Jose Mourinho return to the Estadio Do Dragoa was not what Chelsea fans were expecting as the team slumped to another defeat this season.
Considering the fact that FC Porto was the launch pad for Mourinho in his quest to dominating European football, the night would only provide bad memories of the team’s shambolic all round display.
Chelsea were a goal down in 39th minutes with Andre Andre scoring a rebound after Yacine Brahimi made the most of Ivanovic poor defending. Chelsea scored a wonderful free kick through Willian before Porto’s captain Maicon delivered a powerful header in the 52nd minutes to head past Asmir Begovic to make it 2-1.
Although Diego Costa curling effort hit the post, there was also a legitimate appeal for a penalty as the game wound up.
The reigning Premier League Champions dismal performances showed truly the lack of leadership in the team. With Captain John Terry an unused substitute in the match, there was clearly a lack of leadership in the teams’ display.
Chelsea team of past were built around Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard who were leaders that the younger players look up to on the pitch. Currently, the team is really lacking these qualities as there is no direction in the teams display.
The ability of John Terry to coordinate the defensive line was clearly missing as Chelsea’s team was found wanting in set piece defending.
Jose Mourinho was trying to make a statement with the dropping of Eden Hazard to the bench. Fine and good, but for Chelsea to resuscitate their ailing season, Hazard needs to be played regularly in order to rediscover his form of last season. Dropping Eden Hazard was a big decision for the Portuguese to make but the runs of Hazard was purely missed.Although Hazard might not be at his best, he still causes a scare to defenders as one split of his Magic could cause a difference in any match.
The dwindling form of Chelsea right back could not go unnoticed as Yacine Brahimi exploited Ivanovic frailties. Pedro Rodriques was found guilty of not covering the Serbian international.
Expectations on Chelsea’s Boss would be to find the right balance for his defence with Ivanovic being the weak link.
Worthy to mention was Asmir Begovic fantastic saves that made the score line respectable. The towering Chelsea goalkeeper made some timely saves to keep the match within the reach of Chelsea and had to make up for defensive lapses.
A crunch team talk is needed at Chelsea as onus is on Mourinho to find a way of getting his team back to where it belongs. This is why he is the acclaimed “Special One”.
Comments are closed.