Former Chelsea striker Pat Nevin has been pouring forth his wisdom on the current turmoil surrounding Chelsea. He says on the BBC today: ‘It is clear that this is the most difficult period since Mourinho arrived and in any big, complicated business that is fuelled by high finance, there will be a reaction.

All Chelsea fans will hope any differences will be put aside - and any supporter who is not in the inner sanctum is wondering whether all the stories of unrest and rumours of a breakdown in the relationship between Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich are true.

Striker Andriy Shevchenko’s position is the subject of much debate. If he was not bought by Mourinho then that is a concern. Some might say Mourinho could have blocked the deal if he didn’t want to buy him but my guess is that as a manager he could say: “Buy whoever you want because it’s your club - but I don’t have to play him.”

I think this is the case at other clubs but Shevchenko’s case is more subtle because he was expected to play - given his outstanding record and ability - and expected to do well.’

He continues, ‘The situation has been complicated by Shevchenko’s struggle for top form. If Mourinho did leave, I think it would be a devastating day for Chelsea.

One of the questions that has been asked is - what is more important, Mourinho’s management or Abramovich’s money? In the long-term, it is the money, which is a painful thing for me to say because Mourinho is the best manager the club has ever had.’

Where the carousel will lead now is anyone’s guess, but for the moment, at least, it looks like Shevchenko and Mourinho are both staying at Chelsea.

FRom BBC Sport