Head of Bench Not the Only Change Needed at Stamford Bridge

(Photo by New Press/Getty Images)

After a season that included silverware in the form of the FA Cup, a semi-final appearance in the UEFA Champions League and 83 points in the Barclays English Premier League, resting on your laurels may be an acceptable practice.

Not in West London, where the Chelsea faithful expect true greatness from their beloved Blues.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked as Chelsea manager after the team faltered midseason. Guus Hiddink stepped in admirably, righting the Chelsea ship and motivating enigmatic players like Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda.

But Hiddink's prior commitments forced a move away from Stamford Bridge at season's end, leaving the manager seat open once again.

All signs seem to indicate Carlo Ancelotti will fill that vacancy. Ancelotti resigned his post at AC Milan with rumors circulating across Europe that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has already tabbed Ancelotti to lead the Blues.

Ancelotti should mark some much-needed stability on Chelsea's bench, but the change at bench's head isn't the only necessary one for Chelsea.

Depth is a big issue. With a talent-laden Manchester United squad and a surging Liverpool side standing between Chelsea and the top, adding depth is a move Abramovich needs to make.

Chelsea's defensive front is as solid as it gets. Petr Cech mans the net while Ashley Cole, John Terry, Alex and Jose Bosingwa shut down attacks. Juliano Belletti, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Branislav Ivanovic provide solid back-up.

Nicholas Anelka and a motivated Didier Drogba are more than most fronts can handle at the striker spot. Andriy Shevchenko returns from his stint on loan, adding solidarity to the position.

The midfield, however, needs the most attention. Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Florent Malouda provide a formidable attack. Salomon Kalou is youthful and full of promise, but the depth after that is lacking.

Whether 2008-09 was a slump or something more for Joe Cole, only time will tell. Deco hasn't been the contributor he was expected to be, Michael Ballack is aging and Ricardo Quaresma returns to Inter this summer.

The off-and-on rumored acquistion of Brazilian midfielder Kaka may be exactly what Chelsea could use. A rotation of Kaka, Lampard, Essien, Obi Mikel, Malouda, and Kalou would put a top-notch group of midfielders on the pitch nearly every contest.

Adding a midfielder should sit at the top of Abramovich's priority list this summer. Depth in the middle should provide West London's finest with the necessary kick to challenge Manchester United and the rest of Europe's elite in 2009-10.

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