Have Chelsea’s players and manager given up? It’s a major lack of respect, according to one former starlet.
It’s deja vu at Chelsea. Repeating a title-winning season followed by a disappointing second campaign. In other words, they have capitulated once more.
Jose Mourinho won the league with the London outfit in 2015. He was consequently sacked the following season as they lost consistency as reigning champions. Antonio Conte is now similarly awkwardly stuck.
Losing to Tottenham at home for the first time in 28 years was a revealing indictment of efforts, if not tactics and signings. Chelsea have gone backwards since triumphing in 2015.
To his credit, Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for the Pensioners in the loss against Spurs. However, admittedly his four goals in his previous 22 games is a complete failure in regard to their high standards.
Accusation
Now emerges a possible reason for such submission; the players and staff no longer want to be colleagues. They are determined to achieve change at the cost of results, which is what we have witnessed.
Frank Leboeuf had a colourful career in England, playing for Chelsea for five years from 1996-2001. While there, he criticised the English game and admitted football was low on his list of desires.
Frankly, Leboeuf is somewhat of an enigma in footballing terms. Well, at least in a poor-man’s Eric Cantona sense. His main goal was to be an actor. Never short on the dramatic: the Frenchman claims Chelsea along with the manager have ‘given up’.
Speaking to French media, he said:
"“It’s a lack of respect for the fans and the club, both on the manager’s part, because he’s already packed his bags, but also from the players.”(Frank Leboeuf – Via the Sun)"
It is unclear if Leboeuf has contacts at the club anymore. Management staff and players from his era have all moved on. However, it is plausible he is still in the know on some inside-level. He also claims players have ‘downed tools’; similarly to Mourinho’s treatment.
Winning only three games in 2018, alongside sitting fifth, eight points away from rivals Tottenham is unacceptable. Blues’ owner, Roman Abramovich is not afraid to destroy and rebuild.
The Russian billionaire has appointed 10 different managers during his 15 year ownership. Two of them returned for second stints. Conte’s criticism of transfer policy won’t help his plea to remain at the club next season.
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This owner doesn’t need an excuse to act. The supporters do not deserve to be conned or even simpler, not be entertained. Will the Italian be there next season?