Mourinho

I was just about to start listening to yesterday's podcast of the World Soccer Daily show when I paused. The episode, three hours in length, is going to be all about The Special One -- how can I listen to this without putting my thoughts out for all to hear before taking in all that Steven and Howard have to say?

I love listening to this show and hearing these guys rant. It's refreshing, so unlike the staid commentary on podcasts such as Guardian Unlimited's Football Weekly or ESPN Soccernet Extra. Those are both great pods, but lack the personality of WSD. I highly recommend it; there's a link on this site; check it out.

Well, here goes...

On Thursday morning at 1:00 a.m. or so GMT, Chelsea made the decision to part ways with Jose Mourinho. For better or worse, this alters the course of a footballing juggernaut.

Chelsea are laden with talent and their owners pockets are so deep the only issue for acquiring new talent appears to be the technicality of a transfer window and the whim of Mr. Abramovich.

Somehow, Mourinho kept egos and icons on the same page. They've won two Premier League championships, an FA Cup and League Cup during his reign. Without his personality vacuum in the dressing room, where do Chelsea turn for guidance?

The answer is unclear. Avram Grant, Mourinho's replacement, is sure to keep the boat on course, but I'm concerned with his ability to react to the unexpected. Just over 24,000 fans turned up at Stamford Bridge to see Chelsea draw Rosenborg 1-1 on Tuesday. What happens if the next result isn't a victory? How will Grant fill the void and keep Chelsea on track?

Chelsea's season may be scuppered. There was always going to be a daunting task come January to deal with the African Nations' Cup (Essien, Drogba, Kalou et al all gone for a month or so). Injury has already been a problem. Where will Chelsea turn if things go sour?

Don't get me wrong. Chelsea are too good to fall too far, but Champions League qualification is now the big task. Arsenal have proven so far they could absorb the loss of another talisman and Liverpool and Manchester have started well. It won't take much for a Man City, Everton or Blackburn to pop into the fourth spot.

Mourinho was the glue that held Chelsea together. He was eccentric to be sure, but his quality was evident. Chelsea's trophy cabinet speaks for itself.

Perhaps his only flaw was to have an ego larger than that of his boss, Mr. Abramovich.