CHELSEA HAVE THIS afternoon released a statement confirming the departure of manager, Andre Villas Boas, with immediate effect.
The decision to relieve the young coach of his duty comes less than 24 hours after the Blues fell to a 1-0 defeat to West Brom.
A statement on the club’s website read:
“Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season.”
Assistant manager, Roberto Di Matteo has been installed as caretaker manager until the end of the season, despite recent rumours that Rafael Benitez would be the man to take over.
Villas Boas, 34, greatly impressed in his first managerial job, winning the Europa League with FC Porto. However, since arriving at Chelsea he has failed to get the squad united behind him or achieve any consistent form.
As a result, the Portuguese coach has been under merciless scrutiny over recent months, but until recently remained confident he had the backing of Roman Abramovich to continue his work.
Consistent with the Russian owner’s form, no public statement was forthcoming and after yesterday’s defeat the man known affectionately as AVB honestly admitted to BBC Sport: “Every defeat piles more pressure on any Chelsea manager.”
“We don’t win enough and that does not make us proud.”
Chelsea’s statement continued:
“The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointmentthat the relationship has ended so early.”
“The club is still competing in the latter stages of the Uefa Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League, and we aim to remain as competitive as possible on all fronts.
“With that in mind we felt our only option was to make a change at this time.”
Chelsea face an FA Cup fifth round replay on Tuesday night against Birmingham. They currently lie in fifth place in the Premier League, a position which Villas Boas admitted was not good enough for Chelsea.
If Calvin Nash was in leinster he would be atomic start for ireland.
@Tony McGrath: Who would he displace on the Irish squad. It should be mandatory, when whinging and whining about provincial selections, that you at least identify who they should replace in the squad. Otherwise, just get out the Kleenex and cry some more.
@Mick Joe: he’s in the squad. It’s not a huge call to say he should start over hansen, who’s been poor, or lowe who hasn’t played at all
@Mick Joe: easy, Mack Hansen. He’s had one good game all season and was very poor for the Autumn Internationals but in true Ireland style, the incumbent player is given every chance to play themselves back into form. It’s happened with Conor Murray, James Ryan etc in the past, and it’ll continue to happen
@Tony McGrath: I think most Leinster fans rated him ahead of Mack before November – AF decided to stick with MH and not go for the form right wing which is Nash
@Tony McGrath:
Atomic Calvin.
@Mick Joe: no t alone did he say should be in squad he is even saying should start
@Tony McGrath: daft comment
@Tony McGrath: Connacht fan here and have to agree Nash is on form playing better than Mack. He also did very well there last year, would be unfair if he wasn’t given the nod.
Super finish from Nash for the first. Mitchell won’t want to see that review on Monday
Crowley really good. Proper rugby match. Munster made too many mistakes that were punished. Fine lines.
@JJB: architects of their own downfall, too many soft penalties leading to possession and scores conceded.. Unfortunately this seems to be a trait in Munsters game recently.
Why are Munster wearing pink jerseys?
@Karl Murray: EDI wokeism
@Karl Murray: The pink suits them. Shocking effort 2nd half.
@Ray Ridge: That matured well !
@Ray Ridge: ohhh FFS Jim is back wearing his blue underpants
@Ray Ridge: would love to see you on that pitch…..I say the shorts would have to be changed after two minutes.
Come on munster
Cracking game. A 0-0 draw in the Saracens vs Castres game would be great
@Niall Boyle: fantastic game
@Seanie: sinbin cost them the game,they will look back with regret and anger…. And hopefully they can channel that into success
Shame Munster couldn’t manage a win in the end but they did well. Crowley played very well which is great for Ireland.
At least there’s no women commentating on it.
Pink is the ‘in’ colour these days. Not a smart choice imho. Should play in their coolest red.
Feelgood factor is actually important. I remember when Man Utd played in a grey jerseys and the players hated it and felt it created a negativity
@kingshu must be delighted (not) that the livestream has started, maybe he has a point!
@John Morris: Ahhhhh what?
@John Morris: lol yeah, would it have been too much to send a journalist to Belfast for a game last night? The 42 did used to have livestreams for all 4 provinces in European games. Guess they have made cut backs on Connacht and Ulster coverage.
@Kingshu: neither of ulster or Connacht games were on the radio last night or last week ….. Leinster and Munster games broadcast last week and again this week on the radio…. why is this ?
Nash on
Great start for Munster. 5-10 as I type. Brilliant try from Nash. Up the Cookies
Balls. home advantage is huge as we just saw
Well done Munster
Dec 2024 Premiership Rugby
Saracens 37: 24 N’hampton
Could be indicative of relative strengths?
Coombes yellow , ouch.