The current state of Roman Abramovich finally revealed
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich used to be known for being sack happy, as he chopped a number of managers for a few bad results.
Jose Mourinho’s first spell at the club of 3 years and a few months still represent the longest time a manager has stayed in the Abramovich era. Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was appointed last year, but the pressure is on, for him to perform this season.
However, former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair believes that Roman Abramovich is now a different owner than he was before, and that he’d give Lampard more time than his predecessors.
The former Blues defender told Ladbrokes: “I wouldn’t necessarily say there’s massive pressure on Frank Lampard this season, but there’s an expectation there, that’s for sure.
“Even when Frank came in last season, there was an expectation to finish in the Champions League spots, even though he had obvious restraints and had to work with what he inherited as a squad. “And fair play to him for finishing in the top four – not only that but he was always there or thereabouts last season as well.
“You could tell there was a standard of consistency throughout the season and obviously when you get the opportunity to sign some of the best players in the world then that expectation is going to be there once again.
“The next level from finishing in the Champions League is obviously winning the Premier League so I do think there’s going to be an expectation there that Chelsea push on and make a challenge of it along with Liverpool and Manchester City.
“There’s a lot of pressure that comes with spending an owner’s money – they expect to see value for that money, so Frank has to deliver. “The days of Roman Abramovich being ruthless with managers are gone. It seems he’ll have a lot more patience with Frank, being a lot younger and inexperienced.
“He’s pretty much learning on the job and getting better and better with each game, so I’d be surprised if Roman was to get rid of him just for not winning the league or finishing in the top four.
“Outside of the football club of course there’s going to be pressure and speculation, but I’d be very surprised if Frank isn’t given an opportunity at Chelsea to better the squad, better performances and, most importantly, better himself as a manager.”