Chelsea’s FA Cup tie with Manchester City draws together similar managers working in very different environments
Although it would be understandable if Roman Abramovich feels pangs of envy when he watches Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, there is a difference between wanting attacking football and being prepared to create an environment in which it can flourish.
In Abramovich’s case his craving for entertainment, a desire nurtured ever since he watched Manchester United’s 4-3 win over Real Madrid in 2003, has often clashed with his ruthless treatment of managers. If the Russian’s 18 years at Chelsea prove anything, it is new philosophies do not magically appear overnight. Saying you want to play like Guardiola’s Barcelona is one thing, but having the vision, trust and persistence to make it a reality is another.
