WHO´S TRYING TO KILL MOURINHO? Suspect nº 1

By dixon9
March 14 2007

Youngsters nowadays have Xboxes, Playstations, Ipods and a whole host of high-tec games to amuse them. In my day of course, when all we had was a shoebox and a bit of string, games were a lot more basic in their technology – there was one called Cluedo (which I struggled at!).

The object of the game was to guess at who was responsible for the mysterious murder of Doctor Black; Colonel Mustard, with the rope, in the study? Professor Plum, with the lead pipe, in the library?....or even Miss Scarlet, in the conservatory, with the revolver?

Anyone who’s tried to keep up with the frenetic, almost hysterical press coverage over the last few weeks, speculating on the future of José Mourinho, arguably the most compelling, charismatic and best manager around in today’s game, could be forgiven for being somewhat confused with regard to what actually is going on behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge. There are so many contradictory reports – it really is tantamount to dozily playing a game of Cluedo after consuming various portions of Nanny Glady´s sherry-laden trifle!

There has been an undisputable, media persecution of Chelsea reaching unprecedented levels, ever since Mourinho took the helm. For the first time cracks seem to be appearing in the fans former solid belief that latest events are just the media doing their best to destabilise us again. Although some remain resolute: “I know if I was at Chelsea now, I'd want to show all these wa***rs what we are all about and win the f***ing lot. “

So who is trying to kill Doctor Black?...ermm, I mean José Mourinho:

SUSPECT Nº 1 - ROMAN ABRAMOVICH:  Said to act by intuition, logical, calculating, dispassionate and found to be “remarkably well informed” by Mourinho after their first meeting. Mourinho is pretty much the opposite of Abramovich in terms of personality BUT they share a fundamental characteristic - the desire to succeed. Has spent approx 267M on player transfers since his arrival. He has grown to love Chelsea and has stated that when he’s older, his son will take over the reins of the club. In his recent interview: “I'm getting excited before every single game. The trophy at the end is less important than the process itself.” On transfers: “I'm not involved in team selection. I cannot say I'm completely not involved in buying players, but my role would be significantly lower than that of the manager's. You cannot compare them.” On Mourinho: “We do not have friendly relations but they are warm enough. Generally speaking, I treat him with great respect and not only because of his football achievements.”

Many tabloids and broadsheets have portrayed Abramovich taking an “enough is enough” attitude on transfer spending after conveniently citing just one portion of his comments from a recent, rare interview. What he did actually say was that there was a 10 year plan in place, and that transfer spending would be gradually reduced with an increase in the use of home-grown players, nurtured by the youth academy which has received substantial investment. Certainly, just 3 years into the plan, to call an abrupt halt on spending and for this therefore to be a problem between himself and Mourinho seems unrealistic.

Piet de Visser, a Dutch scout is apparently a principle consultant for Abramovich according to the press. Said to have recommended Arnesen whose appointment Mourinho allegedly opposed. Among Abramovich’s other advisors are Eugene Tenenbaum (Director) and Eugene Shvidler (oldest friend). Bruce Buck (Chairman and lawyer) is a long-term associate and oversees much of the club's strategy.

Some press say that Abramovich is annoyed at current press speculation and will not return for the Anfield match this weekend, but club officials insist he is in Russia this week on business and may not make it back in time for purely for that reason. . Abramovich, on the yacht, bodyguard with the revolver? Can’t see him sacking Mourinho who is almost a guarantee of success. Wouldn’t pull the trigger unless pressure from advisors was unanimous.