“What I did that make me successful as a Chelsea owner” – Roman Abramovich share 3 things he did at the start of his Chelsea tenure as Boehly and Eghbali failed to do
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In the intricate tapestry of Chelsea’s ownership transitions, the enigmatic figure of Roman Abramovich stands as a paradigm of success, leaving fans to ponder the stark contrast under Todd Boehly’s stewardship. Unraveling the mystique, here are three clandestine maneuvers by Abramovich that set the stage for his triumph, which Boehly, in his tenure, appears to have sidestepped to the detriment of the Blues.
1. Managerial Maestro: Abramovich, a puppeteer in the managerial ballet, orchestrated a seamless transition in the dugout. The astute decision to retain Claudio Ranieri for an additional season provided stability, setting the stage for the grand entrance of Jose Mourinho in 2004. Boehly, however, embarked on a discordant note by dismissing Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel shortly after the takeover, leading to a managerial carousel. The revolving door has seen Mauricio Pochettino become the fifth tactician under Boehly’s tenure, contributing to the tumultuous state of affairs at Stamford Bridge.
2. Prudent Transfer Tactics: Abramovich’s reign witnessed a meticulous approach to transfers. The preservation of ‘the old guard’—Cudicini, Terry, Gallas, Lampard, Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen—underscored a methodical strategy. Significant overhauls only unfolded with the arrival of Mourinho. In contrast, Boehly’s era has been marked by an extravagant spending spree, eclipsing the £1 billion mark in transfer and loan fees. The ROI on these investments raises eyebrows, with only Cole Palmer emerging as a beacon of promise amid the exorbitant outlays.
3. Shrewd Staff Selection: Abramovich’s acumen extended to the boardroom, where the hiring of Peter Kenyon from Manchester United signaled a strategic move. Kenyon, with ties to the Red Devils during their Premier League dominance, played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s ascent to the game’s elite. In stark contrast, Boehly’s inaugural month saw the removal of Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia. Assuming both roles himself, Boehly reshaped the executive landscape with appointments from clubs like Southampton, Monaco, and Brighton. The subsequent dip in Chelsea’s performance and ensuing struggles hint at the ramifications of this strategic overhaul.
As the narrative of Chelsea’s fortunes unfolds under Boehly’s ownership, the echoes of Abramovich’s clandestine triumphs linger. The juxtaposition of managerial stability, transfer sagacity, and astute staff selections forms the backdrop against which the Blues’ current struggles are painted. Whether Boehly can unravel the enigma and steer Chelsea back to the zenith remains a question etched in the annals of Stamford Bridge’s evolving saga.
