Yet his slump in form for Chelsea this season has been a significant factor in the London club’s disastrous start to their English Premier League campaign.
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“I would have no problem with Chelsea, but Jose won’t be sacked”, Ancelotti told the Daily Mail when quizzed about a possible return to the club.
Frank Leboeuf has hailed the strong leadership of Laurent Blanc at Paris Saint-Germain and compared him favourably to Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
Recalling the end of the Special One’s first stint as Chelsea manager in September 2007, Drogba said: “I believe things often come in three-year cycles (and) we had arrived at the end of such a cycle”. “But I also understand that it is Real Madrid and they need to win every year so you can understand that it [his sacking last summer] happens when they go one season without winning, but I liked the football under Ancelotti”. “A few players benefit from criticism but for others, they don’t”, Luis said. When we won the Decima (Real’s 10th European Cup/Champions League) at Madrid, he sent me a message of congratulations. But Oliver Kay of the Times insists that John Stones, Ross Barkley and Harry Kane should be given the chance to test themselves against the very best as England play Spain and France.
But it is the Premier League which Chelsea won at such ease last season that is proving the toughest nut to crack for the Blues right now with the latest defeat coming on the road to Stoke City.
Tellingly, a few of those such as Roberto Di Matteo and Carlo Ancelotti, had led the club to periods of success but this was overlooked when the team were not performing to their best on the pitch.
As a result, the tension and speculation continues to increase at Stamford Bridge, and it remains to be seen how long he is given to inspire his side to secure improved results. “To support the club manager, I think, is a way of showing respect, but is fundamentally a way to show passion for the club”.
The youngsters Roy Hodgson has at his disposal are somewhat more battle-hardened than those Chelsea boast, at least for now.
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“I was really, really unhappy because I had a fantastic relationship with the players”.
