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Roman Abramovich: The sacking machine

Sports Mole looks back over the eight managers that have been sacked during Roman Abramovich's time as owner of Chelsea.

Eight managers have been and gone since Roman Abramovich took control of Chelsea back in 2003.

The latest to go was former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo, who was relieved of his duties despite guiding the club to the Champions League and FA Cup last season.

With the ninth man potentially installed later today, Sports Mole has profiled the eight that have preceded him.


Claudio Ranieri as Chelsea manager© PA Photos
Manager: Claudio Ranieri
Trophies won: None
Lasted: September 2000 - May 2004

Despite winning very little during his time at Stamford Bridge, the Italian was a popular figure. However, Roman Abramovich took over during Ranieri's stint in charge and the Russian made it clear from the start that he wanted trophies - something that in all honesty Ranieri was never going to deliver on a regular basis. As a result, he had to go.


Jose Mourinho as Chelsea manager© PA Photos
Manager: Jose Mourinho
Trophies won: Two Premier Leagues, One FA Cup, Two League Cups, One Community Shield
Lasted: June 2004 - September 2007

When Mourinho walked into the Bridge he famously declared that he was the "Special One". As cocky as that may have seemed, he proved good to his word domestically by winning two league titles on the trot. However, reports in the summer of 2007 claimed that his relationship with the owner had become strained. From that point on there was only ever going to be one outcome and in September of that year he was sent packing, much to many people's dismay.


Avram Grant as Chelsea manager© PA Photos
Manager: Avram Grant
Trophies won: None
Lasted: September 2007 - May 2008

Mourinho's replacement was the little-known Grant. In fairness to the Israeli, he did a good job - guiding the Blues to finals of the Champions League and League Cup, as well as challenging Manchester United for the league title. He didn't win anything though, forcing Abramovich to pull the trigger.


Luiz Felipe Scolari as Chelsea manager© PA Photos
Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Trophies won: None
Lasted: July 2008 - February 2009

Scoalri came to England with the reputation as a fantastic international coach from spells with Brazil and Portugal. In hindsight, perhaps he should not have returned to club football. The language barrier appeared to be a problem between manager and player and after a promising start, he was relieved of his duties in February 2009.


Guus Hiddink as Chelsea manager© PA Photos
Manager: Guus Hiddink
Trophies won: One FA Cup
Lasted: February 2009 - May 2009

The one that got away as far as Chelsea are concerned. Hiddink made it clear when he took over that it was only until the end of the season because of his commitments to the Russian national team. It may have only been a short stint, but the Dutchman became a real favourite with the players and supporters.


Carlo Ancelotti as Chelsea manager© PA Photos
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti
Trophies won: One Premier League, One FA Cup, One Community Shield
Lasted: June 2009 - May 2011

Charged with carrying on the work started by Hiddink, Italian Ancelotti made himself an instant hero at the Bridge by winning a Premier League and FA Cup double for the first time in the club's history. The following season saw Chelsea lose their title to Manchester United and they also lost out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League to the Red Devils. Despite all his success the year before, Abramovich ran out of patient with Ancelotti shortly after the final match of the season.


Andre Villas-Boas is unveiled as the Chelsea manager© PA Photos
Manager: Andre Villas-Boas
Trophies won: None
Lasted: June 2011 - March 2012

AVB was supposed to be the man that was going to produce the type of football that Abramovich craved. His methods at times proved questionable though - particularly when he tried to alienate a number of senior players. With the likes of John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard all said to be unhappy with Villas-Boas, there was only going to be one winner.


Roberto Di Matteo waves in April 2012© PA Photos
Manager: Roberto Di Matteo
Trophies won: One Champions League, One FA Cup
Lasted: March 2012 - November 2012

At last someone was able to deliver the Champions League trophy for Russian billionaire, scratching a nine-year itch. Add to that the FA Cup and Di Matteo you would have thought would have been flavour of the month. The Italian was not the big name that Abramovich wanted though, with reports saying that he was eager to land Guardiola. In the end, Di Matteo paid for not being the former Barcelona coach!


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