quality in that position. Struggled also with English – once confusing "dressing-room" with "bedroom".
Guus Hiddink (February 2009 to May 2009) N/A
Had the most perfect of perfect runs. Signed up for only six months, the Dutchman turned a team that had lost direction into FA Cup winners. Remembered by fans as the one that got away.
Ray Wilkins (February 2009-February 2009)
Chelsea stalwart who lead the team for one game before retreating to more comfortable assistant manager role. Er, that's it...
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