I apologise in advance for the third football-based post in four weeks, but I think it just goes to show how dramatic the end of the season can be. Chelsea’s victory in Munich last night demonstrated once more how crazy the game can be. Without a shadow of a doubt, lady luck has been on their side, and they have every right to argue that their triumph was fate and destiny. On numerous occasions in this run, they were complete outsiders, whilst their domestic form suggested that the team was on the wane, lacking cohesion, confidence and fight. However, since the appointment of Roberto Di Matteo as an interim coach, those three qualities have been on display in abundance, especially in Europe. Without them, they certainly would not be celebrating as wildly as they are now.
I think few would have begrudged Bayern Munich the trophy after 90 minutes. They were dominant, both in possession, chances and control of the game. However, it once more demonstrated the necessity to take your chances. The Germans had 35 efforts on goal during the game, with only 8 forcing Petr Cech into action. That is wastefulness of the highest order. Throw in the additional fact that Chelsea made more defensive blocks than in any other game during their Champions League journey (some feat when you consider the display they put on against Barcelona) and it hammers home the performance they put on. Both Gary Cahill and David Luiz, who it must be noted, had susceptible hamstrings, put in heroic shows, whilst Ashley Cole was incredible. Those people who doubted his defensive qualities must surely reconsider their opinions now. He was man of the match in my opinion. Yet, once Bayern broke the deadlock, especially with only 8 minutes left, I anticipate the vast majority considered it to be game over. It was a soft goal to concede. One I thought Cech should have stopped, and was certainly a cruel manner to lose after the display that had been produced over the previous 80+ minutes.
But if you ever wanted the man for the big occasion, then that man must surely be Didier Drogba. Wow, oh wow. Now yes, I am not a 100% Drogba fan as I believe his theatrics are shameful. A man of his size and stature would not crumple to the ground as frequently as he does. Some might argue, it’s to break down the opponents momentum and is gamesmanship, but when you do it so pathetically with all the cameras on you, it is embarrassing. He also has had previous misdemeanours in his Chelsea career; remember the tirade at the referee post-Barca in 2009 or the dismissal in Moscow in 2008? But when the big games arrive, the big man delivers. Nine major finals he has played in for Chelsea, and nine times he has found the back of the net (the one time he didn’t was that Champions League Final in Moscow). The goal last night was stupendous, a bullet of a header. Nobody was getting close to it. Credit must also be paid to Juan Mata for the quality of the corner he delivered. It threw the momentum the other way, and further underlined the belief that it was Chelsea’s night. It would be a disastrous decision by the board if they are to let Drogba leave now. Yes, he is unlikely to be able to play week in, week out. But if you want somebody to win you the big games on the big stages, then you need Drogba in your squad. He will be wanted by many others if he is released by Chelsea.
Also, if Chelsea do not offer Roberto Di Matteo the managerial role on a full-time basis now, they will lose a lot of credibility. This has been Abramovich‘s dream ever since he bought the club and surely he must reward the man who made it possible accordingly. Whether Di Matteo takes up the offer is another matter. After achieving a Cup double in his two months in charge, he will be under huge pressure to retain success. The job is probably the biggest poisoned chalice in the game, and Di Matteo has achieved the greatest achievement in club management. He could get any domestic job now probably, and potentially at a location where the pressure is less and the axe wielding less frequent. The achievement does not hide the fact, that Chelsea’s side is predominantly an experienced one, and these players cannot go on forever, a new influx needs to emerge. Ryan Bertrand has been a successful addition in 2012, whilst young Courtois has been fantastic in goal at Athletico Madrid this season on-loan from The Blues and is definitely the long-term successor to Cech. But more purchases need to be made. Does Di Matteo think he can do this, whilst still keeping the old guard happy as they are slowly given fewer opportunities?
Understandable joyous scenes followed the decisive spot kick. Although I think it said a lot when the bit-part, average players were desperate to be seen in shot and holding the trophy at its presentation (yes, I mean you Kalou, Meireles, Bosingwa and co). I also disagree that Terry should have been allowed to lift the trophy – collect a medal for sure, but raise a cup he had no say in because of his stupid, thuggish nature I think detracted from the work of Lampard, Drogba, Cole and Cech, etc. However, whatever else that could be said, I must conclude that the most remarkable of trophies has been won. Without doubt, Liverpool in Istanbul remains as THE final, but the whole journey of Chelsea’s achievement is remarkable. To be repeatedly the underdog and yet somehow, every time, come out on top, deserves superb credit. Let us not forget they were 3-1 down after the first leg of their last-16 clash with Napoli; they were 2-1 down to Barcelona with 10 men; and finally 1-0 down against Bayern in the Allianz Arena with just 8 minutes remaining. Yes, luck has been on their side, but the team rallied together in a time of adversity, why it took a managerial dismissal to do so is another matter, but they made sure they were always in with a shout. They dared to believe, and those who dare, win.
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