PlayBeautiful

Chelsea played the last game of their post-season tour in the USA. One interesting development of this particular match was that Fernando Torres was given the captain’s armband for the entire match. It made me wonder if this was some sort of subliminal message regarding Torres’ future at Chelsea. Should Torres continue building his career at Stamford Bridge or find greener pastures elsewhere? There are two sides to this equation, so here’s a breakdown of whether Fernando Torres should stay or go.



If He Stays…
This season El Niño has seen his better days in a Blue shirt. He delivered a total of 23 goals and 7 assists in the 2012/13 campaign. Nine of those goals in European competitions shows that he’s been picking up his form compared to what it used to be in the past couple of seasons. Rafa Benítez has been working close with Torres to rebuild and regain this form. In an interview with Grant Wahl for Sports Illustrated, Benítez himself said,

“[Torres is] improving his fitness. He has been working so hard in the gym, and his pace is nearly there. He's very strong. So he can beat defenders running, and now it's just confidence.” 

If Torres continues this steady progression in performance, we can see him build his strength as well as boost his confidence. You can’t deny the fact that he’s made some crucial goals during the season. When he’s hot right now, Chelsea could use it to their full advantage. Keeping him for one more year could be the test to ensure if Fernando has indeed found his footing. The further faith in Torres could see Roman Abramovich bearing the fruits of his investment as well as his belief in the price tag. After the departure of the legendary Didier Drogba, Torres was given a golden opportunity to prove himself. The introduction of key players in attack such as Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, and Oscar has transitioned the side into playing a type of fluid, attractive football. This meant Torres had to adapt to Chelsea’s creative style. Torres has reiterated to UEFA.com,

“Every day you learn new things and you change a little bit. You are the kind of player that you are all your life, but I think the key is to adapt to a new system, new players, a new style of football, and that takes some time. In my case maybe more than it should, but after a couple of seasons here I can see how different the team is compared to when I arrived, with different players. We have to be clever and focused in the adaptation of the new ideas of the team, the manager, the kind of football we're playing now. I think this is the main difference. I think my mind is open, more open than before, and I can see what I have to do to improve.” 

If he continues to bolster his work-rate and push his commitment, there’s no reason he can’t score at least 20 goals in conjunction with the attacking midfield. The chemistry can only get better from here. When José Mourinho arrives, Torres knows he’ll have to prove himself on all fronts. This should be enough motivation to display he’s a team player since Mourinho doesn’t like slackers. Moreover, football has become a business in the modern age. A sad but true reality. In a way, Torres is a brand for Chelsea. His shirts are top-sellers worldwide, which means his success can only help the club maintain its global image.



If He Leaves…
Chelsea and Torres have spent three years in each other’s company. Although one could argue Fernando Torres has scored 20+ goals, this should be the case when Chelsea have played a total of 69 games. Being the primary choice in leading the line, there should be no reason why Torres can’t score that many goals. Chelsea have played more matches than any other European side this season. In the league, Torres has only managed 8 goals for the team. Although he has improved his work-rate, a good work-rate doesn’t always translate into goals. It’s no secret Torres doesn’t have the killer instinct he once had. He doesn’t come off as a natural poacher in the box, which is a key element Chelsea could use in a striker. Torres has shown inconsistencies as a #9 with his lack of clinical finishing. It could be a risk to keep him beyond another season. Not only that, it could prove costly for the club to remain optimistic in the process of Torres rediscovering his top form. Torres has very high wages and offloading him could help the club cut their losses. This could be the time to sell him since Chelsea can capitalize on his present form. Those funds could be used to bring in another alternative. Roman could outright sell or use him in a cash + trade deal. Torres would most likely be sold outside of England, which would be the preference of the majority of Chelsea supporters. This would give the new manager a chance to sign another top name for the job. Some candidates linked to Chelsea are Edinson Cavani, Mario Gómez, Burak Yılmaz, and Robert Lewandowski. Although these players are unproven in the Premier League, they have the firepower and confidence to be a great addition to Chelsea. If the club decides to retain Fernando’s services, he may be reduced to starting on the bench or used as a squad player. Keeping him would mean he adds depth, but doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll have an important role. It would be in Chelsea‘s best interest to find a player who is of a certain standard. The standard should always be world-class instead of mediocre. It would make more sense for Chelsea to find a player who already highlights their philosophy. In other words, the player should fit the club’s needs instead of the club trying to fit the player’s needs.

Like the two sides of any coin, every situation presents itself with pros and cons. The decision to keep Torres or to sell him is a complex one. According to The Telegraph, Torres has been reinvigorated with a “sense of importance” at Chelsea. He’s been showing his goal-scoring prowess, but at the same time has not reached the level he is very eager to find with the Blues. His future may be out of his hands, but he hasn’t let the optimism slip through his fingers. It is Fernando Torres’ words that echo, “the best goal is yet to come.” 

Written by: Goral Patel

Follow me on Twitter: @goralpatel 

I clenched my fists and cried in agony as I watched the last few minutes of the Copa del Rey. Was this really happening? I knew once Ronaldo received his red card, all hope was gone. The final whistle eventually blew and Atlético Madrid were crowned the new Copa del Rey title holders. I was not happy. We were so close, yet so far.

Looking back, I was not mad that Atlético had won. This was an enormous accomplishment for them and I am proud of them. I was upset at the fact that Real Madrid had so much to prove this season, and due to unfavorable circumstances, Real Madrid were incapable of attaining at least one trophy. The Copa del Rey trophy was our last hope and it had slipped right through our fingers.

It’s not even about the trophies (okay, maybe a little but not completely). I came into this season thinking that this will be Real Madrid’s year. Having strong players and a strong-minded manager, like Mourinho, meant that we would go into this season with a bang. I was also confident Real Madrid were going to win the Champions League. With so much high expectations, Real Madrid ultimately fell short.

Should “The Special One” stay or go?

The big question right now is whether Mourinho will stay or choose to leave. Personally, I think he will stay for one more season at Madrid. Many people speculate that Mourinho will make a return to England and manage Chelsea. As a Chelsea supporter, I am conflicted with this report. I would love to see Mourinho come back to Stamford Bridge and work his magic on the new players, however, my gut feeling tells me otherwise.

Mourinho is someone who departs a club on a high note. Right after Real Madrid’s loss to Atlético, Mourinho stated in his press conference “this was the worst season of [his] career.” Not to discredit his two previous seasons that were successful, but I do not think that it is in his best interest to leave a club in this kind of state. Staying for one more season could allow Mourinho to undo some damage to the club. He is contracted to stay for three more years at the club (although he can make negotiations with the president if he wishes to leave).

At the moment, there are reports that state Carlo Ancelotti will not return to PSG next season. This only strengthens the “Carlo to Real Madrid” rumors since the club has shown some interest in Ancelotti. If this is true then there is a very good chance Mourinho will leave Real Madrid and return to Chelsea. Nothing is for certain right now, but whichever club Mourinho decides to manage I wish him the best of luck.

Written by: Laxmi Patel

Follow me on twitter: @OfficialLaxmi

image via Real Madrid

For 90 minutes my heart was ready to jump out of my body. Three more minutes wouldn't have made any difference. Or so I told myself. In a span of seconds, a game can change. This is what Chelsea proved when Ivanovic's 93rd minute header sealed the Blues’ victory over a persistent Benfica side. If that wasn't enough drama for you, here are a few key highlights of the whirlwind final in Amsterdam.

Midfield Mayhem
A team’s life is in their midfield. This is where Benfica put forth all their effort, but could not bear the fruits of their labor. Benfica showed fluid movement, intelligent passing ability, and continuous pressure to get the better of Chelsea. The understanding between Rodrigo, Salvio, and Gaitán made Cardozo’s job easier to find the ball. Whenever Cardozo had the ball at his feet, he was the star-player on the pitch. The one who a was a constant threat to Chelsea’s defense. His technique in the box made for some spectacular chances and he could have easily put his team up three goals. Unfortunately, an array of these chances became missed opportunities. One of the most controversial decisions of the night was disallowing Cardozo’s header in the 50th minute. The offside call could be debatable, but replays show it was the correct decision by a margin.

Chelsea’s woes in midfield was partly due to Hazard’s absence. The Belgian was missing from the lineup after suffering a hamstring injury. We were not able to hold the ball up front effectively and central midfield had difficulties coping with Benfica’s pressure. Ramires was deployed as a right winger, but couldn't perform the role to the best of his ability. Four out of eight Chelsea’s offsides were from the Brazilian. Our double pivot lacked communication during crucial moments as well. Frank Lampard and David Luiz were paired alongside each other in defensive midfield, but they weren’t always on the same page. At times, David Luiz would move too back or Lampard moved forward leaving gaps to expose in midfield. Chelsea absorbed Benfica’s pressing game and played deeper than usual most of the first half. The team wasn't looking cohesive between attack and defense either. It was through the continuous efforts of Cech and the back-line we were able to hold ground.

Extravagant Goalkeeping
It was hard to tell who made the better saves, but it was easy to tell who had the most action. For most of the match, Cech kept his cool while Benfica played comfortably in the box. Cardozo fired away shots on goal, but Cech read each situation correctly using his experience. Although Artur had conceded two goals, he has to be given credit for his equally impressive reactions. Oscar, Mata, and Lampard all tested Artur during the deadlock, but he held firm. Goalkeepers from both sides deserve honorable mentions.

The Sting of El Niño
A player who has been heavily criticized by Chelsea and non-Chelsea supporters alike, Fernando Torres proved he is no stranger to European competitions. With six goals in six games, he couldn't score at a better time. Torres net the opening goal in the 60th minute of the final with the style reminiscent of the one he scored against Barcelona in the 2011/12 Champions League semi-final. He rounded Benfica’s goalkeeper in a calm manner and tucked the ball in with composure. He is the first Chelsea player ever to score in seven different competitions in a single season which include the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Community Shield, FA Cup, and the Capital One Cup. Along with Juan Mata, he also currently holds World Cup, European Championship, Champions League, and Europa League titles under his belt. You can only appreciate what he has accomplished despite being labeled as unlucky by the majority. In a previous interview with Sportsmail Torres foreshadowed, “Many teams don’t want to go through in the Europa League, they want to focus on the Premier League but we've shown to everyone we want to win it.” Indeed, Chelsea have done exactly that in a season full of turmoil.

One Last Bow for Rafa Benítez
As Dominic Fifield from The Guardian points out, “He deserved his chance to hoist the trophy in the aftermath, though the look on his face as he did so betrayed a man who felt he was intruding on someone else's party.” A powerful statement that couldn’t be more accurate depicting Rafael Benítez’s tenure at Chelsea Football Club. Just this one sentence put my perspective in a new light. I did not regard Benítez as anything more than an interim manager. As a Chelsea supporter, he frustrated me with his substitutions and I couldn't fathom what competitions he deemed as important. I failed to understand how we missed out on so many chances to win silverware. In all honesty, my attitude was indifferent towards the man. Winning the trophy took the emotions right out me. For the first time I admitted to myself that Rafa deserves the credit where credit is due. He can walk out with his head held high because he pushed to get the team back on the right track. This wasn't Rafa’s team, but he used it to the best of its ability. He rotated a squad that has played the most games in Europe this season. Fatigue was a major concern. Nonetheless, it was a final of a European competition and Benítez fielded the strongest possible lineup. Ninety minutes of normal time had gone by, but Rafa Benítez did not make one substitution while Benfica had used up all of their’s. He had the guts to exercise this decision. Most importantly, the players stood by his side and to achieve a piece of history. There’s nothing more you could ask for.

Champions Of Europe Once Again
Call it a loser’s trophy or an insignificant consolation prize for the second best. It doesn’t change the fact that it’s still a trophy. With this accomplishment, Chelsea become the first team in history to hold both the Champions League and Europa League trophies simultaneously and only the fourth team to lift all three of UEFA’s major club trophies. Success may come at an unexpected price, but the key is to not lose sight of it in the first place. In other words, Chelsea always find a way.