|
|
Champions League Comment: Jose Mourinho proves he is the 'Special One' as Inter show Chelsea their European pedigree
Nerazzuri boss teaches Ancelotti and Chelsea a Champions League lesson…
17 Mar 2010 09:34:00
By Carlo Garganese
Just before the final whistle, with their team heading out of Europe, Chelsea fans turned against their old hero by singing in unison "F**k off Mourinho". Deep down, though, they probably wanted to sing "Come back".
The architect of this impressive victory was undoubtedly the Portuguese master, who proved just why he is the best coach in world football. The Italian media were sharpening their knives for him following his controversial decision to leave Mario Balotelli at home for disciplinary reasons, and the consensus was that if Inter were eliminated, Mourinho would be looking for a new job at the end of the season.
Eyebrows were further raised when Mou unleashed an ultra-attacking 4-2-1-3 system with three attackers and offensive midfielder Wesley Sneijder supporting. But it proved to be a masterstroke from the Special One. Aside from a spell either side of half time, Inter were the bosses on the pitch.
In every department, Inter were superior. Julio Cesar barely had to make a save all game, with the only time Chelsea really threatened his goal being when Nicolas Anelka attempted to flick past the Brazilian just before the break.
Inter created five clear opportunities before they eventually hit the back of the net through Eto’o on 79 minutes. The Cameroonian, who again showed that he really is Mr Decisive in the Champions League having previously scored key goals in two finals, could have had a poker tonight, while Diego Milito and Goran Pandev also squandered one-on-ones.
In midfield, the Chelsea players had no answer to the movement and tactical intelligence of their foes. Esteban Cambiasso made countless interceptions, while Wesley Sneijder’s passing was magnificent and looked like splitting open the Chelsea defence every time he touched the ball. The Inter attack was wasteful and should have killed off the game long before they did, but their movement and interchange troubled John Terry and Alex time and again. Plus, the threat of the wide strikers prevented Chelsea's full-backs from giving any width or support going forward.
It must be acknowledged that Chelsea looked like a really ageing side tonight – something we will analyse in more detail tomorrow morning – and the club looks to be moving in exactly the same direction as their coach Carlo Ancelotti’s previous club Milan. Full of slow players over the age of 30 whose best days are behind them. Unless Roman Abramovich starts investing very soon, there is only one way Chelsea are going and that is down.
Like at Milan in 2007-08 and 08-09, there is only so much Ancelotti can do at Chelsea with an old team. But at the same time, Ancelotti looked like a coach short on ideas. There were no tactical adjustments when things were clearly going against his team, and the introduction of Joe Cole in the second half was a big mistake. Inter took complete control following his arrival, and the Englishman really does look like a shadow of the player he was before his long-term injury. If Ancelotti has Sir Alex Ferguson’s number, then Mourinho definitely has Ancelotti’s.
Mourinho was the Special One at Stamford Bridge yet again, as Inter finally showed their Champions League pedigree after years of disappointment.
The architect of this impressive victory was undoubtedly the Portuguese master, who proved just why he is the best coach in world football. The Italian media were sharpening their knives for him following his controversial decision to leave Mario Balotelli at home for disciplinary reasons, and the consensus was that if Inter were eliminated, Mourinho would be looking for a new job at the end of the season.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
Eyebrows were further raised when Mou unleashed an ultra-attacking 4-2-1-3 system with three attackers and offensive midfielder Wesley Sneijder supporting. But it proved to be a masterstroke from the Special One. Aside from a spell either side of half time, Inter were the bosses on the pitch.
In every department, Inter were superior. Julio Cesar barely had to make a save all game, with the only time Chelsea really threatened his goal being when Nicolas Anelka attempted to flick past the Brazilian just before the break.
Inter created five clear opportunities before they eventually hit the back of the net through Eto’o on 79 minutes. The Cameroonian, who again showed that he really is Mr Decisive in the Champions League having previously scored key goals in two finals, could have had a poker tonight, while Diego Milito and Goran Pandev also squandered one-on-ones.
Best foot forward | Eto'o strikes to bury Chelsea
In midfield, the Chelsea players had no answer to the movement and tactical intelligence of their foes. Esteban Cambiasso made countless interceptions, while Wesley Sneijder’s passing was magnificent and looked like splitting open the Chelsea defence every time he touched the ball. The Inter attack was wasteful and should have killed off the game long before they did, but their movement and interchange troubled John Terry and Alex time and again. Plus, the threat of the wide strikers prevented Chelsea's full-backs from giving any width or support going forward.
It must be acknowledged that Chelsea looked like a really ageing side tonight – something we will analyse in more detail tomorrow morning – and the club looks to be moving in exactly the same direction as their coach Carlo Ancelotti’s previous club Milan. Full of slow players over the age of 30 whose best days are behind them. Unless Roman Abramovich starts investing very soon, there is only one way Chelsea are going and that is down.
Like at Milan in 2007-08 and 08-09, there is only so much Ancelotti can do at Chelsea with an old team. But at the same time, Ancelotti looked like a coach short on ideas. There were no tactical adjustments when things were clearly going against his team, and the introduction of Joe Cole in the second half was a big mistake. Inter took complete control following his arrival, and the Englishman really does look like a shadow of the player he was before his long-term injury. If Ancelotti has Sir Alex Ferguson’s number, then Mourinho definitely has Ancelotti’s.
Mourinho was the Special One at Stamford Bridge yet again, as Inter finally showed their Champions League pedigree after years of disappointment.
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
