Managers union slam Chelsea

League Managers’ Association chief executive Richard Bevan has branded Chelsea an “embarrasment” following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

The Portuguese parted company with the Blues after a 1-0 defeat to West Brom on Saturday, a result which saw them lose ground on fellow top-four chasers Arsenal.

Bevan told Radio Five Live: “Looking for what is an eighth manager in nine years is a serious embarrassment to the owner, the club, the fans and the league.”

Chelsea have promoted assistant Roberto Di Matteo until the end of the season but have now been linked with summer moves for Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola and former boss Jose Mourinho.

However, Bevan believes frequent manager changes at the London club mean those in charge are unable to develop a relationship with players.

“Players need to know that the manager’s strategy and his job is not in question, there’s a clear remit,” he said.

“You get success if you get time, and stability will come from that. Otherwise it’s very difficult for a manager like Andre to impose his philosophy and build a team.”

“After only eight months you can’t build that sort of success. The club’s still competing in the latter stages of the Champions League, the FA Cup and fighting for a top-four position.”

“If you want success you must look at the longer term.”

Chelsea are fifth on the English Premier League table, three points behind Arsenal, and host Stoke City in their next match on Saturday.