By dixon9
March 15 2010

To read the press with regard to our forthcoming clash against Inter Milan tomorrow night, one could be forgiven for thinking it was Chelsea against Mourinho and not the Serie A dominant “nerazzurri”. This shouldn’t be a surprise to us Chelsea fans though should it? Our former manager is a master at manipulating the media and relieving the pressure from his players.

“Everybody knows Mourinho doesn't lose at Stamford Bridge. My record is unbeatable. It is amazing - we were so strong for such a long time.” 

“I don't feel the reactions from the crowd. I will just sit there and play my game. But I don't hide that Chelsea are a very important part of my life.” 

“Nobody had ever won the title in their first year. But I went down in history.”

 

Of course, there can be no denying the supreme influence Mourinho has over his squads.  He is probably the world’s best tactician and most fluid thinker capable of changing the panorama of a match whilst it is in progress, nevertheless, we do have a better team and it would be a fool who dismisses Ancelotti´s own abilities and influence. 

Our Italian manager counters against Mourinho´s media tactics: 

"It's a game between Chelsea and Inter, not me against Mourinho."

"We know it will be a difficult game against an excellent team, but I think we have a good possibility to do our best to win and go forward.”

"The atmosphere is a good atmosphere to have before a game against Inter.”

Ancelotti hasn’t had that all important time coupled with new signings to totally imprint his own image of football at Stamford Bridge, yet he has managed to deliver a more open, quick moving style (somewhere in-between that of Mourinho and Scolari in my opinion).  His intended brand of football is sometimes choked by the current insistence of a midfield diamond occasionally freed by the interchanging of Lampard, Ballack and Anelka around the tip of the same. 

I suspect that Ancelotti would prefer to vary the diamond or use a different system in the future when he has the necessary material – probably in the shape of new signings or promotions from within the ranks consisting of two attacking midfield/forwards placed behind a main spearhead.  Then Abramovich will probably realise his dream of a successful club playing what the neutrals and masses see as “attractive” football.

But that’s looking more to the future – and there is a way in which the balance could be tipped more in our favour tomorrow night - Ranieri´s “key to pick a lock” -  Joe Cole.  True, Joe has been fighting to get fully fit after a long injury but his most recent performances against Villa and when coming on against West Ham were encouraging.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Ancelotti starts Cole or at least brings him on for the 2^nd half. 

Whilst managers, tactics and players are important there are psychological factors that will influence the outcome of this clash – belief, concentration and balls! 

As Ancelotti says: 

"I think we don't have time to be worried. We have to stay concentrated, have confidence, have courage, have personality; only with this can we win the game."

Amen.

Ancelotti to ensure Special One not a Nemesis with Joe Cole?

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 15/03/2010 14:17

50 Years Over 100 Years
15/03/2010 14:17

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Since 66
15/03/2010 14:44

Again the defence will have to heavily protect Turnbull, Anco announced this afternoon that he will definitely play and it looks like Ricky is available too although I would prefer Alex next door to JT.

If we play as we did on Saturday and Flo retains his form it should be an exciting night.

Lets hope and pray we get a decent and strong referee - or will Platini work his magic - ahem ahem



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dixon9
15/03/2010 15:37

I´d also prefer Alex. He would come in handy as a secret weapon on corners with their short defence.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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dixon9
15/03/2010 18:59

...and re the Ref - it´s Stark - the german ref who took charge of our game at the Nou Camp - 0-0.

IF Inter were to get knocked out Italy´s 4th in the league CL place could be seriously in jepeordy. Hopefully Stark is strong enough not to be influenced by Roth and his corrupt refs committee.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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