Interesting article - Chelsea the Yankees of the Premiership

Interesting story on ESPN - http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=428526&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2&cc=5901


Thanks to Brett for sending this to me. The two that scream out the most are Sheva and Ballack...both came to Chelsea as high priced prizes that Abramovich had gone out and paid a hefty sum to bring them to London. There was a well publicized debate between the manager and owner over the need for the Ukrainian sniper to come to Chelsea, obviously the Russian owner won that battle. When Ballack was targeted there was a lot of questions as to where he would play and why Chelsea needed him....both of which were answered: on the bench and no need. We were fed a line that Ballack would be used as a striker, giving Lampard even more options...huh?? When has Ballack ever played as a striker?? When Mourinho was force feeding Ballack into the line up it was clear that the team had no rhythm, no cohesion.

Sheva has been nothing but a disappointment. Carlos Bocanegra has 1 more goal than Shev??? That is terrible for a player, who is suppose to be one of the 5 best strikers in the world. Chelsea would have been better served in keeping Crespo. We were also force fed the line that without Sheve, Drogba would not have found the success he had....bulls***..... Watching Chelsea this season it was clear that Drogba was still getting the defensive attention of a #1 striker, and still succeeding because of it. Sheva was so invisible on the pitch I find it hard to believe that opposing managers had him high on their lists of "who we cannot let beat us."

We cannot over look Boulahrouz, the "cannibal" was suppose to be the Gallas replacement. How did that turn out for Chelsea? The misplaced #9 routinely found himself living up to his reputation and name, by dishing out horrendous fouls and egregious mistakes. Granted Gallas did not have a great season, mainly due to injury, but Chelsea would have been better served placating Gallas and tempering their pursuit of Cashley Cole.

Chelsea is becoming the Yankees, they throw money around and like the Yankees can, on the short term, gloss over horrendous spending sprees (SWP anyone?). However, much like the Yankees I think this strategy will catch up to them. No one discusses it, but Chelsea LOST over 50m pounds this season...safe to assume that would sink 90% of the teams in the Premiership. Having no fiscal discipline allows managers to throw away any thoughts being selective and on nurturing talent rather than simply "buying" it, irregardless of how it fits with the overall product. Much like fantasy teams, as individuals each player might be a good producer, but thrown together on a team....

Now granted, winning the Carling Cup, reaching the semifinals of the Champions League, the finals of the FA cup and finishing second in the Premiership would be viewed as success for all but 4 teams in England. But this is Chelsea, the expensive toy of an overzealous Russian oligarch. But if the Abramovich wants to find the ultimate success on the pitch, he needs to stop meddling in the player acquisition and allow his manager (not necessarily Mourinho) shop for the groceries. Imagine if Abramovich gave that kitty to a manger such as Wenger and stepped away and allowed his manager to make all the decisions?

It will be an interesting off season....I think if Mourinho leaves and Abramovich gets a "yes man" manager, Chelsea will acquire more high priced stars, but will be further away from silverware.