Andy said:
Hey, what are you talking about, Jun-hide? Chelsea play the best football this world has seen since the Bayern Munich of the 70's. Barcelona plays crap football and aren't nearly as interesting to watch as Chelsea.
Right.
Andy,
I have seen Chelsea play Manchester United and Sofia in a matter of week or two and I just havent been impressed by them. They are deadly efficient - I agree with you there. I mean that defence is going to be one hard nut to crack (BTW, I think Kahlid 'the Butcher' is top ten defender in the world) and I am loosing superlative to describe Makelele and Essien. Heck even their last resort Diarra looked good (whom Juve should pick up). But they just lack that extra bit of flash at the final third of the pitch which Barca gives you. I havent seen many Spanish matches this season but the ones I have seen like Villareal were a true to watch.
In all regards though, I don't think Barca will win it this year, and I have a feeling Chelski, and Inter with their extra muscles can stifle out to win it all. Motta, Edmilson are decent but likes of Makelele and Essien absolutely teed them off couple of times Chelsea met Barca. I expect similar treatment with Viera and Cambiasso.
As for tonight I understand players werent motivated. After all who would want to play Sofia on a cold wednesday night when you can party at the club?

. And I feel Chelsea is actually more equipped to do well in Europe than in the past IMO despite their relative struggle in the EPL. Nonetheless if I was Mourinho I would Wayne Bridge, and Paolo Ferreira out of my sight as far as possible in the latter stages. Their defensive displays could be exposed at the latter stages. And Robben is terrible out of form ATM. He is being forced out of the pace too much of the game.