by Kerry Bates
With each season that has passed since the departure of Jose Mourinho, there is a growing desperation within Chelsea to taste the sweet success of being English Premier League champions again. This season has the club welcoming their fourth manager in three seasons with Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian moved from AC Milan to Chelsea over the summer and has been tasked with restoring glory to the club not experienced since their Portuguese coach left under acrimonious circumstances. With half the season played, Ancelotti appears to be doing a fine job. Chelsea continues to lead at the top of the Premier League and there are a few key reasons why they could remain there come the end of the season.
1. The manager Carlo Ancelotti. Without a doubt, teams that have become champions over the years have had one similar trait and that is the presence of a great manager. Carlo Ancelotti has already proven himself both in Italy and Europe as a whole. Once dubbed the nearly man in Italian football, Ancelotti went on to win all the honours available domestically and internationally with AC Milan. It is this same resume on which Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich chose to hire him to lead the club after previous manager Guus Hiddink left.
2. Flourishing strike partners Chelsea used to play with only one striker upfront. That was the system that Mourinho implemented during his reign and found great success with. Subsequent coaches came and tried to impose their own ideals without success. It was not until Ancelotti came in that the team now plays with a more conventional two strikers upfront, with great results to show for it. The Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has struck up a strong partnership with Frenchman Nicolas Anelka with both hitting double digits at this stage of the season. There is no doubt that if both players remain fit and available, they will fire the club to the title.
3. John Terry scandal Many are expecting the scandal that John Terry has found himself in to cause friction in the squad and also lead to unwanted distraction in the title chase. However, most of the players have been reported to be supportive of the defender. Terry is well known for being a mentor for other players in terms of their fortunes on the pitch. That gesture could be returning to him in kind in a positive manner. The opposite individual involved in the scandal is also not a part of Chelsea. The whole situation could lead to an even more united team at Stamford Bridge which could translate to even better performances on the field.
There are many possible reasons why Chelsea should top the Premier League at the end of May, but the above three are the most important of them all. Rarely would a team enjoy a trouble-free season on their way to success and it is often the most difficult situations that would turn them into an indomitable side. Chelsea are now coincidentally going through such a period and with strong mental character, a return to being English football champions is within reach.
About the Author
Kerry Bates is a lifelong Chelsea FC supporter. He is maintaining a Chelsea FC blog that provides cutting edge views on the latest happenings at the English Premier League club. Find out more about his thoughts on the John Terry scandal by visiting his site.
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