The Russian and the Sheikh

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Abramovich must learn from Manchester City if Chelsea are to achieve success

Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, may not need lessons on making money, but he could profitably learn from Sheikh Mansour on how to manage football. The particular lesson he needs to learn is the crucial relationship between owner and manager, always a key to success in the game.

Both Mansour and Abramovich inherited coaches when they bought their respective clubs. Mansour inherited Mark Hughes, Abramovich, Claudio Ranieri. The Emirati made one change and was much criticised for bringing in Roberto Mancini. At first it did not seem to make much of a difference, but two years down the line, we can see what a new world the Italian has ushered in at Eastlands, and how well he has used the Sheikh's money.