For Chelsea followers, the 2023/24 Champions League has made for tough viewing. After all, the matches have been good – the matchup between Union Berlin and Actual Madrid was one of the crucial entertaining 90 minutes of soccer in latest reminiscence – however Chelsea’s absence has undoubtedly put a damper on issues.
That absence was set in stone after the disappointing recreation towards Actual Madrid that occurred in April final 12 months. Not solely did this recreation see Chelsea lose out on the possibility to elevate a 3rd Champions League trophy – though that was wanting fairly slim on the likelihood – nevertheless it additionally ensured they might not play within the competitors in the course of the present season.
There was an indeniable air of gloom when followers walked away from Stamford Bridge that day, with many questioning whether or not Chelsea had grow to be – we shudder to consider it – a unhealthy staff.
However whereas their fortunes haven’t been nice not too long ago, it’s onerous to examine Chelsea occurring a downward spiral, particularly contemplating their previous triumphs.
Bear in mind, 2021 and even 2012 weren’t too way back. These have been the years when Chelsea marched by way of among the finest groups on the earth, arising trumps in two finals which can be etched endlessly into the Blues’ reminiscence.
Do these victories enhance their Champions league odds for 2024/25? Nicely, in all probability not. However there are undoubtedly cues that may be discovered by the staff shifting ahead.
What Did Chelsea Get Proper?
It’s onerous to not discuss concerning the 2012 Champions League marketing campaign with out mentioning membership legend Didier Drogba. Within the ultimate towards Bayern Munich, it was Drogba who turned hero when he equalised within the 88th minute of the sport, maintaining Chelsea’s trophy hopes alive earlier than a tense penalty shootout noticed them recover from the road.
All through the marketing campaign as an entire, Drogba had been a rock for the gamers, lots of whom had been written off earlier than the primary ball was even kicked. His expertise – in addition to the expertise of gamers like John Terry, Peter Cech, and Frank Lampard – proved important.
Individuals overlook that, close to the start of the event, Chelsea went by way of a full managerial change. The unique supervisor, Andre Villas-Boas had been criticised for phasing out the older gamers in favour of recent ones, however when Roberto Di Matteo took over, this ethos was switched on its head. The as soon as ostracised older gamers have been introduced again into the combination, with their management proving important in the previous few video games earlier than the ultimate – in addition to the ultimate itself.
In the course of the 2021 season, historical past repeated itself. Midway by way of the marketing campaign, Chelsea underwent a managerial change – one thing that ought to have thrown the membership into turmoil, solely it ended up making them stronger than ever.
As soon as once more, it was the skilled gamers that pulled Chelsea by way of. With expertise underneath their belt, legendary gamers like Thiago Silva, Marcos Alonso, and Romelu Lukaku rekindled their finest type and took management of the marketing campaign in essentially the most concise approach potential. Nobody anticipated them to win it. Particularly with Manchester Metropolis placing in barnstorming performances within the semis and quarters. However it was perception within the core of older gamers – and the stability they’d with the newbies – that noticed them over the road.
What Do They Must Get Proper Now?
We’re not saying that Chelsea have to sack their supervisor with the intention to win the 2024/25 Champions League ultimate. We’re additionally not saying that finals will be gained solely by the older era. The reality is that Chelsea had their backs to the wall in each the 2012 and 2021 campaigns, however had the management of their squad to place it to their benefit.
Proper now, that management appears to be lacking. Both the older group of gamers will not be pulling their weight in a management sense, or the managing staff will not be taking full benefit of their management capabilities. Both approach, the formulation to win a Champions League ultimate is there for Chelsea. They simply want to return to these victories of the previous and be taught from them.
