Pin-Pointing Andre Villas Boas' Downfall

As we all know, Andre Villas Boas is no longer the manager at Chelsea Football Club, and the club's interim manager, Roberto Di Matteo, has done a tremendous job turning this season into one with a positive ending.

Andre Villas Boas never really had what it takes to be a top-flight club manager in the BPL, and I am here to discuss exactly what led to his removal and where he—plain and simple—got it wrong.

Summer Transfers

During the summer transfer window, Chelsea perused many high-class acquisitions, but they failed on all occasions, especially with the attempt to purchase Luka Modric.

It wasn't really until transfer deadline day that Chelsea pounced on moves for players looking for an out at their respective clubs.

Chelsea were obviously aiming for youth, as they signed Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu and prospect goal keeper Thibaut Courtois, who's shown his true potential at Atletico Madrid this season.

So he did well in the area of youthfulness, however, he still failed to acquire an attacking midfield playmaker. Yes, Juan Mata has fit into that role quite well, but he was not originally intended for the central position (though I do prefer him there).

Chelsea decided that it's a good idea to send Yossi Benayoun on a season-long loan to Arsenal. He was the closet thing to a playmaker Chelsea had, and they ship him off and further cut down on the squad depth.

Lastly, on the deadline transfer day, Chelsea signed Raul Meireles from Liverpool as AVB's fellow Portuguese "playmaker." 

He has yet to truly prove his worth, and I think he should apply his trade elsewhere, possibly La Liga where he wouldn't have to worry about defending and could play a more attacking style with some added flair.

Formation and Lineup

AVB never seemed to find a set starting 11, as he continued to change the lineup every week. He certainly can't complain about the squad depth with the choices that he had, especially in the center forward position. 

A consistent starting lineup helps keep the team together and allows players to retain their form, which is especially important in the defensive area.

Chelsea's defense was all over the place when AVB was in charge. Let's compare RDM's defense to AVB's.

AVB put too much support into Jose Bosingwa and never gave some of the most experienced defenders a real chance (Alex). 

The only positive thing from the constant lineup changes was that AVB somehow found a good formation for Chelsea near the end of his time here—the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Unfortunately, he didn't stick with the formation, and therefore, he didn't retain his position. On the other hand, RDM has chosen a formation and stuck with it.

Squad Management

As we all know, AVB had a problem dealing with his personnel, and he apparently lashed out at a few players who decided to leave in January, according to Top News. 

Lampard was also unhappy with his few appearances.

RDM seemed to do most of the man management for AVB, which is one reason he has settled in so well as the interim manager in Chelsea.

Media

Andre Villas Boas, unlike Jose Mourinho, was not a master of the media, and he failed to handle the pressure of the English media.

When he was under pressure to win a game, he tended to go about the pre-match news conference all wrong and failed to connect with the supporters through his interviews.

RDM does a great job handling the media and gives very little away, but he always remains positive. Maybe AVB should've been Di Matteo's assistant.

What Else Did AVB Get Wrong?

What are your opinions on AVB's mistakes in Chelsea?

Where do you think he will go next?

Did being at Chelsea help or hurt him?