Chelsea finished sixth in the recently
concluded Premier League season. But how that statistic pales in comparison to
their latest achievement is something that only Roman Abramovich can describe.
That long-coveted piece of silverware which eluded him for eight seasons in a
row – amid a despairing series of events – finally has pride of place in the trophy
cabinet at Stamford Bridge.
Agreed, it might not have been a brand of football that Abramovich has advocated since he took over the club in 2003. In fact, it blatantly veers from 'beautiful' football; a notion that has ushered a revolving door of managers. But after having bank-rolled millions of his pounds over the years into building and rebuilding this Chelsea team, he has finally earned the most prized return on his investments.
Purists may argue that Bayern Munich were the better team on the night while Chelsea merely repelled projectiles and fed on scraps throughout the game. But to those still struggling with the concept of giving Chelsea credit, here's a simple truth: with four key players banned, they won the Champions League in Bayern's own arena. So, enough said about which was the 'better' team.
Ironically, the man so often guilty of falling to ground at the slightest prod was the one to rise the highest and plant a game-changing header into the back of the net. His remarkable aerial prowess was pressed into service even in defence. The architect of numerous cup wins and titles, Didier Drogba can finally stake his claim for greatness and stretch his palm out for that two-year contract.
Agreed, it might not have been a brand of football that Abramovich has advocated since he took over the club in 2003. In fact, it blatantly veers from 'beautiful' football; a notion that has ushered a revolving door of managers. But after having bank-rolled millions of his pounds over the years into building and rebuilding this Chelsea team, he has finally earned the most prized return on his investments.
Purists may argue that Bayern Munich were the better team on the night while Chelsea merely repelled projectiles and fed on scraps throughout the game. But to those still struggling with the concept of giving Chelsea credit, here's a simple truth: with four key players banned, they won the Champions League in Bayern's own arena. So, enough said about which was the 'better' team.
Ironically, the man so often guilty of falling to ground at the slightest prod was the one to rise the highest and plant a game-changing header into the back of the net. His remarkable aerial prowess was pressed into service even in defence. The architect of numerous cup wins and titles, Didier Drogba can finally stake his claim for greatness and stretch his palm out for that two-year contract.
Chelsea's season-ending flourish may not
have existed even as a fragment when Andre Villas-Boas was shown the door after
the successive losses at West Brom and Napoli. For many, it spelt the worst
time in the club's history. But how Roberto Di Matteo has raised them from
their lowest ebb and into the ambit of greatness should have the manager's job
served to him on a gilded platter. Surely!
Not many would have placed their bets on the FA Cup winners. In fact, Chelsea were only two minutes away from yet
another heartbreak when their new-found self belief finally rose to the
occasion. So often awarded with bitter agony having lost out in two last-16
rounds, one quarter-final, three semis, and a final, at long last, glory was written
in the stars. And no team deserved it more.
A good perspective Shel. And holds true too. But what bothers me is that this will now be considered the recepie for success against good clubs and wonder what that will do for the viewer of such a brand of football. I fell asleep in the second half.
ReplyDeleteBut I see your point.
Abram, I think Chelsea had to resort to this style of play for many reasons: 1) A lot hinged on this result, including their passage for entry to next year's Champions League. 2) It has been a season that was mired in bitter disappointment just two months ago in March. So Di Matteo engineered a gameplan to grind out results at the cost of football. 3) They were without four key players who have been instrumental in Chelsea getting that far. I am certain going into next season, you'll see a different Chelsea. Bolder, stronger and a significant departure from the anti-football on show against Barcelona and Bayern.
ReplyDeleteI comepletely agree with you Shel, Chelsea deserve the accolades after a long road to victory. Many years of hardwork from the veterans like Drogba, Lampard, Terry and Cech has been rewarded. I think Drogba, Cole, Cahill and Cech were brilliant on the night. Cole and Cahill literally put their bodies on the line. And Bayern had only themselves to blame.
ReplyDeleteWe at Liverpool have struggled this season playing the eye pleasing football but not putting the ball in the net so I feel for Bayern in a way. They took all the initiative. But as it was in 2005, IT WAS WRITTEN :-)
A lot of people forget that defensive football is also an art of playing the game as much as attacking football. Although the former is not as attractive as the latter. But teams need to play to their strength and that's what Chelsea did. Hats off to them for that. Add to that, Bayern dominated and created chances but never took them - in my opinion they didnt deserve to win.
ReplyDeleteMy only argument is not who deserved to win the game (Chelsea did) but who deserved to be crowned Champions of Europe? In my humble opinion over the course of the tournament, Bayern are the ones who played like and earned the right to be called Champions. But as cup competitions go, it just doesnt matter how you win it as long as you do... kudos to Chelsea
As a silver lining of sorts... we dont have to see 'em Spurs in the Champions League next season