Out of the many reasons cited for Graham Potter’s quick downfall, a consistent theme amongst supporters was dismissing the former Brighton coach as "not a Chelsea manager". This can feel like a shallow and deliberately opaque statement.
At its heart, it is a pretty subjective piece of analysis. What does that mean? What do people think then visualise the perfect Chelsea manager, or specifically, head coach? It probably starts and ends with winning.
Aiding the club’s ongoing pursuit to install new shelves in the trophy cabinet before moving on to the next incumbent. Personality-wise, the measuring stick is undeniably Jose Mourinho. Whether people like to admit it or not, even after his controversial spells in Manchester and North London, Mourinho at his pomp in SW6 remains the club’s greatest-ever manager.
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But the contrast to that very combative personality sits Carlo Ancelotti. A quiet and humble figure, detached and a little distant but capable of extracting great performances from squads full of superstars. Ancelotti is understated, Mourinho was abrasive.
But Ancelotti had a previous CV of glittering success to fall back onto even without exuding pomp and circumstance in public appearances. Mourinho’s force of character helped transform the mentality that is cited as Chelsea’s winning DNA up until now.
There is an aura people are looking for, a command of that dugout to overcome the sternest of tests. Mourinho, Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel all fall into this bracket when thinking about their greatest moments at Chelsea.
The search for Potter’s successor has begun in what has been described as an “exhaustive process”. With that in mind, here is a list of attributes supporters expect to see from their next incumbent, and were frustrated they did not see in Potter over the past seven months.
Never praise an opponent, even if you have been outplayed by them
Chelsea supporters see themselves as near the top of the footballing food chain so hearing praise for anyone below that is akin to a Tiger praising a Zebra’s speed for getting away from it. All references to the opposition after a negative result MUST look within, preferably while sporting a strong frown and taking aim in other directions. Mentioning phrases like “Standards”, “Titles” and “unacceptable” probably wins you bonus points.
Even if you may feel that Aston Villa does have some good players and were tactically well set up which everyone could see and outplayed Chelsea, it is your job to never admit that. Because by doing so you are accepting mediocrity, even if it may be true, we think.
Say a strong title line in your first presser
Tuchel was a master at this. Fans like to be able to share these nice quotes on social media, so make sure to refer to your grand mission to win titles and how at Chelsea, this is the only reason for the club’s existence. Mention how you want to make other teams fear your team too. It also doesn’t hurt to talk about previous great Chelsea sides to cash in on nostalgia which people like.
You will also need some good catchphrases and lines that are equally sharable. Whether that is pointing out the media’s inconsistency in covering Chelsea and say, a certain club in red from Merseyside. Take inspiration from Tuchel labelling Thiago Silva the “Benjamin Button of football” or Conte referring to himself as a tailor.
Perception is king. Supporters don’t get to see you inside and around Cobham, they might not even watch your pressers in full most weeks, so they need good soundbites to get a sense that you “GET what Chelsea is about.” Do that and you’re well on your way to hearing songs proclaiming that you know exactly what we need.
Call out officials
Kind of an open goal this. Supporters do not like referees and given the standard of officiating is not that brilliant, it helps to have the head coach vocalise that frustration which will be felt multiple times throughout the season.
I mean, just look at Anthony Taylor’s performances whilst officiating Chelsea games, there’s enough material there.
Defend Chelsea
This is something that is not always publicly spoken but is needed given the way supporters feel the club is perceived by outsiders.
Even if the days of Mourinho’s “campaign against Chelsea” speeches may be left to the past, there was something very moving to supporters about the way Tuchel conducted himself during the period of sanctions imposed last season. A spell when the club was subject to major scrutiny, and in some quarters of media commentary, the club has smeared unfairly.
It was cherished how Tuchel acted like a statesman for the club and those who want to protect it. That is why, to many, he will be viewed as one of their favourite coaches of all time, as much as the Champions League win he helped orchestrate.
The next coach is unlikely to face such a set of circumstances anytime soon, but having that stern approach is needed at times. Whether that is to bite back to claims from rival managers or nonsense takes in the media, either confronting it with a jibe back or in the charm of Tuchel, simply saying nothing can be perceived as you not backing the club.
Unlike in other major European leagues, the sporting directors rarely speak to the media with the same regularity as the head coach, so they become the public spokesperson weekly. Is that right? Probably not. But it is the way things are.
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