Mourinho’s Shadow Lingers while Jol’s is All but a Distant Memory
If The New Football Pools had run a poll at the beginning of the season asking who are the likeliest managers to get the boot this season, I sincerely doubt Jose Mourinho and Martin Jol’s names would have passed many lips.
Despite a turbulent relationship with the club’s owner Roman Abramovich, a Mourinho exit simply looked inconceivable and with Tottenham showing so much promise last season and expected to challenge for a top four place this time round, the same was said of Jol.
But go they did leaving their successors starting their Premiership lives bathed in negativity. Grant undoubtedly had the bigger shoes to fill but at the end of January, the Israeli found himself on an equal par with Stamford Bridge’s former live wire leading the Blues to 23 wins, 5 draws and 2 defeats across all competitions and, more importantly, on a direct road to Wembley. Instant silverware in the Carling Cup would inevitably lead to further comparisons to Mourinho (it was his first trophy after all) but would also do a sterling job in silencing any of his remaining critics.
No Ballack, No J. Cole, No Chance
The critics come out to play however joined by those precious told-you-so fans as the Avram Era comes away empty handed in its first quest for cup glory. A starting XI favouring Frank Lampard instead of the in form Ballack, also saw Joe Cole warming the bench and the trialling of the Anelka/Drogba partnership for the first time since the Frenchman’s signing in January gave the critics their first point of attack.
On paper, the pairing of Drogba and Anelka is enough to send shivers down the back of any defence but, given the circumstances and arena, an unveiling here certainly had its risks but, as Grant rightly points out, “If I don’t play them, people ask me why not.” I just wonder if by people, he includes the powers that be in that?
The role of the puppet master is infamous in the Blues backroom so much so it’s a wonder how Shevchenko failed to make the squad considering he’s back to full fitness! I can only wonder if Grant’s team selection was made with all this in mind. Abramovich may in search of ’sexy football’ but when this style fails to reach a climax and doesn’t pay the piper, dull, boring and strategic may not look so bad!
While Grant is reacquainted his critics, Ramos receives nothing but well deserved praise. Outmanoeuvring his equivalent number at every turn, the Spaniard remains undefeated in a cup final as a manager after five triumphs in Spain with Sevilla. And after this managerial performance, it’s easy to see why.
Checkmate Ramos
Chelsea, despite seeing much of the action in the first half, rarely mounted a true goal threat nor particularly tested a returning Paul Robinson. Seeing this, Ramos subs full back Chimbonda, replacing him with Huddlestone who assumes his preferred role of holding midfielder. Nine minutes later, his boys get their equaliser.
Now chasing to regain their lead, Grant replaces Wright-Philips with Kalou and Mikel with an impatient Joe Cole. With the Chelsea wings now thoroughly manned and the aerial threat at an all time high, Ramos counters by breaking up his strike force, subbing Keane for central defender Kaboul - game, set and match Spurs and full credit to Juande.
Onwards and Upwards
The more positive, or should that be egotistical, of Chelsea fans now claim little interest in the Carling Cup acclaim, citing bigger and better projects on the horizon and surely if Grant was to achieve the last remaining accolade elusive to Chelsea’s trophy cabinet, he’d finally lay Jose’s ghost to bed.
On the other side of the spectrum though, will he meet the same fate as his predecessor should he fail to bring anything to the Chelsea table come May?
Tags: Avram Grant, Blues, Carling Cup, Chelsea, Juande Ramos, Spurs, Tottenham
February 28th, 2008 at 20:31
I hope Abramovich realises the errors of his ways and is kicking himself about getting rid of the master. I don’t want Avram to fall on his face; it’s not his fault he’s been brought in after all the drama - someone had to but it’s only evitable he’s going to be compared to Mourinho. Jose will remain a Chelsea legend and he’s left massive shoes to fill. The only thing that will fill them is silverware. Come on Avram, let’s move on and restore greatest to the Bridge. I reckon you can do a stand up job.
February 28th, 2008 at 20:37
Juande Ramos will do for Tottenham what Mourinho did Chelsea! At absolute master tactian, watching him as the game unfolded, i knew we’d be lifting that trophy! Brilliant, just brilliant. Now watch him apply his skills in the Uefa Cup and see us lift another piece of silverware - they are like buses after all!
February 28th, 2008 at 20:41
I was really disappointed with the way the whole Jol things was handled. I was a big fan of the Dutchman and thought the way he was treated was appalling. But as Jessica describes, albeit about Grant, it’s not Ramos’ fault so let’s leave all the comparisons alone and just thank our current manager for a job very well done. Bring on PSV!
February 28th, 2008 at 20:47
Am i just being naive but why does everyone have to go down the tired path of comparing Grant to Mourinho. Yes Jose won us a ton of trophies with immediate effect but he’s in a league of his own. There are people on here talking about how managers need time, why shouldn’t Grant be given that too?