Luiz Felipe Scolari, the world cup-winning Brazilian football coach, had been sacked by Chelsea 2 days ago after a dismal team performance at the Premier League. Despite the estimated £6m per annum three-year contract of the Brazilian, who just spent seven months in the Stamford Bridge, he was shown the exit door. Therefore, he could collect £15M compensation. How’s that for being fired!


From a league-leader to a fourth-placer midway in the season, the situation did not sit well with the billionaire Russian owner and the fans. As I see it, everything is still within striking distance. But the owner doesn’t have that patience.

I am a Chelsea fan starting that time when Jose Mourinho began managing the team. He was brought in to replace Claudio Raniere despite the team’s second place finish in the Premier League, and a semifinals appearance at the Champion’s league. And when Mourinho was not able to bring in the most coveted club cup in Europe, he too was sacked. The failure overshadowed his feat of handing the Club its first trophy in 50 years, and many other silverwares. He left £20M richer. Thanks to his contract.

Then came Avram Grant. His spiel was short and was not even liked by fans. If not for the Champion’s League final, his stint would have been forgotten.

Chelsea’s need for a true winning manager led them to Big Phil Scolari. His credential is overwhelming. He won Brazil’s fifth World Cup title in 2002. His last job was coaching Portugal’s national team and steering them to Euro 2004 finals and 2006 World Cup semis. Scolari was the favourite to replace the beleaguered Grant.

Sometimes, in the big leagues, games are won by managers, and not by players. For the Chelsea owner, anything short of the title is a failure of the manager. He has to go. And richer he struts his way out.

Popularity: 7% [?]