CHELSEA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY : A WORLD OF IMAGINATION

I would like to foreword this article by stating that I am not a Chelsea fan, and in fact would probably count myself in the bracket of football fans who would endorse the demise of Chelsea Football Club and all that goes with it. I will admit that when I am writing about Chelsea I am far from unbiased, but I would like to think that I am fair and give a reasonable account of what I see to be the failings, and the successes of Chelsea FC.

Like so many last night, I found myself suffering at the hands of another incredible European fight back from Chelsea. Another late goal, another chance for Jose Mourinho to run on to the pitch, and another famous moment to build on the clubs rapidly developing history and tradition. Because for a club that 20 years ago had little to no reputation in Europe, they have created a strong and lasting tradition. No longer can nostalgic Liverpool fans, and snobby Arsenal supporters sing their variety of chants exclaiming Chelsea’s lack of history – because now, they have one. They have a tradition of winning. Often not in style, sometimes not even deserved, but they win.

I am sure that a lot of journalists from certain media outlets will have convinced themselves that this was Mourinho’s win, his tactically astute mind saw the PSG centre backs were struggling to cope with two centre forwards, let alone three. As I’m sure you know, two substitutes scored last night, which can be manipulated to show how special the ‘Special One’ is. However, what I saw seemed quite desperate. By the time Ba came on with half an hour to go Luiz and Willian were being well outnumbered in midfield and the huge gap between defence and attack meant PSG could relax and take plenty of much needed time to stroll with the ball down the pitch. The game seemed so set that all the eyes in the room turned to the small laptop screen showing Dortmund Madrid where it looked like someone had told Klopp that you get more points for nearly scoring than actually scoring. Only when the Chelsea pressure reformed with 10 minutes to go did everyone realise; they only need one goal.

So how do Chelsea consistently defy the odds? The easy answer is Mourinho, I think most people would agree that over two legs Mourinho can beat almost anyone. But Chelsea’s courage and grit surpasses Mourinho’s time at Chelsea. I remind you that their greatest achievements in Europe came without Jose. I can accept that Mourinho started the Chelsea we know now – but not that without him they would not have won last night. This is where the clumsy metaphor in the title comes into play, for the only things that Chelsea seem to have in common with Charlie Bucket is their first letter and that neither’s story is believable. As a side note, they strongly differ on likability and finances. But if not Mourinho how do Chelsea keep on winning?

I would first suggest that belief creates belief. Because they have done it before they believe they can and will do it again. I have no doubt that as the game kicked off almost every person wearing or supporting blue in that stadium believed that Chelsea would be in the next round of the cup. This belief affects both sides, not only will Chelsea players think they can win, but PSG will start doubting themselves. As was seen last night, when PSG did look stronger they still could not mount pressure, a lot of their attacks seemed sporadic and random.

Secondly, the experience at the core of Chelsea’s team. Perhaps if there had been a full squad available Lampard would not have started, but his experience at not only playing in European competitions but playing with Chelsea in Europe is, as a MasterCard advert would say, priceless. But of course it is not only Lampard, the formidable and sickening John Terry also provides the same experience and belief. A key to Chelsea’s ‘never say die’ attitude.

Thirdly, something that even Martinez cannot adapt Steven Naismith to prevent, something that cannot be coached into a player, luck. You give Cavani those chances again and he will put them in every time. It is as simple as luck can get you through. Of course the previous two points help generate the luck and put pressure on the opponents, but Ibrahimovic being injured, Cavani snatching at chances and an accidental scoop miskick from Ba can be and has been enough.

If you asked me if this is enough to win the competition I would probably say no. Assuming Manchester United don’t progress tonight then you would have to accept that Chelsea are the weakest team left and thus the least likely to win. However, if Real Madrid fall into a lake of Chocolate and get stuck in a pipe, or Munich find themselves turning into a giant blueberry then who knows. Perhaps in this world of imagination it is possible.