Et tu?
I know, it sounds like a Spanish translation of a Shakespeare play but the reality is far less romantic. In a week filled with strikes and tantrums there seems to be a common denominator: Loyalty. Or lack thereof.
There was a very interesting article in the Daily Mail this week about players forcing through moves and I whole heartedly agree with the point the writer was making.
In an age when managers are sacked so often they can find themselves out of a job after just three months; how can you expect players to stick around when circumstances aren’t ideal?
Chairmen are ruthless, as they should be, with clubs so desperate to stay in the world’s richest league no one is safe. Including the players. Very few tears are shed when a new manager comes in and an old fan favorite finds himself on the bench. John Terry, Wayne Rooney, Vincent Kompany, Jose Fonte and Phil Jagielka are all current club captains who find themselves sitting on the bench.
Nobody cares. Why?
Because they are no longer the best players in their respective positions. So why should current starting players feel any sort of loyalty to the fans? Is it poor form? Sure but deserving of countless articles? Probably not. In a game driven by money, few can afford sentiment.
Loyalty is dead.
So Diego Costa then…
Rumor has it that a monster offer from China (surprise, surprise) has landed in Diego’s postbox and the Spaniard is seriously considering it. Now this is not the first time Diego’s name has been in the papers regarding transfer rumors. For the past few seasons Atletico Madrid have loomed horribly in the background as Chelsea fans pray that our star forward doesn’t get tempted back to his family home. Personally, had Diego left us for the Calderon I would have forgiven him. It is clear that his family have never settled in London.
However, if after all that he left for Tijuana Tuesday, or whatever the Chinese Club is called. The only consolation I would have is that I’m right. I can only hope that Diego and others will prove me wrong.
Back to the weekend and our away trip to the Champions.
Turn the clock back a year and José sat forlornly in the dugout, as a high flying Leicester battered and bruised Chelsea as they willed themselves to victory.
It turned out to be the Special One’s final game in charge. A limp to the end of the season followed with the only high point being the denial of Spurs title charge.
This game was the exact opposite. Chelsea, without the “injured” Costa, played with a false nine that a ponderous Foxes’ backline never smelt let alone touched. A very comfortable victory followed courtesy of an Alonso brace and a Pedro header. The left footed Spaniard was deservedly awarded the man of the match award. He has come a long way to justifying his price tag. Pedro and Hazard returned to their flowing, free running best after disappointing performances against Spurs with Pedro’s no look back heel a particularly cheeky highlight.
Our performance was assured and controlled even if the fireworks were left at home. Antonio will have been pleased after the week’s disruptions. Leicester continue to look down the table with a worried expression and will be praying for an early exit from the AFCON for Algeria.
We can only hope that as the week progresses that Diego can be convinced that for now at the very least. West London is the place for him to be.
If not, take the hundred and fifty million pounds and go buy Messi. That would make us all forget the Spaniard in no time!
Next up is Hull City at the Bridge.
Until next time!!