Chelsea FC: Meet The Men Who Have Played For And Managed The Blues

Gianluca Vialli – Player Manager

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Chelsea FC appointed Gianluca Vialli to succeed Ruud Gullit, having been in talks with him for 2 weeks already, in February 1998. This was deemed to be justice served by many after Gullit had sidelined Vialli for long periods during the Dutchman’s reign. Gianluca Vialli seemed to have the knack of winning key matches and 3 trophies arrived in quick succession following his appointment. Gianluca promoted a young John Terry to the 1st team squad for the first time, and with the signings of Marcel Desailly, Mario Melchiot, Albert Ferrer and Carlo Cudicini he set about making Chelsea FC more solid defensively. Despite coming close and only losing 3 games in the 1999/2000 Premier League the elusive champions tag failed to materialise.

At the start of the 2000/2001 league campaign stories of discontent between Gianluca and the players emerged, the results dipped and Gianluca was sacked.

Next: Roberto Di Matteo