Mourinho II Season II: Progress Made

14 March 2015 11:13

The sight of Jose Mourinho raising the Capital One Cup at The Wembley was a lovely one for all sympathizers and fans of 'The Special One' and Chelsea Football Club. José, as successful as he has been throughout his managerial career, exhibited how relieved and euphoric he was after a long wait for a major trophy with those wild celebrations; you can’t blame the man, he’s a passionate serial winner! His new group of players also showed how contented they were to see their efforts from last season being rewarded finally with a cup. The Capital One Cup, arguably the least important of the three domestic cups available for grabs in the season, was done and dusted; On to the next one.

Competing at the highest level has always been the one thing that Mr. Mourinho demands from every one of his squad members. To this extent, every player tries to push himself to the limit to be considered a place in the starting lineup. The camaraderie within the squad has really developed from last season and the new recruits that came in during the summer have seemingly fitted in easily and satisfactorily. On the field, there is enough cohesion and fluidity when the team plays resulting in their somewhat complete control of the premier league even at this stage of the competition. The Blues have marvellously maintained their position at the top of the league ever since they got there; a rare occurrence in the league. With 11 games to go, the premier league looks likely to be moving back to the capital after a 5-year wait.

Throughout the season, the “Fabregas-to-Costa-goal” has been one that has really pleased fans especially when some pundits and rival fans wrote them off. These two additions have really kept the Blues flying the flag high especially in the premier league. Fabregas, playing alongside Matic, has indeed shown his class and the quality he brings to the side linking up play exquisitely from deep in midfield to attack. Matic in his second season has also cast aside any doubts that some fans had when the club decided to bring him back for £21m from Benfica. What a boss he has been in midfield all season! Diego “The Guvnor” Costa, to the admiration of most Chelsea fans, has had an explosive start to his Chelsea career and the hate he gets from rival fans makes him the more likeable! His attitude on the pitch though sometimes over the top is one that shows the fighter of a striker he is, willing to fight for every ball. He has reiterated time and again he is NEVER going to change that attitude much to the infuriation of defenders. Thibaut Courtois, whom many forget is in his first season at the Bridge, is having another great one as he had had with Atletico. It takes a lot of talent and hard work for a young goal keeper to keep the legendary Petr Cech on the bench and thankfully he hasn’t disappointed his manager.

The Captain of the side has led by example and the young Kurt Zouma will only get better playing alongside this great Legend. JT has lost a considerable lot of pace but his tactical awareness and good judgment has really benefitted the defence and his imminent one-year extension is good news. Cahill by his own high standards has been quite average this season and it is only satisfying that Zouma has raised his game to provide a healthy competition. Zouma has really impressed his manager to the extent of him being compared to the legendary Marcel Desailly and that is a lot to be Happy about for a young guy. There sure is a plan for the future for our centre back pair but until then Mr. Terry will always be number one when the team sheet appears. Branislav Ivanovic, with all the criticisms he receives from some of us, has debatably been one of our most consistent performers for the past 3 seasons and it’s no surprise Azpi still plays on the left side of defence! Filipe Luis who has been used sparingly this season has shown his attacking instincts anytime he has played and with the season almost getting to a close he might get more minutes.

January saw the departure of one of my favourite players, Andre Schurrle, and Salah (on loan). The former showed on the pitch his determination and passion to play for the shirt but unfortunately his competition for the right wing was not strong and good enough. He moves on happily having played with one of his idols, Frank Lampard, and his favorite club. It is quite a shame that he didn’t have a winners’ medal with us but best wishes to him with his new club. Salah’s loan deal at Fiorentina saw Cuadrado join us permanently in a £26m deal. Salah is enjoying his stay in Florence by banging in the goals and assists and the Stamford Bridge loyalists can only hope Juan does same. Willian has shown why Jose Mourinho and Chelsea allowed Tottenham to pay for his flight to London only to end up at The Bridge; that was smart! He has grown in so much confidence with his electric pace and the tremendous improvement in his work rate, always a delight to watch. And oh, how about that for a last minute half volley of a goal against Everton? Sweet!! Another player who has had a fair share of criticisms since the latter part of last season is Oscar and his form hasn’t been completely bad but he really needs to step up a gear as does Ramires. Unfortunately this piece can’t elaborate more on the brilliance of the best player in the league at the moment; Eden Hazard has taken his game to another level and up until 2020 (and hopefully beyond) we can enjoy more magic from this great guy.

It is with great disappointment and pain as I type out the last part of this piece owing to the fact that we crashed out of the UEFA Champions League. The players were not as convincing on the night as they’ve always done in the last decade in this particular competition but credit also to the Parisiens who fought hard with 10 men. Even in defeat, the fans were very supportive of the team as always. It is hoped that what happened this season will provide a big ‘headstart’ for the guys to go for it MORE in the next seasons. The progress seen in the squad so far in the season is massive and with Jose stressing on longevity and team building with some youth to be given chances, there can only be big smiles on our faces. 11 games to go, Capital One Cup already in the bag, bring the Premier League title home, come on Chelsea! #KTBFFH

Source: DSG