RADIO
Experts say one week is a long time in football. What about one month? Not sure what the experts say but the beleaguered Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would probably say it has been a hellish eternity and given Chelsea's season thus far, who could blame him?
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Over a span of one month featuring seven games across all competitions, Mourinho has tasted victory just once while losing thrice. From being the self-anointed special one, he is very much on the precipice of becoming the very worried one. The depths of his troubles were highlighted once again by the crushing loss to Stoke City in the Capital One Cup.
One may be tempted to argue that a loss on penalties is not worthy of being called "crushing". Fair point, unless you forget the fact that the loss comes at a time when a victory was needed at all costs. If you asked the decorated Portuguese, he might happily have traded some of his trophies for a win on Tuesday night.
That should summarize what has been an abysmal season so far, to say the least, for Chelsea and Mourinho. If the loss of face on the pitch isn't enough, there are many incidents off the pitch which have put him to shame. The row with the female doctor, multiple conflicts with referees and the FA and the recent stadium ban is nothing short of an embarrassment for the club and the manager.
The board may have voiced its statement of support, but Mourinho knows very well that he is now on thin ice. Another loss this weekend to Liverpool could very well be his swan song. Never one to go beyond three seasons at any club, Mourinho is on borrowed time – although no one would dare admit this in public.
For many, the only thing that's saving Mourinho from the humiliation of being fired is the non-availability of proven managers. The usual suspects of Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone will be difficult to lure whilst, of the rest ,there really aren't any inspiring names. Let’s take a deeper look at the primary candidates.
Pep Guardiola – Really Wanted But Will He Come?
Guardiola comes with a trophy-rich resume, thanks to his stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He is currently plotting his German club’s fortunes in the Champions League as no one really doubts that they won't be winning the Bundesliga once again.
Getting the Spaniard mid-season is definitely out of question (which should make Mourinho happy) but with his contract up for grabs next summer, top clubs in Premier League will be awaiting for his indications of interest with bated breath.
So, Chelsea will have competition to lure Guardiola to Stamford Bridge. Definitely an attractive option, but no closer to being a sure thing, and even Abramovich's money may not be enough to tempt the great man to London.
Diego Simeone – The Best Man-Manager Around?
Simeone has challenged the might of Barcelona and Real Madrid at Atletico Madrid and has turned his men into legitimate title contenders. When he played the game, Simeone wore his heart on his sleeve with total commitment and he does exactly the same as a manager.
His antics and his ability to connect with supporters will surely make him a fan favorite but, once again, he will be difficult to sign mid-season although a move in the summer is not out of question, especially if Atletico fail to finish in, at least, the top three.
In case Roman Abramovich wants to replace Mourinho mid-season, he could look at old timers Carlo Ancelotti or Guus Hiddink. Both these veterans are readily available and would make an ideal interim option to stabilize the sinking Chelsea ship.
One thing is for sure – Mourinho is under lot of pressure. Will the weekend match against Liverpool prove to be his last? Don’t be surprised if it is!
