The second coming of The Special One to Stamford Bridge was just not about a ‘loved’ man returning to his ‘own’ but most importantly the thought of the team becoming a force again, especially in the premier league, was far more pleasing for most fans. His persona and man management was what the squad at the time needed in the dressing room and the club executed a big plan in bringing him back. His first season (on his return) unlike the first vis-a-vi titles, presented a lot of positives for fans and management to cheer about - Eden Hazard, arguably the club’s most talented player, took his game to a new level mesmerizing fans with scintillating performances, eventually winning the PFA Young Player and Chelsea Player of the year. The club showed (yet again) what a force it is in Europe’s elite competition by being part of the last four in the Champions league.
The 2013/2014 premier league season was a very entertaining one for Chelsea having failed to provide any keen competition for the title since the 2009/2010 season. Although the title was eventually lost to Manchester City under very excruciating circumstances, fans were not hurt as much as the ‘already-declared winners’ from Merseyside, at least they’ve seen the trophy before! There were a lot of SLIPS along the way but what was evident was that the next season was going to be way better and London will be Blue once more as it has always been! Seasons 2s under Mr. Mourinho have always been impressively brilliant throughout his career and it is not by sheer luck. He takes time to assess his team and makes sure to offset the deficiencies in his team: letting some players off, pushing raw talents to the limit, getting his mentality instilled in the dressing room and bringing in new ones to complement his squad.
The early reinforcements that were brought in during the summer showed clearly what he wanted with the squad. Unsurprisingly, all four strikers were replaced to the pleasure of most fans and dare I say that the striking position couldn’t have been better with Diego Costa, Drogba and Remy coming in!
The results that have been coming in for the Blues so far in the season is not just a miracle but a lot of hard work by the current squad and the much needed gusto provided by the manager in the dressing room. After seven (7) games, it was rather ironic that club legend Frank Lampard ‘prevented’ the Blues from equaling their record of 21 points from seven (7) games that was set in 2005/2006 premier league season! Two points were dropped at the Etihad but again 22 points from 8 games is a major improvement on last season. Across Europe, Chelsea still remains the only undefeated team in the major top five leagues and that is one thing to cheer about. One thing that seems to be the enemy of this team is complacency personified by the intensity with which every game is played.
The massive improvements seen in the team are not only highlighted by the super performances from the new acquisitions but also the old players executing newly adapted roles perfectly. Everyone on the pitch fights for the team and that makes them a formidable side.
It is still earlyin the season but the positive signs are definitely worth bragging about! The next fixture which in recent years looked a ‘big game’ almost looks like a routine win for the Blues, judging by how far apart the two teams are. “A little horse that still needs milk and to learn how to jump. A horse that next season can race.” This was the famous quote by Jose Mourinho last season after beating Manchester City at the much dreaded Etihad. It is fair now to say that he is not just the Special One but also the Prophetic One!
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Jose Mourinho in his second season in his second stint as a manager, Enjoy!
Source: DSG
