[情報] All You Need is Duff

[jftsai (Good Luck Chelsea)]

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/chelsea/story.jsp?story=609886

Duff given 'cotton wool' treatment as Mourinho protects prize asset

By Jason Burt
11 February 2005


A hooded figure bundled Damien Duff into a black Mercedes outside Lansdowne
Road. But it was not a sinister plot hatched by Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene
Wenger oreven Luiz Felipe Scolari, who had just seen his Portuguese side
trumped by the Ballyboden flier.


It was Jose Mourinho. The Chelsea manager, together with his coach Andre
Villas, had watched Duff produce a performance of extraordinary skill,
determination and aggression against Mourinho's home country and one of
the world's highest-ranked nations. After Ireland's 1-0 victory, Mourinho
had hugged Duff before making sure he got into the car and was whisked away
to Dublin airport - along with Paulo Ferreira and Tiago - for a private jet
back to London. The vehicle's upholstery was probably lined with cotton wool,
such is Duff's value right now.


It was different for player and manager not so long ago. Last September
Mourinho attended the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier against
Cyprus in Dublin, and left without even speaking to Duff. That upset the
25-year-old, who feared at that time that Mourinho did not want him. Having
seen Arjen Robben arrive at Chelsea, Duff thought there would not be room
for both of them. When he spoke in Switzerland, for another qualifier a few
days later, there was anxiety in his eyes.


Against Portugal on Wednesday night, there was an edge to his performance.
No one had seen Duff play so fiercely. After just four minutes he tussled
with Cristiano Ronaldo and there was an angry exchange. It seemed so
incongruous.Just after the hour Duff tripped up the Manchester United winger
and was booked before rapidly being clattered himself and substituted.But
before that he had played brilliantly. Mourinho, to his credit, has made Duff
a better, harder, fitter player.


Friends of Duff indicated yesterday that it was just his determination to do
well in his 50th international with all his family watching. He loves playing
for Ireland and it shows. He also loves playing for Chelsea, is happy, and
settled. Mourinho may not have had him in his plans when he arrived - there
has been continued speculation over wingers such as Joaquin - but he has
revised his opinion.


Barcelona, Chelsea's opponents in the Champions' League, would certainly be
interested if Mourinho changed his mind again. But the Chelsea manager
should also remember that Duff has been Roman Abramovich's favourite player.
And in the absence of the injured Robben, he needs him more than ever.


As do Ireland. Their record under Kerr is extraordinary - 25 games played,
just two lost and only three goals conceded in the last 12 matches. Confidence
is high and competition for places is strong. But there is also a little
anxiety.After all, friendly victories against Portugal or the Czech Republic
matter less than next month's vital World Cup qualifier away to Israel.
Victory there and the World Cup will surely be Duff's next stage.

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推 StillguestXD:這標題是在模仿披頭四的
→ StillguestXD:All You Need is Love嗎XD
推 JamesCaesar:All I Need is Love.....
推 Gronkjaer:沒羅本之前Duff也表現的很好啊
推 jftsai:對新同學的關愛就像上賽季達夫一受傷就很緊張
推 Cudicini:三樓的有點淡淡的哀愁XD
推 JamesCaesar:知我者，卡洛也 XDDDDD