Mr. Abramovich Has Hit A Crossroad

The Russian saved Chelsea in 2003 and in return wanted one simple trophy. Instead he has received two Carling Cup trophies, back to back Premier League titles and two FA cups, still not good enough?

Image: Painful to watch. Roman Abramovich has seen his club hit a notable slump.

The oil tycoon has always wanted the European Cup lodged into his trophy case but with year after year of bad luck does the Russian have any faith in the club he rejuvenated?

The man is smarter, his knowledge of the game has improved. This isn't the same man who chose to invest millions into a football club that had a nice view from his private helicopter. He threw millions into summer and winter transfer markets and expected the greatest display of football to fall before his eyes; Instead he would be bored week in week out by a team that would grind out results.

Image: Chelsea players distraught yet again after Champions League misery

He has had some painful memories in this profession. Being knocked out of the Champions League by a goal that never crossed the line, watching his club captain slip and miss the vital penalty that would of brought him eternal happiness in Moscow, knocked out by a last second strike from Andreas Iniesta in what was a controversial evening to say the least and finally being humiliated by your former employee at your own establishment in convincing fashion doesn't really help the situation.

Puzzled? Carlo Ancelotti and Ray Wilkins (both pictured) managerial skills have come under scrutiny in recent weeks

I believe that had this been any other manager he would receive the boot treatment. The reason for why this hasn't occurred is simple; Roman Abramovich had spent years tying to lure the Italian tactician to West London with courtesy bribes and too then sack him after six months would damage the Russian's credibility even more.

So what can be done about this unfortunate predicament?

I believe he has two choices; he either concedes that Jose Mourinho was the greatest investment ever to come out of West London and beg Massimo Moratti (cheif executive of Inter Milan) to sort out a financial plan for the Special One to be reinstated. The other option is less lucrative and realistically sensible; Ancelotti should remain as head coach but for the summer transfer window be allowed sufficient funds to upgrade in what many suggest is an ageing squad.

The good old days: Mourinho as Chelsea manager won 6 titles, but since his departure in 2008 Chelsea have won just the one

As much as fans want so see Jose back at the Bridge where he belongs, an investment for the summer seems the more appropriate angle with the likes of Drogba, Deco, Carvalho and Ballack in their thirties and the likes of Lampard, Terry nearing the same age an injection of youth is needed where Ancelotti can create his own team and not inherit Mourinho's.