The dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo was as brutal as it was predictable and unpopular, but let nobody think that Roman Abramovich gives a damn about public opinion. The saddest part about the serial sacker's methods is, that if success is the yardstick, Abramovich's way works as Chelsea has won 10 trophies in eight years under eight managers.
Even the ultimate success in club football does not give you much credit at Stamford Bridge. Last May under caretaker-manager Di Matteo, Chelsea won the Champions League final a couple of weeks after lifting the F.A. Cup, but a run of poor results when the Blues won two of eight games saw the revolving door on the manager's office in action again.
Abramovich stood by John Terry when he was found guilty by the Football Association of making a racist remark to Queens Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand yet sacked his manager after a dodgy month.