Mission Carlo Starts Monday

Carlo Ancelotti starts his Chelsea tenure Monday morning at 9:30am when he is presented to the press at Stamford Bridge. This will be his introduction to Fleet Street’s wolves and we’ll be watching to see how he does.

Starting Monday: Can Carlo rule the Bridge?

Ancelotti will be rated on the following:

* His English. Has his language course in Holland been enough to make him intelligible or will he be another high-pitched Fabio Capello?

* His anwer to the obvious question – will he be fired if he doesn’t win a major trophy in year one?

* His mettle in responding to the trick questions for which the British press are well known.

And he enters the job facing a big bunch of issues:

* Will he be able to retain the confidence of Roman Abramovich? Will Roman be selecting the team?

* Will chief executive Peter Kenyon make an early departure from the club?

* Will Ancelotti have to take advice from Guus Hiddink?

* What is Frank Arnesen‘s role under the new management regime?

* Will Ancelotti have any money to spend?

* How will he get a long with Ballack, Drogba, Terry and Lampard?

* What players are going to be shown the door?

* Can he obtain any marquee names before the transfer season ends?

* Will we really see entertaining football or will we see the tired, defensive (but usually successful) Italian style?

Carlo, we’re watching you. Good luck!