Guardiola should run a mile if Abramovich comes knocking
By: Mark Lawrenson
Chelsea have displayed a complete lack of class in recent weeks - why join them? PLUS Redknapp's biggest career test and I'm loving Baggies
Pep Guardiola can have the pick of his jobs anywhere in the world. So, why on earth would he go to Chelsea?
Guardiola would surely take one look at the events at Stamford Bridge against Manchester City and realise he was walking into a minefield.
You can lose a game, draw two and it's a crisis. That's what seemed to happen to Roberto di Matteo after he led the club to the FA Cup and Champions League.
What has happened in these past few weeks portrays a club lacking in any sort of class. Not even to offer an apology to Mark Clattenburg should shock us all. But this is Chelsea. So we expect nothing less.
No wonder their fans are upset. They don't want to see their club dragged through the mud either.
They didn't want Rafa Benitez but he can turn that situation around - simply by winning games.
The fact is that Chelsea hire and fire so many managers that they were always going to get one they didn't want sooner rather than later.
Benitez said a lot of things about Chelsea in the heat of the battle. He did it to wind them up and Chelsea fans will realise that. Especially if he gets their season going again.
But Benitez does need to do some major surgery. The three Amigos - Mata, Hazard and Oscar - look lovely but they lack a cutting edge and the squad lacks character.
They missed John Terry and Frank Lampard for their experience and strength of character. Against Manchester City, Chelsea reminded me of Arsenal - nice to watch, but rudderless and lacking mental strength.
Equally, City showed the sort of form that they have been missing in the Champions League. They set the tempo, ran the game and got a good result.
Will winning the title be enough to save Roberto Mancini? It should do. But, being realistic, a major trophy is the only thing that will save Benitez. The fans will not forgive him for any failings.
Harry's toughest test
Harry Redknapp is facing his toughest task in football.
Queens Park Rangers is a much tougher test than Portsmouth, Tottenham or Southampton and, ultimately, he failed at St Mary's.
Redknapp will give them a fighting chance but he will have to do some wheeling and dealing in the transfer window.
They lack players with quality. Too many are on great money. They are happy to just pick up the cash whether or not they are in the Premier League.
QPR need more character. They showed a bit at Manchester United. They will need a lot more to lift themselves out of danger.
At every previous club where he has been successful, Redknapp has had good forwards. That's an area he must address in January to stand a chance of survival.
I'm loving the Baggies
West Brom are the most heart warming story in the Premier League this season.
Massive credit must go to Steve Clarke but also the hierarchy of Jeremy Peace and Dan Ashworth who clearly run the club well and are building a lasting dynasty of sustained success.
They play attractive football, get the best out of players like Shane Long who is hugely under rated and yet now relishes and prospers playing as a lone striker when required.
Add to that Lukaku, Yacob and Fortune and you have a very attractive yet brilliantly and skilfully assembled squad.
Can they reach Europe? The way they are playing now gives them a chance but it's a long hard season.
However, Clarke has been waiting all his career for this chance. He's been an outstanding No.2 under some big names. Now he's determined to flourish.
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