http://www.chelseafc.com/article.asp?id=177726
What's YOUR reaction now?
Thursday, Dec 18, 2003
We’re here! The question that has lurked since the summer investment in
Chelsea has been: how will everyone react when we have a dip in form, in
results, in outlook?
It’s a question that has been directed by the media at the supporters,
the players and the owner.
The manager is clear we’re here. Claudio Ranieri said after the defeat
to Aston Villa and elimination from the Carling Cup last night: “I think in
this period everything is wrong for us. We tried to win the match but Villa
played better than us and deserved to win. Now we have to stay strong. We have
to focus on a very difficult match at Fulham on Saturday and everyone must
stay strong.”
Despite only one point from our last two League games, the Premiership
remains, a reflection of our strength. We are third, 11 points ahead of fourth
placed Fulham. Fulham are nearer relegation zone Portsmouth, they are nine
points ahead of them, than they are to us.
Chelsea started with a 3-4-3 formation last night and didn’t thrive.
Villa had the better of the first-half and led 1-0. Ranieri changed to 4-4-2
nine minutes into the second-half with the double substitution, and although
the team looked better thereafter, the equaliser was followed by another
Villa goal.
Ranieri explained: “It wasn’t the system. Angel made a fantastic goal
and then we tried to draw the match. We played better second-half to first-half
. When we drew I was sure we would win but Villa had a very strong heart.
“I just wanted to put them under pressure and changed the players to
give a rest to Makelele and then Damien Duff and Glen Johnson.”
Villa manager David O’Leary wouldn’t be drawn into the formation issue,
and didn’t think it was relevant. “I think what won it was the attitude of
the players, the belief. It’s not for me to talk about other people‘s
systems. The manger felt – and he’s an excellent manager – that that was
right for him. I wish Chelsea well in all their adventures this season.”
Villa captain Olof Mellberg certainly felt he had been in a difficult
game. “It was very hard work. They’re very good with the ball and had a lot
of possession. We played well for 20-30 minutes and then we had to defend for
the rest of the game and we did that very well. Even though they created a
couple of chances we had control.”
There is training as normal today.
--
╔═══╗ ╔╗ ╔╗ ╔═══╗ ╔╗ ╔═══╗ ╔═══╗ ╔═══╗
║╔═╗║ ║║ ║║ ║╔══╝ ║║ ║╔══╝ ║╔══╝ ║╔═╗║
║║ ╚╝ ║╚═╝║ ║╚══╗ ║║ ║╚══╗ ║╚══╗ ║╚═╝║
║║ ╔╗ ║╔═╗║ ║╔══╝ ║║ ╚══╗║ ║╔══╝ ║╔═╗║
║╚═╝║ ║║ ║║ ║╚══╗ ║╚══╗ ╔══╝║ ║╚══╗ ║║ ║║
╚═══╝ ╚╝ ╚╝ ╚═══╝ ╚═══╝ ╚═══╝ ╚═══╝ ╚╝ ╚╝
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 211.74.166.158