THE BOYS NEED TO RISE

 The 2011-12 season was a season which no Chelsea fan will ever forget. We made a horrendous start and it seamed that it will go down as one of the worst seasons in the history of the club. Everything was in shambles. However the big boys rose up to the occasion and turned the season upside down. The club which was struggling against small domestic sides knocked out the legendary Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich in their own backyard and went on to win the biggest prize in club football the UEFA Champions League.

Why I am sharing this today is because Chelsea FC are in midst of a great crisis. We are currently ranked 11th in the league, have been knocked out of both the domestic cups. Furthermore there is a high probability of not qualifying for European football next season.

The only tournament wherein we are alive is the UEFA Champions League. However even there we have to face the tournament favorites Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. Even if we get past Madrid we will have to face either Manchester City or Bayern Munich. The things are looking quite bleak at the moment. We have an interim manager who is also our club legend. But, the club right now is in absolute shambles. 

 However one can only hope for the best. Afterall where there is hope there is life. Will the boys be able to replicate the 2011-12 season. I simply don't know. Drogba's message might inspire the current lot, but it alone can't do everything. The boys need to rise.     

REAL HAMMERS BARCELONA

 

Image Credit- The Indian Express

Real Madrid were facing FC Barcelona in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey Semi final. The first leg which was played in Madrid ended in a 1-0 victory for the Cules. In addition to it the Cules have outplayed Los Blanocs thrice this year.  So there was a lot of pressure in the Madrid camp. 

It was a must win game for them. And Boy what a game it turned out to be. Real Madrid blew away Barcelona in their own backyard. Just before halftime Vini Jr. scored the opening goal of the game and levelled the tie on aggregate 1-1. However the second half was all about Big Ben who scored a wonderful hattrick and took Madrid to the final of Copa del Rey after 9 long years. In addition to it we also need to praise the defense who were rock solid in such a crucial game. 

Real will now face Osasuna in the Copa Del Rey finals. One can hope that Madrid will overcome Osasuna in the final and will win the Copa Del Rey trophy. Till then fingers crossed and best wishes to Los Blancos. 

 

FREIBURG STUNS BAYERN IN MUNICH

 

Image Credit- Bleacher Report

The German Giants FC Bayern Munich were facing domestic rivals SC Freiburg in the DFB Pokal Quarterfinal game in Munich. Munich were in their best of forms since the arrival of Tuchel. In a crucial league game against Dortmund, Munich came out victorious and became league toppers once again. To be honest they did not just beat Dortmund, but annihilated them. As a result everyone was expecting an easy win for the Bavarians. 

However this is football and anything can happen any moment. The visitors conceded an early goal in the game, but levelled just 8 minutes after conceding the same. They remained strong in front of mighty Bayern Munich for entire 90 minutes. At last in the 95th minute they scored the winner [Penalty] and knocked Munich out of the DFB Pokal in their own backyard. 

Everyone was shocked. No one could believe the same. The upset has happened. Freiburg has stunned Munich. 

THE SEASON OF SACKING

 

Image Credit- Sky Sports

A Football Manager can get sacked at any time of the season. But it is only during the end of the season when we witness sacking, removal and appointment in bunches. However, the same has happened this time earlier in the season. In the month of March-April we have witnessed so many sackings across Europe that it can even be called the season of sacking. 

Julian Nagelsmann was sacked from Bayern Munich following their poor set of results in the Bundesliga. Though Bayern was just one point away from the top spot, but his performance was considered below par by the Bayern Authorities. As a result, he was sacked during the international break. 

In England things are slightly different. Brendan Rogers has been sacked by Leicester City because they are currently placed 19th in the league and are fighting relegation. Tottenham have sacked Antonio Conte due to poor results in the league and other knock out tournaments. 

Chelsea have sacked Graham Potter because of poor results in the league. Though under him Chelsea have reached the Quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League but are currently ranked 11th in the league which is very poor in any standard. 

It will be interesting to see that which club will appoint whom to take the sinking ship out of the storm. But whosoever is appointed knows that he has a mountain to climb. It won't be that easy. 

THE DREAM OF TREBLE

 

Image Credit- Manchester Evening News

Manchester City are currently 2nd in the league. Furthermore, they have reached the semifinals of the F.A. Cup and quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. To ensure that they remain in the fight for the Premier League title it was necessary for them to overcome their archrivals Liverpool. Even though Liverpool is not in their best form, but its football and anything can change any moment. Furthermore, a defeat or a draw would have dented City's title hopes. As a result, it was necessary for Manchester City to be at their best. And Boy what a game it turned out to be.

Salah scored the opening goal of the game in the 17th minute and Liverpool were 1-0 up. But then City displayed their class and outshined the men in red. To be honest they turned this game into a one-sided affair. They dominated in every sphere. Alvarez, De Bruyne, Gundogan and Grealish scored goals for City and at the end of 90 minutes City won the tie 4-1. The entire side gave their best. But Jack Grealish was the best among all. He scored, he assisted, he defended. In short, he did everything that could have been done on the football pitch.

Currently Manchester City are 8 points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. The title race is alive, so is the chance of completing historic treble. Will this be Pep's year? The answer lies in the womb of time.

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