Big Phil Names & Shames

I have just seen this piece from ITN where they say Big Phil Scolari has named the following payers as instrumental in him losing his Chelsea position.

Didier Drogba

Petr Cech

Michael Ballack

Big Phil is quoted as saying "The real owners of football at the moment are the players. The coach, in most European clubs, has no strength to contradict them.

"The people sacked are always the coaches. The main players already know this. That was my problem at Chelsea. Drogba, Ballack and Cech did not accept my training methods or my demands."

Big Phil was touted as the big personality Chelsea needed to conquer the Champions League, but at the time he left he seemed as demotivated as Chelsea fans, with Chelsea seemingly in danger of being overtaken by Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Scolari seems to suggest that big name player now have more control of team affairs than the manager himself. Is this the natural progression of inflated player wages and profiles or just an example of a manager that could not get to grips with big named, and big ego players? In which case does this give more stock to managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello who take a no nonsense line and still get results?

Have your say in the comments.

Klinsmann Linked With Man City

Sky Sports has the rumour, here, that Jurgen Klinsmann has been linked as a replacement to Mark Hughes at Man City. Luiz Felipe Scolari is another linked to the role.

Klinsmann is said in the report to be flattered by the link, but not interested.

What does Mark Hughes have to do to keep his job at Man City in the Summer and how big is the gulf between expectations and results at Man City?

New FA Chief Executive Named

The Times is reporting that Ian Watmore has been named the FA's new Chief Executive, taking over from Brian Barwick in June this year.

Watmore is a lifelong Arsenal fan, and has recent experience of national government, serving as Permanent Secretary for the Development of Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Top priorities will be England's 2018 World Cup bid and The National Football Centre in Burton.

Barwick, who left his role on 31st December 2008 will be remembered for his very public and very embarrassing failed attempt to secure Luiz Felipe Scolari as Sven Goran Erikssons replacement. He attempted to move past this calamity by hiring Steve McClaren as England Manager. History may redeem Barwick if Fabio Capello can bring that long sought after success that England Fans demand.

Scolari Sacked

Chelsea's official website has a comment on the Scolari dismissal.

"Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea Football Club
today (Monday) with immediate effect.

"The Chelsea board would like to place on record our gratitude for his time as manager.

"Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.

"In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.

"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to
have someone in place as soon as possible.

"While that continues assistant coach Ray Wilkins will take charge of the team on a temporary basis."

Sky Sports say that Chelsea have already compiled a two man short list of Hiddink, and the man Scolari replaced Avram Grant. They even raise the possibility that Grant could be asked to return again to his previous role upstairs as a Director Of Football, and have Hiddink take on the first team. Grant was previously Director Of Football at Chelsea when Jose Mourinho was manager. There was some animosity, at least on Mourinho's part towards Grant as he resented his influence on team affairs, and Grant is thought to have been offered a return to this post in the summer when he was asked to step down as manager.

Scolari has also released a statement where he revealed that he regrets that he did not have more time to get things right with Chelsea, and rather revealingly worked in the fact that he intends to stay living in London, which sounds like a "come and get me" call to Europe's big clubs.

There is also a popular demand from some Chelsea fans that I spoke to today that a Zola/Clarke dream team could be tempted across London from West Ham. However, it is unlikely that Abramovich will go for Zola as his experience is limited to his time at West Ham and a spell with the Italian under 21's.

++ CHELSEA SACK SCOLARI ++

Sky have it that Scolari has been sacked by Chelsea. I will follow up later when we have details.

Your opinions, and suggestions for a managerial replacement are invited.

Calling Chelsea Fans, Whats Going On?

Chelsea earlier today drew, at home with Hull 0-0. Hull, who got off to a flying start early in the season have more recently reverted to form more associated of a recently promoted team. Yet Chelsea, in their once fortress of Stamford Bridge could not find a goal today. Their Premier League Challenge looks, probably over.

Aston Villa went third today, two points above Chelsea and just three point behind Liverpool with a convincing away result, a 2-0 win at Ewood Park. If Arsenal win their game in hand, they will be just 3 points behind Chelsea, and the prospect of not qualifying for the Champions League could haunt Chelsea's run into the end of the season.

I would like to hear from Chelsea fans in particular as to what you feel has and is going wrong of late, and what you think needs to be done to get your respective challenges back on track. Other fans opinions of course welcome, please let us know your team when stating your point of view. Did Big Phil get it right in the January Transfer Window, is he the man to turn things around?

Big Phil To Drop Drogba

The Telegraph is reporting here that Big Phil has not included Didier Drogba in the squad to face Southend United tonight.

Big Phil describes tonight's FA Cup replay as "The Game Of The Year", and also remarked that Chelsea are under performing and that his players are not ready to win a trophy.

Are these comments refreshing honesty from a Premier League Manager in regards to his squad or a tactical mistake?

Update 1.07pm: Just seen this on Sky News. The sharks are already beginning to circle; Marseille have approached Chelsea to enquire if Drogba is available.

Man Utd Misfiring?

I have just seen this analysis of Man Utd's Strike force this season on the BBC. Includes a contribution from Andrew Cole.

This will be a key weekend in Man Utd's challenge, a defeat will hurt their challenge but not irrevocably; however, a win will give some needed momentum. After the defeat to Derby, Sir Alex will probably not surprise anyone with his selection this weekend, but a bad performance this weekend may prompt changes to the established order as Man Utd head into their traditionally strongest section of the season.

Chelsea and Big Phil need to travel to Old Trafford, Anfield and Villa Park within the seven games they play before the Champions League resumes in February. Will Chelsea be celebrating on Monday that they again have some advantage in the Premier League over Man Utd?

Update 12-Jan-09: Momentum Achieved, 3-0 Victory to Manchester United.

Trouble at Chelskea?

There are rumours circulating on the Internet that Chelsea's Billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich fortune has dwindled from €16.7bn to €2.25bn, thanks to the credit crunch. In what might prove to be the silliest of rumours this January, Abramovich may soon face a heart wrenching decision, sell the yacht (€200bn Pelorous) or sell the Premier League Football Club. The rumour goes that Abramovich considers the yacht too close to his heart.... Poor Roman.

The credit crunch has already caused some belt tightening at Chelsea. Big Phil has been told to sell before he can buy as there are no longer any spare millions floating around. That would make the move of Wayne Bridge to Man City - the newest club to hold the title of Richest Club in the World, for a potential £12m seem like a good bit of bit of business. This follows on from the clubs decision to force players pay for their meals at their Cobham training ground.