Rafa Benitez, Success or Failure? @AStamBridge2Far

Back in November, there was uproar amongst  fans as a new manager was appointed, namely Rafa Benitez, who had said back in 2007 that he ‘would never take the Chelsea job, in respect for his former team Liverpool, no matter what.’

Those words came back to haunt him when he took over on an interim basis from Roberto Di Matteo. Missing out on the Champions League knock out stages followed and it all seemed to be going terribly for the Spaniard. However, he has delivered the Europa League trophy, secured 3^rd place in the league and reached two cup semi-finals.

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As we near the end of the campaign, speculation mounts, and names mentioned as to who will be putting pen to paper on a deal to move to the Bridge this summer. After all, it would be unlike Mr. Abramovich to pass up on some spending some July/August-time.

Andre Schurrle’s name was heavily mentioned in both the summer and January this year, but it looks like his move could well become a reality when the window opens this time around.

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We are in a bit of a pickle. Stuck with a manager who the fans dislike, and although the board expected results to counter-act these feelings, it has simply backfired dramatically on Abramovich and the Chelsea board.

Di Matteo’s 24 points from 12 games wasn’t poor, although certainly results in that spell were, but with Rafa Benitez collected just 25 points from his 14 league games, you begin to understand the frustrations that echo from the Bridge during most games nowadays.

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Ballon d’or winner, World Cup winner, three times in the UEFA World XI, and a list of personal achievements that stretch nearly as long as his gangly 6ft 1 frame. Hardly a resume of a player that at just 30, could be leaving the Galacticos of Real Madrid this summer.

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The Roberto Di Matteo saga has left Chelsea fans with a sour taste in their mouths towards the Chelsea hierarchy, and although it may be true that he wasn’t the long term solution for the clubs vision and goals, it has been plain to see, the man who replaced him certainly isn’t either.

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Its hard to call the Chelsea managing position a career. The past 6 managers have notched up just 330 games together since Jose Mourinho left in 2007, a rate of just 51 games per boss.

With Rafa Benitez’s contract rumoured to be just until the seasons end, he will be lucky to rack up a half-century of games in charge, that’s if Roman hasn’t sent him his P45 before then. Comical chants, and the bedsheet brigade were out in force during his opening game, making it clear that he isn’t welcome at the Bridge.

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It hasn’t been the greatest couple of weeks for both Ashley Cole and John Terry, but they will no doubt put it behind them as they look to drive Chelsea to a first Premier League title since 2010.

However, it will be their last chance in the Chelsea blue, as Roman and Roberto’s new age policy is right in play now, meaning neither will be likely to get an extension to their current deals, with Cole’s ending this season, and Terry’s next year. Midfield talisman Frank Lampard will also be likely leaving, possibly even in January, with LA Galaxy interested.

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With Chelsea looking for their 11th boss since the turn of the century, many will be sceptical of a role than seems to be the death of managers, rather than the start of an illustrious career.

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Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the Porto president that he can't see Andre Villas-Boas succeeding at Chelsea.

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Whilst many will still see it as too soon to be looking at option for new bosses but it's important to keep an eye on those who could take the helm of the club.

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The Stamford Bridge re-build is likely to continue as AVB looks to Spain for new blood.

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With Cahill in the bag, according to the Daily Mail AVB is keen to sign the impressive Eden Hazard.

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Following Chelsea’s poor run of form recently – despite yesterday’s result – there is no doubt the defence is the Blues’ weakness. Although many are saying David Luiz is the fault at centre back and he should be more of a striker, I think most our goals we concede are coming from the right hand side; and the heavenly scope of light shines on your Mr Bosingwa. However, I feel I’ve also found the solution in the form of Paulo Ferreira.

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Three-point lane, a degrading term used in bravado over the years by cheeky Chelsea fans to taunt their London rivals Tottenham Hotspurs.

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We are both Nigerians - He is a Chelsea player, whilst I am a Chelsea fan and having studied John Obi Mikel for six years, I have suddenly realized he would never fit into the Chelsea team mainly because he doesn't really want to.

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