Joined in 2009: Won the Premier League–FA Cup Double in his debut season.
Abramovich’s Demands: The Russian owner made it clear the Champions League was the ultimate benchmark for success. Every defeat had to be explained directly to him — even after a 3–1 loss to Wigan.
Champions League Exit & Torres Clash
Inter Defeat (2010): Losing to José Mourinho’s Inter infuriated Abramovich, who felt humiliated by his former manager.
Torres Signing (2011): Abramovich paid £50m for Fernando Torres and demanded he play.
Ancelotti subbed Torres off during a Champions League loss to Manchester United.
Abramovich saw this as a direct challenge to his authority.
Before the second leg, Abramovich told the players changes would come if they lost — and warned Ancelotti not to bother returning if the defeat happened.
Sacking at Goodison Park
Chelsea finished second in the league in
Ancelotti was dismissed in a corridor at Goodison Park by then-CEO Ron Gourlay, immediately after the final game.
Ancelotti’s Reflections
He accepts Abramovich judged him by Europe:
“Success or failure in Europe is how I would be measured by Abramovich — and the Champions League cost me my job.”
Still remembers his time fondly: Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Didier Drogba even took him out for a farewell dinner.
With a touch of irony, he noted that Chelsea won the Champions League the next year, but Abramovich still sacked his successor Roberto Di Matteo just six months later.
“As for me, I remember every day that I was at Chelsea as a good day.” — Carlo Ancelotti
