VILLAS-BOAS: Five things he MUST do before the season starts.

Andre Villas-Boas is Chelsea's new manager and I have to say I am really excited about the appointment after seeming for so long that Roman Abramovich would entrust his beloved Chelsea to Guus Hiddink once again.

The appointment of Villas-Boas seemed somewhat out of the blue as the news broke on Tuesday that he could be leaving Porto. Chelsea paid the release fee of £13.3m and Roman Abramovich got his man.

Chelsea's statement was interesting for me to read. The important quote taken from that statement reads:

"Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football today"

You would have to say that paying £13.3m for makes a bold statement to the footballing world that you are right behind the man and his methods. Villas-Boas has spoken fantastically well in the two interviews he has been featured in on my blog. Firstly the interview he gave the official website and then the Chelsea TV interview and I have been really impressed by what he has said and the way he goes about his business. He is a confident man and will need to be to succeed here.

However, it's my belief that in order for AVB to become a success here at Chelsea and to win trophies next season (because let's be honest, it's the be all and end all here these days) there are five things HE MUST DO between now and the beginning of the season so have a read and see if you agree with me:

1. Make an immediate impact in the first meeting with the players.

It's all well and good being appointed as the new manager at a club. However, this isn't just any club. This is Chelsea and these are world class players. For the majority of the players here they have seen some big big names and world class coaches come and go so he must make an impact. He needs to make an really great first impression. By the time the players and AVB go their separate ways after that very first day's training, each and every single player that is part and parcel of his plans for the season needs to have bought into Villas-Boas' way!.

2. He must "handle" our big names and ego's.

There have been rumours of player power at Chelsea for a couple of years now with what has been the key and established names at the club. Some people call it ego's and maybe they are right. Some people seem to see themselves as "invincible" and this mentality has to go. AVB's message MUST BE plain and simple. You either buy into my methods and what I am trying to achieve for all of us here or you are out the door!. Last season we saw elements of players putting their own personal objectives ahead of the team and AVB needs to bring certain players down a peg or two. The big ego's at the club must align with the rest of the group and the collective.

3. To impress and motivate the players instantly in training.

People forget that training happens daily and is much more intense during pre season. I guess it can become mundane and repetitive. I have read that the Porto players loved his training methods and preparation. His focus is similar to Jose Mourinho's when it comes to pre season and that's to work with the ball from the very first day of pre season training rather than spending countless days running for miles. The players must buy into his training methods from the first moment onwards.

I have also read that a tactic he used when he took over Porto and the first time he met the players was to show them a DVD he put together of Benfica's title celebrations the season before. He made the players sit there and watch it all and quite simply stated after it had finished "Remember the hurt you all felt seeing that, we do not want to feel this way again" and instantly gave his players the motivation and focus for the season ahead. This could be happening at Cobham in a couple of weeks time!.

4. To make at least one big name / marquee signing.

Speculation will now intensify surrounding AVB's appointment and possible transfer targets. A whole host of names will be mentioned and talked about for weeks until the season starts. For any new manager at a club you would want to put your own stamp on things. There's no better way in addition to everything I have said above, than to bring in a big signing to freshen things up and give everyone a lift. At the same time, those players that are no longer considered part of his plans need to be shown the door sooner rather than later.

5. He simply must have a "Plan B".

It's fair to say that Carlo Ancelotti lacked a Plan B and Chelsea suffered for it last season. In so many games last year the team looked like they needed something different and looked to Carlo and it never came. Jose set the precedent here with his ability to outclass his managerial opponent tactically with changes made in games and AVB will need to come up with the same.

It's all well and good having a game plan but this is football and how many times have we seen a thought out game plan go up in flames within minutes of a game starting (United away in the League last season anyone!?). I just felt that Chelsea were prepared to play a certain way and if it didn't work, the changes that were made for a player for a player in the same position and not a tactical change. AVB needs to ensure that our players know there will always be a backup plan to get results.

Of course we can talk about what AVB needs to do now he has been appointed and Chelsea and the great thing is that everyone of you has an opinion like me so I would love to hear yours but posting your thoughts and comments below. Do you agree with me or have your own ideas?

Whatever happens, it's an exciting time for Chelsea with Villas-Boas at the helm. Let's just hope that come the first game of the season away to Stoke, we take to the field as prepared as we could be, motivated and determined to show the world the reason why Roman Abramovich has made Andre Villas-Boas the most expensive managerial acquisition ever!.

KTBFFH

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