Carlo Ancelotti: 5 Reasons Chelsea's Manager Will Exit This Summer
The famous EPL and FA Cup double of 2010 are a distant memory for Chelsea supporters, as the Blues lost 2-1 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday, April 12th, 2011.
Chelsea is now eliminated from Europe's most prestigious club competition, the UEFA Champions League.
Carlo Ancelotti will no doubt be held accountable by the fans and owner Roman Abramovich. After Ancelotti's noticeable exclusion of Didier Drogba from the starting eleven in the massive tie, no doubt a firestorm of criticism will ensue.
Many factors have contributed to Ancelotti and the Blues underachieving this season, but here are the top five reasons why Carlo won't be back on the bench at Stamford Bridge next season.
No Trophies, Just a Champions League Spot in 2012
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This season is just not acceptable for Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Currently in third spot in the Barclay's English Premier League, Chelsea has less than thrilled this season. After a drop in form just before the Christmas break, Manchester United grabbed the league by the scruff of the neck and gained an insurmountable lead of seven points.
Some of the onus has to be put on injuries and poor showings at home, however, that is no excuse for a London club of this magnitude.
Roma Is Calling
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Carlo will return to his home country and manage Roma next season.
There has already been much speculation and published reports of Roma's interest in Carlo.
The Roma Prince Franceso Totti has already voiced his support for Ancelotti to return and manage the club he had over 170 appearances for in his playing career.
The Stadio Olimpico would welcome Carlo with open arms after a mediocre run thus far this season, which has them in sixth place in the Serie A table and looking two spots up at local rivals Lazio.
Poor Striking Combination/Tactics
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Carlo's Christmas tree formation wasn't effective in the latter stages of the season. The controversy of too many strikers and not enough footballs and minutes on the pitch was also prevalent.
A striking core of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda would make most managers salivate at the prospect of such a potent formation, however, Carlo couldn't figure out how to effectively use this talented group.
There was also much speculation about starting "El Nino" because of how expensive he was in the January transfer window and that Roman wanted a return on his big-name investment.
Fifty million Euros is a lot of money for a player that has scored as many goals for Chelsea as I have this season.
Carlo had multiple attempts to make this work.
Didier alone, Torres withdrawn and vice versa. Then Anelka out wide and often retreating to the midfield to hold up possession. None of it truly ever worked. Kalou was also lost in this strategy and suffered on the bench, going unnoticed.
Carlo suffered some misfortune with Didier battling malaria and Torres struggling to hit his stride with poor form. Nonetheless, his lack of creativity and unsuccessful formations up front cost Chelsea silverware in 2011 and will ultimately cost him his job.
Outmatched in the EPL in 2011
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Since Carlo Ancelotti's tenure began at Stamford Bridge in 2009, he hasn't displayed his best against the class of the league, and its managers. These statistics speak for themselves, especially this season:
2011 Season (All Competitions):
vs. Arsenal: 1-1-0 (Agg 3-3)
vs. Manchester United: 1-3-0 (Agg 3-6)
vs. Liverpool: 0-2-0 (Agg 0-3)
It's easy to see why Chelsea are poised for a third-place finish this season and Carlo is on his way back to his native Italy. That's where a more defensive/counter-attacking style of football suites his tactics and formations.
Roman Abramovich
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The Russian billionaire's dream is to be the owner of the first London club to ever win the UEFA Champions League title. No doubt the Russian was crushed after losing to the Red Devils in the final in Moscow, as John Terry missed a PK that would have sealed it for the Blues.
Now he will have to wait another season after Manchester United, yet again, eliminated the Blues. Man U were led by inspirational performances from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney over the two legs.
Roman has no desire or tolerance for trophyless seasons.
He also has a "what have you done for me lately" mentality. Abramovich has already forgotten the 2010 double and, as his track record indicates, he won't hesitate to axe established, reputable managers. It is only a matter of time before he sacks Carlo Ancelotti after a less-than-desirable 2011 campaign.
Who will Roman appoint as Carlo's successor? Who is ready and willing to manage his club at the pressure cooker that is Stamford Bridge?
Next season offers change and turmoil in West London. There are many more questions than answers for Chelsea Football Club in 2011-12.
