In a decision that pretty much everyone was expecting, Chelsea announced their decision to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti after only two seasons; during which he led the Blues to their first ever League and FA Cup double (this in just his first season).
For team owner Roman Abramovich, it was a "Champions-League-Title-or-bust" kind of approach this season, meaning that nothing else would suffice. Ancelotti's failure to bring home a trophy that he had lifted 4 times during his career (twice as a player, twice as a manager) is widely believed to be the reason for his firing. Abramovich has now gone through 5 managers in 7 seasons; and the next manager to take the job knows the consequences of failing to deliver European glory. Any takers?
In 7 seasons, Chelsea has won a lot of games and lifted 8 trophies (more than Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham combined); enjoying the kind of success that can only be rivaled by Manchester United. While 2nd-place finishes and Champions League appearances might not be the ultimate prize, the financial windfall isn't a bad consolation prize.
Chelsea had a flying start to the season, only to suffer a serious dip in form mid-season. They were subsequently knocked out of the FA Cup and Champions League competitions, and were in danger of finishing below the "Top 4". However, they recovered and mounted a late challenge for the league title, only to be shot down in "do-or-die" fixture against Manchester United in early May.
Carlo Ancelotti was accomplished both as a player and manger and featured for the Italian national team. He won at just about every club he played or coached for. While I think that he should have at least been given another season, it would have been pointless knowing that the focus would be spent chasing after something that has now become an obsession.
There's been a lot of speculation that Ancelotti could end up coaching A.S. Roma, a club that he starred for in the early to mid 80's (helping lead them to a Serie A title). He's also expressed some interest in the West Ham vacancy; taking over from the recently fired Avram Grant (another Abramovich casualty). Either destination should suit him just fine.
He has a history with Roma, and I doubt there would be any immediate pressure on him to bring titles immediately. At West Ham, I don't see the board asking him to do anything other than lead them back to the Premiership. Plus he'll get to keep his London residence, seeing that he's become rather fond of living there.
Either way, I have every reason to believe that Ancelotti still has what it takes to be a successful manager. For what it's worth, maybe now he'll have time to focus on just that.
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