Now that Chelsea have confirmed that Andre Villas-Boas has been named manager, what can be expected from the young Portuguese coach who never even played professional football.
At only 33-years-old, he is the same age as Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard – Many will want to know how he will be able to inspire the club’s stars.
It has been highly documented what he achieved at Porto, he managed to lead the team not only to the treble but also remaining undefeated for whole season. In the Europa League, his side scored goals for fun, the duo of Falcao and Hulk impressed everyone – Especially the former who managed 18 goals in 16 games.
When Villas-Boas was employed by Jose Mourinho, he was initially used to scout opposing clubs, his report on Newcastle United was leaked in the papers today. It showed how much detail he went into, noting their defensive weaknesses and the Michael Owen’s movement as well as how the Geordies made silly mistakes.
Naturally, he will not be heading out scouting teams now – This will be left to Daniel Sousa, a man who Villas-Boas can see taking up a manager position in the future but for now he will be at the Bridge as part of the management set-up.
Once the players return from their holidays they, will have individual meetings with their new boss, he is a man who like his old mentor is a motivator. He does tend to get the best of his players – Hulk is a prime example of this where he scored 23 goals in 26 games.
Andre is hungry to succeed, he enjoyed success as working with Jose at both Cheslea and Inter. There was no need for him to move into management, as he was building a reputation for being an excellent coach but he wanted more – He felt the need to move away from his mentor’s shadow.
His first role was with Académica de Coimbra, having taken over in October 2009, Andre led the team to 11 points from safety and managed to get them to the semi-final of the cup where they were knocked out by Porto.
Then Porto came knocking, he was appointed their boss in early June and within two months he collected his first trophy when his team beat Benfica 2–0 in the Portuguese Supercup.
Admittedly, Andre has had two teams in as many years, but he plans to build something special at the Bridge and whilst he knows it will not be easy he is confident in own management skills.
Chelsea fans can expect to see some attractive, attacking football and hopefully lots of trophies being won over the next few years and maybe even that illusive Champions League.
By Scott Balaam
Twitter @footiefun
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