Midway through last season, very few Chelsea fans would have expected their club’s season to end the way it did. Struggling in the Premier League, and on the verge of crashing out of the Champions’ League, Roman Abramovich decided to bring an end to Andre Villas-Boas’ short time in charge.
It drew much criticism from fans and the media alike. It seemed ludicrous that the Russian billionaire would invest so much money in appointing the former Porto boss, only to sack him barely half a season into the job. Even those studying free-bet-finder.com/uk/free-bets/euro-2012-free-bets would agree.
Roberto di Matteo, sacked by West Brom just a year before, was put in charge of first team affairs until the end of the campaign, knowing that he had the ideal opportunity to show the footballing world what he was capable of.
What he achieved was incredible. FA Cup success was soon followed by the monumental achievement of winning the Champions’ League for the first time in the club’s history – against all the odds.
It’s now certain that the Italian will begin season as the permanent manager of Chelsea, but this time around there will be a far greater level of expectation.
The signing of Eden Hazard from Lille looks likely to be the first of many big names to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer, with the plan being that Chelsea will once again be a challenger on all fronts.
Whether those over at www.free-bet-finder.com believe that they are capable of halting what looks like the beginning of a Manchester based domination of English football remains to be seen. What is clear, is there is a great deal of intent coming from West London.
Of course, replacing Didier Drogba will have to be the main priority now, with Porto’s Brazilian forward Hulk constantly being linked with a move. Alongside Hazard and Juan Mata, that would appear to be a mouth-watering front line.
However, the Blues will need more that that if they are to challenge both Manchester United and City for the title. Roberto Mancini’s men have the benefit of phenomenal strength in depth – that is something Chelsea arguably lacked last campaign.
Back up options in defence and midfield must be signed. If they can do that, the Premier League could suddenly be more than just a two horse race.
Written by TCB reader Thomas Rooney
Blue is the colour
