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Its been ages since I last blogged unfortunately its not good news that brings me back here. Since the last time I was here, Chelsea have changed managers. Carlo, erm, left and was replaced by AndreVillas-Boas who we all call AVB. So apparently 38/39 games to the season, AVB has also parted ways with the club. I dont think anyone can say its surprising, I mean come on, who doesnt know how much patience Roman has? Currently 5th in the table and results not going our way as we would have expected, surely it wont be long before Roman does something like he always does?
The thing is that many fans are blaming AVB's exit on the wrong people and are getting out of hand.
1. Player Power
They said Lampard and co did not like AVB and so played poorly, boycotted him in the dressing room and indirectly forced him out of the club. According to them, 'no player is bigger than the club' and whoever who takes over should sell all these 'disgruntled and disgraceful' players. BULLSHIT if you ask me. I would never believe a player like Lampard would do such a thing. Never ever in my whole life. Frank Lampard is one of Chelsea's greatest and longest-serving players, a legend in most fans' hearts (an exception to some 'fans' who are prob jealous, in which case are not considered as fans), and is currently Chelsea's 3rd highest goalscorer of all time. Recently he made a new record when he scored in our 3-0 win over bolton. The first player to score at least 10 goals in the EPL for 9 consecutive seasons. And thats an amazing achievement. As we all already know, Lampard is a hardworking person. On normal days, he stays back for extra training or to try out a new move until he gets it right. Even on his off days, he goes back to the club to train by himself. And people are telling me that Lampard tried to turn the players against AVB, played poorly on purpose to get him sacked. Are they even serious?
Yea, Lampard admitted that his relationship with AVB was not perfect but that doesnt mean anything. Any decent footballer with a passion for the game would want to play every match. AVB puts him on the bench at times and obviously he doesnt like it. But thats normal. No one likes it. However to say that Lampard compromised the performance of the team just to satisfy his own needs is ridiculous. He always gives his all for the team when he's out there on the pitch and I know it. We all know it. We can see it. Its disgusting that those fans who are blaming Lampard also cheered and supported him when he scored. We dont need these kind of fair-weather fans at Chelsea. You cheer for him when he's on a high and turn your back on him when he needs support the most. Well done!
2. Roman
Some fans hate Roman cuz he keeps sacking managers while some hate him cuz they support AVB. Whatever the reason, they have a thing in common. They want Roman out of the club. Er last time I checked, Roman is the owner of Chelsea? He bought the club, which cost millions, with his own money? Without him, we would not have won our 3 premier league trophies as well as the FA cups and league cups? Since Chelsea belongs to him, we would think that he gets to make THE decisions regarding the club, no? If there's one person in the world who wants the best for Chelsea, its Roman. Who would pay such an insanely high amount to own a football club and just leave it to die? Its HIS money, its HIS club, how can anyone doubt his love for Chelsea? I really dont know. In fact, we fans dont have the right to interfere. Roman can do anything to the club and not answer to anyone. Its like telling me I have to ask my friend for permission before using MY toothbrush.
3. So-called 'fans'
I understand many people think AVB is a young and promising manager. I do too. Given the time and money, he can win lots of trophies with Chelsea. Just like other managers. However to support AVB at the expense of the club is going over the top. Some 'fans' say they cannot wait for AVB to win the champions league with another club or AVB to return with another club and beat Chelsea at stamford bridge. Those 'fans' would be extremely happy to see such things happen. Ironically its the same 'fans' who keep saying no one is bigger than the club. If thats the case, shouldnt you put the club above yourself? To wish for your club to lose so as to prove your point, isnt that going against what you're saying?
I get very angry when I see those 'fans' criticise the manager/players/fans. When AVB plays Meireles and not Essien, they criticise him for picking the wrong team. When AVB plays Essien instead of Meireles and we win, they criticise him for not doing this all along. And when we lose, they criticise him for giving in to player power and picking Essien despite his poor performance. Whatever AVB does, they criticise. Thats not the most annoying part. When we lose or draw, those 'fans' criticise the players for not performing well and giving their utmost effort. Yea I agree, the players' running, passing, shooting and tackling cannot compare to your screaming behind the tv. Their blood and sweat is nothing compared to your superior task of not moving and just watching. If you have so much to say, why dont you go play and demonstrate to us how a model player should act like?
All in all, I'm not saying Roman's decision to axe AVB is right or wrong. Until now I dont know how I feel about it. Yes I like AVB and I think he's a great manager but at the same time I can see that Chelsea are not getting the results on the pitch and as a fan its very saddening. What I'm saying is that to pin the blame on Lampard by portraying him as a trouble-maker who sees himself as bigger than the club is not gona work on me. Neither is blaming Roman the right thing to do. If those 'fans' really see themselves as fans, they should get behind the club at this point of time. Support Roberto Di Matteo and not mock his ex-managerial role at west brom. Support the players and not criticise and shouting for them to leave. Support Roman and respect his love for Chelsea. Thats how a Chelsea fan should behave.