Source: Daily_Mail
Five big problems facing the new men at Chelsea and Portsmouth
Both Chelsea [LNB]and Portsmouth [LNB]are stepping up their search for a new manager.The two Barclays Premier League clubs must act quickly if they are going to rescue their respective seasons.Chelsea face a battle to stay in contention for three trophies, while Pompey's troubles are mounting at the other end of the season.Here, Sportsmail runs through the five big problems facing the new men at each club.[LNB] Goal drought: Didier Drogba has struggled to find the net this season[LNB] Safe as houses, on the brink or a goner? Sportsmail predicts the future for the remaining 18 Premier League managers[LNB]S.O.S to Sven: Portsmouth want former England boss Eriksson to rescue the club from relegation[LNB]I'm only interested because it's Chelsea - Hiddink opens talks with Blues over manager's job[LNB]CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]PORTSMOUTH FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB] CHELSEAInstant successPleasing Roman Abramovich is the biggest challenge facing the new man. The Russian billionaire wants to watch sexy football on the way to winning the big trophies.Chelsea are still in the hunt for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. But few would bet against the Blues finishing empty-handed this season.Jose Mourinho's shadowAbramovich got shot of Jose Mourinho last season but his shadow still looms large over Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese manager may have failed to conjure the magical football his boss wanted but he delivered trophies. The days of Premier League titles and cup triumphs seem like a distant memory amid the current troubles. But whoever comes in will have to quickly win over the fans, who still crave Mourinho.Ageing starsA number of Chelsea's key men are now in their 30s and time is running out in their quest for more glory. Frank Lampard and Ricardo Carvalho are both 31 this summer, Didier Drogba turns 31 next month, Deco is 31, Michael Ballack is 32 and even Nicolas Anelka hits 30 next month. How many of those still have the desire to pull their side back into contention?Michael EssienThe workhorse midfielder has been massively missed by Chelsea this season. In his absence, the Blues have lack steel in the middle. It is great having the likes of Lampard, Deco and Ballack pushing forward but someone needs to do the dirty work - and John Obi Mikel is no match for Essien.Lack of goalsEven with his injury struggles, Drogba has scored just three goals in 21 games this season. Anelka was on fire in the first half of the season but has struck just once in last 10 matches. Salomon Kalou, Franco Di Santo and Miroslav Stoch all lack the extra quality required in a world-class team, while Lampard cannot always be relied on for goals. The transfer window is closed but Chelsea desperately need a new hitman right now.[LNB] Defensive disarray: David James (left) and Sylvain Distin are under pressure[LNB] [LNB]PORTSMOUTHDodgy defenceSol Campbell and Sylvain Distin are in disarray right now. The veteran centre-backs are usually rock-solid but they have become increasingly erratic as the season hots up. David James, usually so reliant between the posts, has also looked shaky - Dirk Kuyt's late equaliser in Liverpool's win on Saturday should have been saved. A steady ship always starts at the back and Pompey need to plug the leaks before it is too late.Rock-bottom confidenceWith Harry Redknapp at then helm on the first day of the season, the future looked bright. But just months later, the same big names are looking increasingly frail. Peter Crouch has lost his bite up front, while the defence is all over the place. Someone needs to stand up and drag their team out of this crisis.Star lossesSelling you star assets for huge profits is understandable. Failing to replace them is sloppy. Lassana Diarra was sold at the start of the transfer window, giving plenty of time to find a replacement. Hayden Mullins and Angelos Basinas arrived but they are not big enough to fill Diarra's boots. Defoe was not even replaced at Fratton Park - and it is no surprise they now look blunt up front.Chairman wants outSacha Gaydamak wants out and who can blame him. Yet, the owner's stance has only heightened the anxiety surrounding the club. Pompey are already in a relegation dogfight, yet they have the added pressure of knowing survival is essential to attract a big buyer.Six-pointersDespite all the doom and gloom, Portsmouth's destiny is in their own hands. In the run-in, they face relegation rivals Stoke, Hull, West Brom, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Blackburn and Sunderland. Win a few of those six-pointers and they should be safe. Yet, a string of defeats will surely see them drop out of the top-flight.[LNB] Safe as houses, on the brink or a goner? Sportsmail predicts the future for the remaining 18 Premier League managers[LNB]S.O.S to Sven: Portsmouth want former England boss Eriksson to rescue the club from relegation[LNB]I'm only interested because it's Chelsea - Hiddink opens talks with Blues over manager's job[LNB]CHELSEA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]PORTSMOUTH FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB] [LNB]
