Roman Abramovich has done it before and he won’t shy away from doing it again. Jose Mourinho might have a god-like stature amongst the Chelsea faithful, but for Abramovich, it’s the end result that matters. Mourinho has already had his trial-run last season. This season it’s time to bring the trophies home.
Even Ancelotti couldn’t survive the “Wrath of Roman”; getting the sack after finishing runners-up in 2011 (and winning the FA Cup), just a season after the Italian had led Chelsea to their third Premier League title.
Chelsea have splashed the cash to bolster every part of their squad. Diego Costa and Didier Drogba have come in to rid Chelsea of their striking woes, while Cesc Fabregas was brought in to bring even more quality in the middle of the park. Filipe Luis was also brought in at Stamford Bridge to strengthen an already impressive defence.
With Abramovich ready to loosen the purse strings as always, Mourinho has been allowed to bring in his own players. Now, “The Special One” will be expected to provide some special results
2 Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus)
In his three years at Juventus, Antonio Conte delivered three Scudetto and transformed the club from a contender to the primary benchmark setter in Italian football. Whatever feelings Juventus fans might harbour for the ex-Milan manager, one thing is for sure: Allegri has some big boots to fill in the dugout at the Juventus Stadium.
Conte has left behind a legacy and more importantly a squad that can challenge the best in Europe. With such talents at the disposal of Allegri, any major mishap in his first season at Turin might result in the swift departure of the 47-year old.
While Allegri has a chance at redemption following his largely unsuccessful time at AC Milan, the star power at his disposal will also be the reason for pressure to be perpetually piled on the new Juventus boss.
3 Laurent Blanc (Paris Saint-Germain)
Ever since being taken over by Qatar Sports Investment in 2011, Paris Saint-Germain have returned to prominence not only in France but also in Europe. The middle-eastern group headed by Nasser Al-Khelaifi have stood by their name and provided a sizable investment in the club, resulting in the arrival of multiple world-class stars at the Parc des Princes.
With Al-Khelaifi pumping in the money, the Parisians have seen superstars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani amongst others arrive at the French capital. The household names haven’t fluffed their lines either, leading PSG to their first domestic title in 19 years in 2013.
The team experienced a successful transition last season as Laurent Blanc took over, spearheading a successful defence of a domestic league-cup double and a reasonable display in the Champions League. His managerial skills will again be put to the test this year as the "Dream Bigger" project will continue to demand more success from the former French international.
While the Ligue 1 title should be the nominal target, further progress in the Champions League will be what Al-Khelaifi will be looking at after the Parisians bowed out at the quarter-finals stage of the competition last season.