God, I've never seen a manager so desperate to win a trophy he'd probably chuck in the bin after. But that's exactly what Enzo Maresca is doing with this Conference League run - claiming Chelsea "are back" if they lift this pot while simultaneously treating it like that participation medal you got in 3rd grade PE.
I was at Stamford Bridge last weekend watching the Liverpool game (spent £120 on a ticket that normally would've gone for double - thanks recession economy!), and there was this weird buzz around the place. Like everyone knew beating the Prem champs 3-1 was more important than any Conference League trophy, but we're all pretending this European adventure matters anyway.
When Did We Get So Desperate?
Remember 2021? Chelsea lifting the Champions League against City in Porto? I do. I was screaming so loud my neighbor texted me at 3am to shut up. Now we're celebrating the chance to beat Djurgardens - Sweden's 11th best team, for crying out loud.
The Blues haven't won anything since February 2022 at teh Club World Cup. That feels like a lifetime ago.
Maresca isn't mincing words though. "It's the only trophy that Chelsea haven't won in the past and we can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions," he said at yesterday's presser, looking slightly uncomfortable in that too-tight club blazer they make him wear.
Translation: we're collecting participation trophies now.
From Abramovich's Empire to American Experiment
Let's be brutally honest. Under Roman, we'd never be in this position.
19 trophies in 19 years. Then chaos.
The Russian invasion forced Roman out, Americans swooped in (my season ticket-holding friend Dave still calls them "the Yankees"), and we've burned through managers faster than I go through phone chargers. Five in just over three years! And don't get me started on the billion quid spent assembling this kindergarten class of a squad.
Even for Chelsea - a club that once tried to electrocute its own fans with high-voltage fencing back in the day - this is a wild ride.
Win It and Bin It
Maresca isn't pretending this is the Champions League.
"Hopefully in the future we can be in different competitions but, at the moment, the reality is the reality," he admitted, looking like a man ordering from the kids' menu because there's nothing else available.
The Italian wants this trophy purely as a stepping stone. A box-ticking exercise.
I spoke with a club insider last week (who'd kill me if I named them) who said the entire backroom staff view this as "the trophy nobody remembers you won."
Cole's Birthday Boost
At least some good vibes are flowing through Cobham. Cole Palmer celebrated turning 23 on Tuesday after breaking his goal drought against Liverpool.
"We had a session, I don't know if he did something different, but he's in a good mood," Maresca said with that half-smile that never quite reaches his eyes.
Palmer looked absolutely knackered at training yesterday. The kid's played almost every minute this season, adn you can tell the schedule is crushing him.
The Brutal Schedule Nobody Talks About
These players are getting hammered with travel. After Thursday's game against the Swedes, they'll have less than 72 hours before a crucial Newcastle clash that could determine Champions League qualification.
Last week they arrived back in London at 4-5am after the Sweden trip. Then played Liverpool on Sunday.
I watched the team bus arrive at Cobham last Friday. Several players could barely keep their eyes open walking into the facility. Poor Moises Caicedo looked like he'd been drugged.
Is This Really "Chelsea Are Back"?
Back in 2019, we won the Europa League under Sarri in Azerbaijan. Nobody cared. We'd already qualified for Champions League through league position.
This feels eerily similar.
Maresca's building something, sure. But claiming "Chelsea are back" by winning Europe's third-tier competition is like saying you're a millionaire because you found a tenner in your winter coat.
Listen. I want us to win. I'll celebrate if we do. But let's not pretend this is anything other than what it is - a consolation prize for a fallen giant.
The real test comes next season. Champions League or bust.
For now though, we take a 4-1 lead into the second leg, and Maresca won't tolerate complacency after that embarrassing 2-1 home defeat to Legia Warsaw in the last round.
Maybe winning this thing is exactly what these kids need. A taste of something shiny to put in the cabinet before they go hunting for the real prizes.
Or maybe I'm just trying to convince myself this matters. Hard to tell anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it that shinguards are mandatory for all football players?
Shin guards should be a part of every footballer's equipment as they protect the lower legs from injury when tackles or collisions occur. The shin guards protect the lower legs from injuries such as fractures and severe bruises. Wearing shin guards is enforced by football's governing authorities to promote player safety within the sport.
What are the best goalkeeper gloves?
Gloves with latex palms offer the best grip in a variety of playing conditions. The latex palm thickness and density are adjustable to balance gripping power and durability. Gloves that have finger protection systems (including spines and stiffening materials) can help prevent hyperextension of the fingers. To allow goalkeepers to perform to their full potential, gloves need to be comfortable and well-fitted.
How do I choose football boots according to my playing surface?
The type of ground you will be playing on can influence the choice of football boot. For natural grass pitches, cleats with metal studs (FG - firm ground) are advisable as they provide traction and stability. Boots with small rubber studs or flat soles are better for artificial turf. Indoor courts (IN), which are a type of court, require non-marking soles. This is to prevent surface damage and ensure proper movement.
What are the basic pieces of equipment required for playing football?
The basic football equipment includes the following: a jersey or t-shirt, shorts (or shin guards), stockings, football boots or cleats. Goalkeepers need additional gear like padded clothing and specialized gloves to protect them while diving and jumping. To maintain safety and to comply with rules, it's important that players wear the right clothing.
How can I make sure my football boots are the right size?
If you want to ensure that your football boot fits properly, it should not be too tight. It should allow some movement of the foot without causing the boot to slip. If you want to prevent squeezing your toes in the boot while running or when kicking, leave about a half-thumb's distance between the toes. It's also imperative to consider the width of your feet and select a boot style that accommodates narrow or wide foot shapes. Try on your boots with socks, and make sure they are fully laced.
Statistics
- Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.
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- Around 25% of youth football players have reported using equipment that is either outdated or not suited to their position on the field.
External Links
How To
How to buy quality shinguards
To ensure your safety while playing, it is wise to invest in high-quality shinguards. Search for guards with a solid layer of protection made from polypropylene or carbon fiber. They should fit comfortably and securely without restricting movements. Size of the shinguard is also very important. It should cover an area that extends from just below the ankle to just above it. Some shinguards have ankle protections to provide additional safety. These are recommended for young players and those who play more physically demanding leagues.
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