Roman’s patience with dismal Chelsea snaps

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Chelsea's billionaire benefactor recognised problems with the structure at Stamford Bridge long before Sunday's Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham.

Bridge shake-up: Abramovich will act after errors since Jose Mourinho left

Avram Grant is not the only member of staff under threat and it is understood that a number of key personnel have effectively been placed on trial until the end of the season.

Abramovich told close friends as recently as last week that he had made errors in a number of crucial areas at the club and has taken full responsibility for their current plight.

Problems with Chelsea's playing style were confirmed when they fought out a dreadful 0-0 draw with Liverpool earlier this month. Sources at the club subsequently claimed that Grant appeared more intent on extending the club's unbeaten home record than 'taking the game' to Liverpool.

Despite strict instructions from 'upstairs' to replicate the attractive football that has forced the club to covet the services of Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard, Grant appears more interested in safeguarding his position by making Chelsea difficult to beat.

Intriguingly, following Sportsmail's exclusive story yesterday that Rijkaard is ready to talk about taking over at Chelsea in the summer, the Dutchman left pre-match press conference duties for this weekend's game against Atletico Madrid to assistant Johan Neeskens for the first time.

The pressure on Grant is increasing because Chelsea have scored just 10 goals in nine games and three of them were in the FA Cup tie with League One Huddersfield.

It is understood that the last straw for Abramovich was the dismal 0-0 draw with Olympiacos in the Champions League last week.

Highly rated first-team coach Brendan Rogers is in line for a more influential role. Chelsea's stars claim he is 'outstanding'.

Grant upset players not involved in the Carling Cup final by not allowing them to stay at London's Landmark Hotel the night before the game.

Right back Paulo Ferreira was in complete bemusement and distraught when omitted from the squad.