Chelsea dumped in managerial mess after Guardiola chooses Bayern Munich
Roman Abramovich had a plan set in place after he relieved Roberto Di Matteo from his duties as Chelsea manager in November of last year. Bring in an experienced manager in the shape of Rafa Benitez on a short term basis, and then welcome Pep Guardiola back from his hiatus from football management, and pay him whatever he demanded, in return for beautiful football and European glory at Stamford Bridge. However, the Russian’s plans were thrown up in the air this week, when Guardiola agreed to take over as manager of Bayern Munich at the beginning of the 2013/14 season. Pep Guardiola was coveted by a number of top European clubs, and had his choice over which club to join.
So why did he choose Bayern Munich, despite recently expressing a desire to manage in England, a country in which he never fulfilled his dream of playing one day? Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated that money was not a factor, insisting that the reasons were ‘rather the focus on the football, positive image of the club and a high social component’. Indeed, for purely footballing reasons, Guardiola and Bayern seem to be the perfect match.
The Allianz Arena is home to a wealth of attacking talent, which the Spaniard can surely mould into a team capable of claiming every major honour. The questions on why he chose not to take charge of Chelsea are open to suggestion. The financial benefits would have been sizeable, and after claiming the Champions League title last May, Chelsea’s standing as a top European club was confirmed. One point of consideration for Guardiola must have been the aspect of job security. Having seen short periods of poor form result in a sacking, he may have felt that the pressure of having to deliver instant gratification for Abramovich might far outweigh the promise of a bumper pay cheque.
Perhaps in clearing the path for the man he wanted to take charge, the Russian owner has scared him away from accepting the position. Amid the scenes of disappointment at Chelsea, one man might just have been smiling on the inside. Rafael Benitez was never Abramovich’s long term plan. The job title of Interim Manager handed to him suggested that his long term future at the club was bleak. Although he might not be the first choice as permanent manager with the owner and the fans, Benitez might feel that this is his opportunity to manage a top English club side again.
Former Chelsea man Ray Wilkins believes that ‘he will be thinking it (a permanent deal) is a possibility’. Some football fans, and even some football club owners can be fickle at times and the former Liverpool manager has enough knowledge of the English game to understand that winning games and collecting trophies is a sure way to gain popularity. There will be other candidates to take over Chelsea in the summer though. Perhaps the new number one target, for both Abramovich and the fans, would be Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese has always stated his love for Chelsea since his departure in 2007, and his popularity with the supporters has never waned. Although his contract at Real Madrid runs until 2016, poor league form alongside a deteriorating relationship with senior players such as Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas have suggested that Mourinho could indeed be leaving the Bernabeu very soon. If Mourinho has anything in his favour, it is that he is already familiar with Abramovich’s methods, and his character is strong enough to shrug off any pressure to succeed immediately.
Other options include Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, who led his side to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12, the latter being paired with a German Cup victory in an unprecedented double for the club. If Dortmund can continue their impressive Champions League form this season, Abramovich may be convinced that Klopp is the man to lead them to more European glory. Another candidate would be former Argentina international Diego Simeone, having helped his reputation by leading Atletico Madrid to win the Europa League, and to currently sit above rivals Real Madrid in La Liga.
However, Abramovich may be wary about gambling on a young manager with no Premier League experience, after he was left unimpressed with Andre Villas Boas’ managerial skills. If he is looking for experience, Germany coach Joachim Loew may be of interest, or even a return for Guus Hiddink could be considered. Whatever happens, Chelsea will be in the market for a permanent manager in the summer. Whether Rafael Benitez has done enough by then to convince Abramovich to give him a long term contract remains to be seen. Jose Mourinho and others may find themselves on the Russian’s wish list, but everyone will have to wait and see who will be willing to step though the seemingly revolving door at Chelsea Football Club.
