Here's a story that shows how critically important success in the Champions League can be.

Since become Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho led the Blues to the Premiership title (in 2005) for the first time in 50 years, and only the second time in the history of the team (and they have a long history). Then the following season Chelsea won the Premiership again. He's also collected the FA Cup and the League Cup twice. Oh yeah, prior to Chelsea he led FC Porto to the UEFA Cup and Champions League titles in successive years, a very rare feat.

Probably 98% of soccer coaches worldwide go through their ENTIRE CAREERS without ever accomplishing what Mourinho has in the last 4 years alone. Most teams (and fans) would give anything to have a coach with that pedigree in charge of their club.

But apparantly, it was not enough. Following a disappointing draw at home to lowly Rosenborg in the Champions League, Mourinho suddenly resigned as Chelsea manager. While the timing was unexpected, the move itself was not, as it has long been suspected Mourinho has been at odds with Chelsea's Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.

Supposedly, while the Premiership and Cup titles were nice, Abramovich above all wanted the Champions League trophy. And that was the one competition where Mourinho had failed to deliver at Chelsea, who reached the semifinals twice in the last three years before losing to Premiership rivals Liverpool each time. With Chelsea's deep well of talent--acquired largely through Abramovich's personal fortune--they should've dispatched Rosenborg with ease. But the draw in front of just a half full and apparantly apathetic Stamford Bridge crowd proved to be the final straw. Plus this weekend's huge Premier League showdown at Man United was looming over Mourinho, and some believe that would've put unbearable pressure on him.

Mourinho has developed a reputation for being a hothead, arrogant and stubborn. But on the other hand, you can't argue with his results at Chelsea and Porto. I think this is just a case of two "type A" personalities that could only co-exist for so long. In a sense Chelsea wasn't big enough for the both of them; since Abramovich owns the team, it was Mourinho who had to go. In the interim period,  Avram Grant will run the club with the help of assistant coach Steve Clarke.

What do you think about this development? Was the fallout inevitable, or did Abramovich (+ media, fans) put undue pressure on Mourinho? Since he won basically everything else he could besides the UCL (Uefa Champions League), should he have been given more leeway? Chelsea only played 1 UCL game this season! Maybe the draw against Rosenborg was a fluke.

Make your feelings known! E-mail us at scpodcast@gmail.com.

 

It's shaping up to be a great and compelling Champions League season, and the group stage starts tomorrow! So after you listen to Episode 29 to get ready for Tuesday's games, check out this one for Wednesday's matchups in Groups E-H. Also, we discuss UEFA President Michel Platini's trailblazing proposals to "spread the wealth" in the Champions League, literally and figuratively.

Thanks to Joe Gerakines for Soccer Champions' first anthems!

Links:
Podcamp Boston 2: Oct. 26-28, 2007, a free new media conference open to the public
Life on Tap, Dan's podcast

Welcome to the 2007-08 Champions League campaign! Scott and Bill get you ready for all the action with our look at Groups A-D. Which teams will advance to the knockout stages, who might make a surprising run, and which teams need to get a good result on Matchday 1.

Also, we answer a listener e-mail and discuss the meaning of the terms fixture, tie, pitch, matchday, cap, and the origin of the most important term of all: soccer. You might be surprised by the result.

Please e-mail us with comments or questions at scpodcast@gmail.com.

For fantasy (American) football insights and commentary, check out the Extra Points Podcast.

The UEFA Super Cup will take place later today in the glitzy principality of Monaco. Typically seen as inaugurating a new European soccer season, it is an exhibition--though a trophy is awarded--featuring the defending Champions League (AC Milan) and UEFA Cup (Sevilla) champions.

A showcase of European soccer's best teams, the Super Cup is usually played in a jovial and celebratory atmosphere, but this time will be different. The thoughts of all are with Sevilla, who somehow have to deal with the shocking, tragic death of one of their own. Midfielder Antonio Puerta, just 22 years old and a rising star not just with his club but with the Spanish national side as well, collapsed on the field during Sevilla's first La Liga match last weekend, and died a few days later.

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos has said his team is in a "trance-like state." While it must be incredibly difficult for anyone on the team to maintain focus on soccer in such a situation, perhaps the best way Sevilla players can honor their fallen teammate is to redouble their efforts on the field and perform to the very best of their abilities. They have a strong squad, and are certainly capable of achieving great results both in Spain's La Liga and the Champions League, assuming they can see off AEK Athens in the second leg of their qualifying match to be played on Monday. Assuredly Puerta will be in Sevilla's hearts and minds throughout the season, and I think all fans, no matter who they support, would like to see the team triumph over this terrible adversity.

--Scott