For a columnist and keen observer of all matters Chelsea, there is
no shortage of subjects to consider when looking back on the last seven
days, as Pat Nevin has discovered…
I will get on to the transfer window momentarily but first I have to
say that I have rarely, if ever, felt so positive following a defeat.
The performance and effort against Bayern Munich in the Super Cup was at
least as invigorating as it was heart rending.
In the space of five short days Mourinho's men have drawn against the
European champions after 120 minutes (that should be 121 minutes),
having stood toe to toe with the English champions earlier in the week.
What was most intriguing were the tactics adopted for the two ties.
Against Manchester United there was a defensive solidity at the core,
but against Guardiola's all-star outfit there was already a more
penetrating counter-attacking philosophy in place. On another day Oscar, David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic
could all have wrapped it up long before Bayern equalised. The breaks
were lightning quick and it is clear that this is a style which will
undoubtedly be needed going forward this season.
I am not convinced Chelsea will play this way every week, but the
need to be adaptable and tight at the back, especially away from home in
the most challenging European ties, will be absolutely necessary. To
win big in Europe, especially in the Champions League, you need to know
when and how to shut up shop. The Blues are releasing this under Jose,
the attacking options you feel are already well in place.
The European draw itself would have pleased most Chelsea-minded folk.
It is never actually going to be easy, but it certainly could have been
a lot harder. Steaua, Basel and Schalke will all be tricky,
particularly away from home, but with the organisation and meticulous
preparation that Jose brings, I expect a positive outcome.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the playing style of the last
two games demands huge levels of energy and fitness. If you consider the
work rate of the likes of Oscar
it becomes clear the entire squad will be needed at various points. It
may look as though we have a multitude of international-class
midfielders, but playing this high tempo lung-bursting style will demand
rotation if this is going to be a successful season in most, if not
all, of the trophies we compete in.
It has been an incredibly busy week down Stamford Bridge. I am on
paragraph six here before I can get round to welcoming one of the
greatest strikers in world football over the past decade to the club.
Samuel Eto'o has in his time terrorised defences as much as any striker
on the planet and we hope that after his sojourn in deepest southern
Russia, he is ready willing and able to get to the pinnacle one more
time.
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