Venables defends Carlo firing
FORMER England manager and Chelsea captain Terry Venables has defended owner Roman Abramovich’s decision to sack Double-winning boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Venables believes the Italian was unlucky to lose his job just 12 months after leading the Blues to the Premier League and FA Cup.
But the ex-QPR, Barcelona and Tottenham chief insists it is too early to condemn the decision when Abramovich’s reign has brought such success to Stamford Bridge.
“I thought Ancelotti was unfortunate – very unfortunate,” Venables (right) told City PM
“But I think an owner has the right to do what he thinks is right. This is the most successful eight years of the club’s history, and he’s a big part of that. So I don’t think we should underestimate him.
“I think he’s got high standards and he expects the best. If he feels someone else can do better, you can understand it. So I think it’s fair to say we can only have a look and see whether it’s right or wrong.”
Turkey coach Guus Hidddink, who enjoyed a brief spell in charge of Chelsea before Ancelotti, still acts as an adviser to Abramovich and is being strongly tipped to return in a full-time capacity.
Venables added: “If [Abramovich] feels safe with and has always hung on to Hiddink, if he’s the man who is going to come in, you can understand it – not completely, but the game is tough, and it is unfair. So you’ve got to be ready for all sorts of things.”
Ancelotti, who joined Chelsea two years ago, was dismissed on Sunday shortly after they lost their final match of the season 1-0 at Everton. The club failed to win a trophy this season and, despite a late rally, ended second in the league.
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