The reason why Roman Abramovich will fight to hold onto Chelsea
Rumors are rife that Roman Abramovich is planning to sell Chelsea; but, here is why the Russian may fight tooth and nail to hang on to his club.
A dream is born
On a floodlit evening in 2002, football fans witnessed one of the Champions League’s greatest ever encounters. Manchester United beat Real Madrid 4-3 in a swashbuckling back and forth, ultimately, losing out 6-5 to the Galacticos on aggregate.
Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Ryan Giggs, Ruud Van Nistlerooy, and Ronaldo, whose spectacular hat-trick warranted a standing ovation from the opposition support, captivated spectators worldwide; none more so than a certain Russian billionaire who happend to be in the crowd.
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A dream was truly born that night in the aptly named Theatre of Dreams and English football would never be the same again.
As Jonathan Liew of the Independent writes:
"“a vision began to crystallise in Abramovich’s mind: of owning a football team that would blind the world with its radiance – not just by points, but by example; that would marry style and skill, charm and charisma, silk and silverware.”"
Trouble in paradise
Fast forward 16 years and a lot has happened. Abramovich has got his hands on the Champions League in an overall haul of fifteen major trophies; however, recent developments mean the oligarch may be forced to sell his beloved club.
Last week Tifo Football released a detailed account (watch here) of the situation, referring to it as ‘a geo-political scandal involving a nerve agent, an assassination attempt and Russian president Vladimir Putin.’ A long story short: Abramovich cannot obtain a UK visa due to the country’s volatile relationship with Russia.
However, it’s important to note that any reports of an imminent sale are still only conjecture and speculation. Talk of a £3 billion valuation may have credence – it would be foolish not to have a contingency plan in such turbulent circumstances – and the postponement of stadium renovations added a considerable splash of fuel to the fire.
But a Chelsea statement last August reiterated that Abramovich had no interest in selling and there are signs that the Russian will fight to hold on to the London club.
Roman’s quest for utopia
As stated already, Chelsea have won it all under the Russian; but more often than not the onus has been on efficacy rather than aesthetics.
Sure, Mourinho’s Arjen Robben and Damien Duff tandem got fans on their feet and Antonio Conte’s buccaneering wing backs sparked a mini tactical revolution, but those are just examples of ecosystems in a couple of defense-centric and pragmatic set ups.
Somewhere between the aforementioned tenures came Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian stormed to the league title in his first season setting a new division scoring record in the process. However, second place the following season resulted in a ruthless dismissal.
Abramovich is said to consider it the biggest regret of his career, but there were a number of reasons for the dropping of the axe. The Russian must have envisioned magical European nights akin to the one he witnessed at Old Trafford when he nabbed the manager from AC Milan.
The Rossoneri won two Champions Leagues – a trophy Abramovich still lusted so carnally at the time – in a side brimming with flair and artistry. But that was a Milan side overflowing with prodigious number 10s, something Ancelotti didn’t inherit at Chelsea. Unfortunately for Roman, replicating such an identity and grace at Stamford Bridge was not possible or even necessarily in the interests of a manager who adapts to the players at his disposal.
Current Chelsea team
Despite such a short pre-season, the hindrance of the summer’s World Cup, and a dramatic change in styles from his predecessors, Maurizio Sarri hit the ground running on English shores. A couple of months into the season and Chelsea remain undefeated with possession and passing stats going through the roof.
The main difference between Sarri and Ancelotti is that the former only knows how to play one way.
"“I am better when I play my football, my way of football,” said Sarri. “I don’t know if I’m as good a coach if I teach another way of football.”"
Sarri is aware he was hired to play this brand of football and so far he is delivering. A major component to the team’s success is Sarri’s orchestrator, Jorginho.
Arriving from Napoli just a few hours after his manager, the £50 million acquisition was a sign of a club with a long-term plan rather than of an owner who was about to jump ship. Chelsea also had no qualms shelling out a world record fee for a goalkeeper when signing Kepa Arrizabalaga to replace the outgoing Thibaut Courtois.
The next big indicator will come in January. Chelsea are short of a top class striker and a marquee signing in that position would further suggest Abramovich has no immediate plans to sell up – not to mention give Sarri the chance to achieve something very special.
If Cheslea were to reclaim the Premier League crown under Sarri then it would undoubtedly be playing their most entertaining football to date. Sarri-ball gives Chelsea the sort of unique and attacking identity that the chairman has always craved.
The team’s transition to the new style has been pretty remarkable considering its demands and, as already mentioned, the drastic change in philosophy from predecessors at Stamford Bridge. On the field, there are plenty reasons for the fans, and chairman, to be giddy about future prospects. Off it, however, is another matter that dwarves the importance football and wads of cash.
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Who knows where exactly Roman is watching Chelsea’s games from this season; but one sure thing is that he is enjoying what he sees and exploring all the avenues of hanging on to his club.