The Pride of London
Fansided

Tactics and Transfers: What is Chelsea’s identity without Roman Abramovich?

By Barrett Rouen

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is seen in the stand prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge on December 11, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 11: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is seen in the stand prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge on December 11, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

This week there was an offer from Britain’s wealthiest man to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich. The prospect of a sale raises the question: What does the owner mean to Chelsea FC?

Chelsea can in many ways be defined in the pre- and post-Roman Abramovich eras, such is his importance to the history of the club. Before him, Chelsea were west London’s main side but a far smaller club than the giants of Manchester United and Arsenal. Now Chelsea is a global brand and one of the most successful sides in the history of the British game. Much if not all of that is down to Abramovich.

This then brings us to the classic case with Chelsea. What is their identity? Is it tied to Abramovich and his success? Or has the trajectory of the club perhaps changed enough that it is time for them to go their separate ways?

Roman Abramovich without a doubt has been one of the best owners in the history of the sport. His unrivaled drive to win, win, and win more has at times gotten the better of him, but he has been inarguably successful. In 15 years of owning the club, he has won five Premier League titles and the Champions League as well. Few clubs can match that.

Chelsea should then decide – and decide soon – if it is the identity of the owner or the club that really defines them at this point. Has Roman Abramovich taken the club as far as he can?

It’s important for Chelsea to answer these sort of things as soon as possible because the club has not been in this sort of disarray since Ken Bates. They do not know the management situation, the playing staff, the stadium or finances or even the owner. It used to be you could at least rely on Abramovich being so deathly dilligent in his pursuit of glory. Chelsea could at least relax knowing that.

The Foreign Office is now waging something of an unfair war against Abramovich. From all appearances it seems rather unfair, and likely obscures an entirely understandable explanation. But it is ultimately a distraction, one that is absolutely hurting Chelsea FC.

Chelsea now need to sort out their ownership situation and start moving in a direction. Their rivals are already strengthening and making strategic and promising moves. Chelsea, on the other hand, are accruing more and more complicated issues with every passing day.

Next: Mason Mount and Matt Miazga are ready for more

Roman Abramovich’s dedication to excellence is has helped build the club to where and who they are. The unknown is not always better. Chelsea, however, just need to make a single, solitary decision on any of the unknown fronts. The ridiculous situation is fast becoming untenable.

Home/Chelsea FC News