Interesting Article on AVBs 'Failure' at Chelsea

[StartingPrice]

Ever since we first signed AVB, there has been a lot of debate on here about - primarily centred on whether he was the right man for us or not. It seems (from what I can make out) that those who didn't want him as manager have pursued the line that he was a complete and abject failure at Chelsea because of his incompetence and the inadequacy of his methods, whereas the majority of those who were happy with his appointment felt that he may have made mistakes at Chelsea but he was treated massively unfairly (including by the media) and, basically, betrayed. I have always been firmly in the latter camp.

So, I found this article about the extent to which di Matteo has benefitted from AVBs legacy interesting, and, particularly, the extent to which he was lacking players for his system at Chelsea who they now have, and he walked into WHL with players better suiteed than he inherited/got in his first transfer window, at Chelsea.

Anyhoo, here's the linkypoo:

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/foo...villasboass-template-for-success-8195351.html

And the full article:

"Stylish Roberto Di Matteo is making the most of Andre Villas-Boas's template for success.



03 October 2012

If there is one man who must not know whether to laugh or cry over Chelsea’s impressive start to the season, it is Andre Villas-Boas. Naturally, former Blues boss Villas-Boas already has many reasons to feel bitter towards his former employers after he was fired in March after just eight months in the job.

He could barely disguise his resentment when he became Tottenham manager in the summer and he surely cannot wait to prove a point when Chelsea visit White Hart Lane in 17 days’ time.

Of course, the Blues have hardly been struggling in the 34-year-old’s absence — after all, his replacement, Roberto di Matteo, did win the Champions League and FA Cup in May.

Di Matteo is also earning all the plaudits for Chelsea’s style of play this season which has taken them to the top of the Premier League and now, after a 4-0 win over FC Nordsjaelland last night, into first place in their Champions League qualifying group as well.

The thing is, the Italian is using the exact same blueprint for success as Villas-Boas envisaged when he arrived at Stamford Bridge full of ideas and great enthusiasm from Porto last year.

He wanted a team full of young attacking players to entertain, while playing a pressing game high up the pitch in a similar way to the Spanish national team or Barcelona.

Unfortunately, Villas-Boas didn’t have the personnel to make it work because he was unable to get in all the players he wanted in his first transfer window and the experiment was abandoned six months ago after results went awry.
Di Matteo’s reward for winning the Champions League was receiving the financial backing to buy the talent to complete Villas-Boas’s grand masterplan, with Eden Hazard, Marko Marin, Oscar and Victor Moses all arriving this summer.

Anyone who witnessed Chelsea’s victory at Arsenal on Saturday could testify just how well it was working but there was another clear reminder against the Danish champions. Chelsea opened the scoring in the first half with a goal straight out of their former boss’s playbook. Fernando Torres robbed Enoch Adu of possession before laying it off to Frank Lampard, who passed it to Juan Mata to score. It was fast, ruthless and effective.

It should be pointed out that all three players were at the club when the method was first tried out last year but now they are carrying out their instructions with far more conviction and were clearly helped by the pressure that youngsters Oscar and Moses also provided in the Parken Stadium.

Significantly, the players are aware themselves of just how well they are now using the tactic. Goalkeeper Petr Cech explained to Standard Sport: “Last year we weren’t very successful when we tried the pressing game but this season it has all seemed to click for us.

“We have different players in the team now who might be helping but certainly having more time to work on it has helped make a difference. If you do something for a year then you become better at it. In the first half against Nordsjaelland we had moments where we pressed very well, like for the first goal, but we also had times where we did it very badly. That’s why they managed to control most of the game in the first half and escaped from the back. But we got better in the second half and made it really difficult for them.”

As Cech implies, the players see plenty of room for improvement, a sentiment Lampard clearly agrees with. The midfielder said: “For the first goal we won it high up the pitch with good pressing. When you can nick the ball like we did then you have to try and be clinical. On that occasion we were but there were other occasions where we could have done more.”

Chelsea certainly did not control the game as well as they would have liked after going ahead and they had Cech to thank for keeping them ahead. The Czech Republic international did brilliantly to tip Joshua John’s curling effort on to the post in the second half to prevent the hosts from equalising.

A sublime David Luiz free-kick, as well as further strikes from Mata and Ramires, all in the last 11 minutes, ensured the scoreline flattered the visitors.

But even though Chelsea were playing unglamorous opposition, the chance of winning just their second away match in eight Champions League games still proved a cause for celebration. Lampard said: “It was very important for us to win this, considering that we drew our first game in the group against Juventus, who are a very strong team. “What happened to us in the competition last year shows how tough it is to win away from home. We didn’t win away in the group stages last season, although we still went on to win the competition. “We played Genk last year and drew 1-1, a team not so fancied in the big picture like Nordsjaelland but they can be tough games. “I don’t think Nordsjaelland will give Juventus and Shakthar easy games either.”

 

[GoldstarYid]

I don't think anybody can take those Chelsea fans who slate AVB and hail Di Matteo as a hero seriously. He 'won' the champions league while Messi and Robben of all players BOTH missed penalties against his side to put them out.

Even this year, it took yet another jammy goal to beat Reading and no matter what people say, you look at their performances and they aren't that good at all, very heavily being carried by the likes of Hazard while their defence is still getting increasingly average and Torres, although improved a bit is still half the player he was at Liverpool and Madrid.

 

[Spurs_Bear]

I don't think anybody can take those Chelsea fans who slate AVB and hail Di Matteo as a hero seriously. He 'won' the champions league while Messi and Robben of all players BOTH missed penalties against his side to put them out.

Even this year, it took yet another jammy goal to beat Reading and no matter what people say, you look at their performances and they aren't that good at all, very heavily being carried by the likes of Hazard while their defence is still getting increasingly average and Torres, although improved a bit is still half the player he was at Liverpool and Madrid.

I agree with the majority of that, and even on last nights evidence 4-0 was extremely flattering.

 

[StartingPrice]

I don't think anybody can take those Chelsea fans who slate AVB and hail Di Matteo as a hero seriously. He 'won' the champions league while Messi and Robben of all players BOTH missed penalties against his side to put them out.

Even this year, it took yet another jammy goal to beat Reading and no matter what people say, you look at their performances and they aren't that good at all, very heavily being carried by the likes of Hazard while their defence is still getting increasingly average and Torres, although improved a bit is still half the player he was at Liverpool and Madrid.

I'm off the opinion that sacking AVB put them back to square one with all of the same problems he was hired to rectify.
But, as the article says, they bought a sleq of the type of midfield players his system needs - even if their defence is still a bit dodgy.

I also feel that the players who returned to the fold after he was sacked last year, precisely the veterans he was hired to phase out, could have come in for the short term and managed/motivated themselves/the younger players for a couple of massive once-in-a-lifetime games like Barca and Bayern. But the whole point is that was short-term, and bluddy lucky, whereas the proclems he was hired to resolve were long-term - and let's not forget, Drogba still left this Summer.

They may not have got that improbable CL victory, but I believe that if he was kept on and supported in the TM as di Matteo has been, they would be a better team, now (though I am sure plenty of the Chavs would trade that off).

Like you, I am still not convinced that they are all that. Their defence still looks fragile, to me, and, aside from the Goons, their toughest test came against Newcastle, who had just played away in the CL, at SB.

 

[talkshowhost86]

My main concern with Villas Boas when we appointed him was his mentality more than any tactical deficiencies. After all, even the staunchest of Harry's supporters (and I was pretty staunch) would be hard pushed to argue he was a tactical genius.

But what was most alarming about AVB at Chelsea was how quickly he lost the dressing room and how quickly he lost his temper, and therefore his reputation, with the press. Now of course even an alive Mother Theresa would struggle to show the patience required to deal with dickwads of the likes of Terry, Cole and Drogba but the way it all fell apart there was a massive blow to AVB as an authority figure.

Only time will tell what will happen at Spurs for AVB but he's already ridden out the initial bumpy patch in a more sensible fashion than he dealt with issues whilst at Chelsea, and I think he's dealt with the Lloris issue very well in the face of hysterical reaction from both the media and our own supporters.

He'll have further tests to come if we hit another bad patch, or when Defoe/Adebayor inevitably kick off about not starting regularly, but he's put together a good squad, seemingly stamped his authority on the team and is dealing with the press in a very impressive and measured manner.

Let's hope it continues positively.

 

[blobster]

I'm off the opinion that sacking AVB put them back to square one with all of the same problems he was hired to rectify.
But, as the article says, they bought a sleq of the type of midfield players his system needs - even if their defence is still a bit dodgy.

I also feel that the players who returned to the fold after he was sacked last year, precisely the veterans he was hired to phase out, could have come in for the short term and managed/motivated themselves/the younger players for a couple of massive once-in-a-lifetime games like Barca and Bayern. But the whole point is that was short-term, and bluddy lucky, whereas the proclems he was hired to resolve were long-term - and let's not forget, Drogba still left this Summer.

They may not have got that improbable CL victory, but I believe that if he was kept on and supported in the TM as di Matteo has been, they would be a better team, now (though I am sure plenty of the Chavs would trade that off).

Like you, I am still not convinced that they are all that. Their defence still looks fragile, to me, and, aside from the Goons, their toughest test came against Newcastle, who had just played away in the CL, at SB.

Theoretically it looked like putting them back to square one and should have but unfortunately, what actually happened is they reverted back to their old guard, scraped through to win the CL, fulfilled Abramovich's dream and kept him interested enough to pump more cash in, alongside being European Champions to amass what is quite an enviable squad now. They basically fell right on their feet. I don't think Di Matteo is anything to write home about but should he end up being sacked, a bit more strengthening, especially in defence and a good manager will have almost a dream team to work with.

 

[StartingPrice]

My main concern with Villas Boas when we appointed him was his mentality more than any tactical deficiencies. After all, even the staunchest of Harry's supporters (and I was pretty staunch) would be hard pushed to argue he was a tactical genius.

But what was most alarming about AVB at Chelsea was how quickly he lost the dressing room and how quickly he lost his temper, and therefore his reputation, with the press. Now of course even an alive Mother Theresa would struggle to show the patience required to deal with dickwads of the likes of Terry, Cole and Drogba but the way it all fell apart there was a massive blow to AVB as an authority figure.

Only time will tell what will happen at Spurs for AVB but he's already ridden out the initial bumpy patch in a more sensible fashion than he dealt with issues whilst at Chelsea, and I think he's dealt with the Lloris issue very well in the face of hysterical reaction from both the media and our own supporters.

He'll have further tests to come if we hit another bad patch, or when Defoe/Adebayor inevitably kick off about not starting regularly, but he's put together a good squad, seemingly stamped his authority on the team and is dealing with the press in a very impressive and measured manner.

Let's hope it continues positively.

TBH, I really don't think he was ever had the dressing or was accepted as an authority figure in the first place by important sections of that* dressing room in the first place. I also suspect that part of his reaction was induced by this knowledge. I always thought it was a recipe for disaster - these were players who had won major honours on a consistent level, who were the same age as him (more or less), and had known him as a relatively minor figure under the Mourinho regime, and, clearly, felt under threat (even where they didn't specifically know that they were).

*And, let's face it, that ntoriously poisonous dressing room has been problematic for every manager since Mourinho was dismissed.

The important thing, sometimes (as I'm sure you know well ), is not the making of mistakes but the learning from them. I believe in he has shown every sign of having learned from his Chelsea experience - he's an intelligent man, I would expect him to.

 

[StartingPrice]

Theoretically it looked like putting them back to square one and should have but unfortunately, what actually happened is they reverted back to their old guard, scraped through to win the CL, fulfilled Abramovich's dream and kept him interested enough to pump more cash in, alongside being European Champions to amass what is quite an enviable squad now. They basically fell right on their feet. I don't think Di Matteo is anything to write home about but should he end up being sacked, a bit more strengthening, especially in defence and a good manager will have almost a dream team to work with.

I think you have misnderstood me - I meant that they were back to square one in terms of having to phase their older players out, reinvigorate the squad and make it more attacking, not that the squad was no better than when he took over. I agree, though, that they have fallen on their feet - but I think that is what the article is saying. They did fall back on the old gaurd and it did (somehow) scrape them a CL victory, but they have, at the same time, benefitted from the blueprint that AB set in motion and started buying players for, and, this Summer, bought more players suited to that blueprint.

I also don;t think that di Matteo is all that - and, clearly, whoever succeeds him (if he is sacked) will be inheriting a very good squad. I really don't think it has tuned Roman back in, on the contrary, I think that the arrival of Mansour fired him up to continue showing that he still has a big stick -

 

[parklane1]

All i really care about is what he does here, and from what i have seen he is going to do a very good job.

 

[StartingPrice]

All i really care about is what he does here, and from what i have seen he is going to do a very good job.

I agree...it is the most important thing.

 

[parklane1]

I agree...it is the most important thing.

Indeed.

 

[talkshowhost86]

TBH, I really don't think he was ever had the dressing or was accepted as an authority figure in the first place by important sections of that* dressing room in the first place. I also suspect that part of his reaction was induced by this knowledge. I always thought it was a recipe for disaster - these were players who had won major honours on a consistent level, who were the same age as him (more or less), and had known him as a relatively minor figure under the Mourinho regime, and, clearly, felt under threat (even where they didn't specifically know that they were).

*And, let's face it, that ntoriously poisonous dressing room has been problematic for every manager since Mourinho was dismissed.

The important thing, sometimes (as I'm sure you know well ), is not the making of mistakes but the learning from them. I believe in he has shown every sign of having learned from his Chelsea experience - he's an intelligent man, I would expect him to.

Yep I think you're probably right. Even if he did have some support right at the start he lost that by daring to change the team and shake up the old guard a bit, but I don't think he can be blamed for that.

Either way, something was very wrong at Chelsea and I think it was reasonable to be concerned about all of that from a Spurs fan perspective. But those concerns are starting to dissipate now and I think we could be in for some interesting times ahead.

 

[Gbspurs]

Happy with him so far, when judged as a new manager, rather than judging him against Harry, he has settled in very well. 3 points against Villa this weekend will see us in a great bit of form.

 

[only1waddle]

I think you have misnderstood me - I meant that they were back to square one in terms of having to phase their older players out, reinvigorate the squad and make it more attacking, not that the squad was no better than when he took over. I agree, though, that they have fallen on their feet - but I think that is what the article is saying. They did fall back on the old gaurd and it did (somehow) scrape them a CL victory, but they have, at the same time, benefitted from the blueprint that AB set in motion and started buying players for, and, this Summer, bought more players suited to that blueprint.

I also don;t think that di Matteo is all that - and, clearly, whoever succeeds him (if he is sacked) will be inheriting a very good squad. I really don't think it has tuned Roman back in, on the contrary, I think that the arrival of Mansour fired him up to continue showing that he still has a big stick -

Di matteo's face at the final whistle said it all last night, not a happy bunny and a slightly worried look to boot. The Chavs were pretty boring going forward apart from the last 10 minutes and i really don't think RDM has the same attacking mindset as say a Pep, Cruyff or our very own AVB, he is being asked to change his football philosophy to suit what Roman wants, because Roman couldn't lure someone more suitable (Pep)..
It looks very much to me as if they are lurching forward on individual attacking talent and this will paper over the cracks of Di Matteo's tactics for most of the season, at 1 nil last night RDM just knew the evil russian would be down the training ground giving him more grief, keep looking over your shoulder RDM.. its gonna happen to you too......

 

[StartingPrice]

Di matteo's face at the final whistle said it all last night, not a happy bunny and a slightly worried look to boot. The Chavs were pretty boring going forward apart from the last 10 minutes and i really don't think RDM has the same attacking mindset as say a Pep, Cruyff or our very own AVB, he is being asked to change his football philosophy to suit what Roman wants, because Roman couldn't lure someone more suitable (Pep)..
It looks very much to me as if they are lurching forward on individual attacking talent and this will paper over the cracks of Di Matteo's tactics for most of the season, at 1 nil last night RDM just knew the evil russian would be down the training ground giving him more grief, keep looking over your shoulder RDM.. its gonna happen to you too......

I think it is even more basic than that - Roman only hired him until the Summer, and then the blighter went and won the CL and he couldn't sack him

 

[Super Tottenham]

I'm hoping it is us that highlights Chelsea's flaws, although I wouldn't say no to them losing in the league before then.

 

[kitchen]

I'm hoping it is us that highlights Chelsea's flaws, although I wouldn't say no to them losing in the league before then.

Chelsea's flaws have already been highlighted by the absolute battering they took from Athletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup. Falcao tore their defence apart that night. Unfortunately most teams don't have a Falcao!

 

[JimmyG2]

AVB was not the right man for Chelsea, too young, too inexperienced
though he had had great success with an established team
that just needed pointing in the same direction as they were already facing.
At Chelsea he was brought in to reorganise and re-direct
and lacked the authority and ultimately the backing to do it.

Much more suited to Spurs who are a younger quad
with much more amenable older pro's and not too many of them either.
I believe that VDV was sacrificed to enable the manager to stamp his authority on the team
and the key players now are young or new (Sandro, Caulker, Vertonghen, Dembele, Sigurdsson,
Walker, Bale, Lennon) all keen to make their mark under a young, positive and creative manager.
The older players are 'nice guys' and unlikely to challenge his authority, Dawson, Friedel, or are out injured,
Parker, Adabeyor and Benny.

Defoe is so desperate to play that he would play naked if the manager ordered it,
and if the FA would allow it.

Imagine a young manager coming in and meeting up with Terry, Lampard, and Cole.

 

[TheGreenLily]

I suppose we have to thank Chelsea for paying the buy out clause in AVB's contract, they more or less brought us an exciting up and coming manager.

 

[Blackcanary]

AVB was not the right man for Chelsea, too young, too inexperienced
though he had had great success with an established team
that just needed pointing in the same direction as they were already facing.
At Chelsea he was brought in to reorganise and re-direct
and lacked the authority and ultimately the backing to do it.

Much more suited to Spurs who are a younger quad
with much more amenable older pro's and not too many of them either.
I believe that VDV was sacrificed to enable the manager to stamp his authority on the team
and the key players now are young or new (Sandro, Caulker, Vertonghen, Dembele, Sigurdsson,
Walker, Bale, Lennon) all keen to make their mark under a young, positive and creative manager.
The older players are 'nice guys' and unlikely to challenge his authority, Dawson, Friedel, or are out injured,
Parker, Adabeyor and Benny.

Defoe is so desperate to play that he would play naked if the manager ordered it,
and if the FA would allow it.

Imagine a young manager coming in and meeting up with Terry, Lampard, and Cole.

There's one exception to the above: William Gallas. Older player (older than AVB), history of being very difficult and (I think) was at Chelsea during AVB's first stint there as scout. Yet he seems very happy and motivated at the moment.