Soccer Monday – review and guide
By Zhao Siyuan (chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2015-05-04 16:19Talking points
Mourinho rules Stamford Bridge
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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho reacts during their Premier League soccer match against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge in London, May 3, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
Putting soccer into the allegory of a relationship, they say a reunion doesn't necessarily ensure a happy ending.
But Jose Mourinho is the lucky one, as well as the self proclaimed "special one". The Chelsea manager was finally relieved after protégé Eden Hazard scored probably the most important goal of the season as a feeble penalty kick soon turned into a self-redemption header to sink feisty Crystal Palace on Sunday, taking the three points needed to secure their first Premier League title since 2010 with three games to spare.
The Portuguese ended his glorious first three-year reign at Chelsea in 2007, leaving the Blues to build around key players John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba that had demonstrated resilience, bravery and ferocity in their consecutive title-winning seasons from 2004 to 2006.
The Premier League title and Capital One Cup wrapped up Mourinho's triumphant return to Stamford Bridge as a well-rated sequel, while a bungled Champions League campaign saw the Blues eliminated at the round of 16, the only hiccup in an otherwise near perfect season.
As in his first spell at the west London club, Mourinho again proved he is always able to transform a group of players.
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Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois, John Terry, Eden Hazard, Willian and Branislav Ivanovic celebrate after winning their first Premier League title in five years after they defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in London, May 3, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
Stamford Bridge loyalists would have noticed the team played a different style of soccer this season following the signing of Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal and Barcelona playmaker added delicate subtlety to the team's originally coarse style.
Mourinho's position can still be shaky though. He was previously ousted after disappointing, ultimately fruitless Champions League campaigns, as Chelsea owner, big-spending Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's ambition beyond England is universally known.
