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For the first time, Andre Villas-Boas has admitted he could be sacked from his role as Chelsea manager.
The Portuguese arrived in west London with an impressive pedigree, having won the Europa League, Primeira Liga and the Portuguese Cup with FC Porto. High things were expected of him after a trophyless season for the Blues which ultimately led to the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti. It was hoped that Villas-Boas’ success in his first season at the helm of Porto could be replicated in his first season in the Premier League. Indeed the latest odds on the eve of the season had put Chelsea in contention for the title alongside the two Manchester clubs.
However, things have not worked out for Villas-Boas, with Chelsea currently sat in fifth place in the top flight, and in very real danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League. This would be disastrous for a side which needs to recruit fresh blood to replace the aging stars of their previous glories.
Rumours that Villas-Boas had lost the dressing room intensified over the weekend, with captain Frank Lampard admitting that his relationship with his boss had "not been ideal". Meanwhile, Villas-Boas himself has urged owner Roman Abramovich to buy into his vision, while already touting signings he would like to make in the summer, such as Hulk from his former club. Punters who bet on sports though have seemingly already made their minds up about the fate of the 34-year-old.
Chelsea did beat Bolton at the weekend but this merely ended a run of five games without a win and four victories from 14. This season, as it stands, is the worst Chelsea have experienced since Abramovich took over the club in 2003 and he does have reputation for hiring and firing managers.
Speaking to Portuguese radio station TSF, Villas-Boas reflected on his perilous position.
"We are now in the exact same moment as last year," Villas-Boas said. "It is an exact copy.
"The pattern of behaviour of the owner has led to a (manager's) downfall in similar situations or even 'better' situations.
"What will be the reaction? It will be one of the two, a continuation of the project and full support or just the cultural pattern that has happened before. We don't know."
Looking at Chelsea’s squad, it is clear that some of the older players wield too much power. It is also clear that an injection of young blood is desperately needed as the Blues have been a spent and tired force for most of this campaign. Villas-Boas sees this so sacking the manager is not going to make the problems go away – the problems appeared long before he even took the job.
If Chelsea finish fourth in the Premier League and retain their place in the Champions League, Villas-Boas will probably survive. But as this is a minimum target at The Bridge, you feel that if the Portuguese fails, he will be on his way. Some will not lament him if he does go. Others will believe it’s an opportunity wasted. One thing is for sure though – the problems at Chelsea go far beyond the manager.
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