Branislav Ivanovic: Abramovich Would Have Sacked Whole Chelsea FC Squad If Possible

Chelsea’s vice-captain Branislav Ivanovic has opened up about the dire first half of the season and the problems that plagued the Blues squad.

The results were unfathomably awful and ultimately led to Roman Abramovich relieving Jose Mourinho of his duties in December.

While the Serb could not quite pinpoint the reason for Chelsea’s dismal start, he did make some interesting comments regarding the Special One’s sacking.

While Mourinho was the public victim of the poor performances, Ivanovic states that the players would have also been dismissed if such action was feasible.

The players were more responsible for that situation than the manager. Of course it is difficult in football to change 25 players halfway through the season. But I think at this club if (Abramovich) could have, he would have changed all of us as well. It’s difficult to say it was only one guy’s responsibility. – via The Daily Mail

Mourinho’s sacking provoked outrage amongst Blues supporters as they argued that the players were the ones who were letting everyone down. Ivanovic seems to agree with this sentiment by pointing to the impractical nature of getting rid of a squad as the only reason preventing the owner from doing so.
 

Not a lot has been said about the Portuguese tactician since his contract was terminated, but it appears as though the players do feel that they were at the heart of the problem. Eden Hazard recently revealed that he contacted his former boss to apologise while these remarks from Ivanovic only add to this sentiment of regret.

However, something needed to change and while it may have been unjust, even Mourinho probably understands that Abramovich’s hands were somewhat tied.

Fortunately, the team have experienced a resurgence under interim boss Guus Hiddink as they slowly find the form that had deserted them. Ivanovic himself has also got back to the performance levels that have characterised his extensive Stamford Bridge career. 

He was frequently the subject of fan anger during the first part of the campaign, but his recent displays have proven that he still has the necessary quality.

The Mourinho debacle was certainly something that left a bad taste in the mouth and many of these players still have a lot to do to earn the supporters’ respect again. Carrying on this decent run can only help.

(Pride of London)