Archive for the ‘Chelsea’ Category

The Premier League clubs’ chairmen have shot down a proposal which would have seen a playoff being played between fourth and fifth placed teams for the final Champions League slot. As per the current regulations, the top two finishers in the Premier League have direct qualification to the UCL while teams finishing third and fourth have to play qualifying rounds. The proposal mooted that the final Champions League spot be granted to the winner of the playoff which was to be played between the fourth and fifth placed teams in the League after the end of the season. The fortunes of the top three finishing teams were not to be affected.

The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool were quick to voice their dissatisfaction over the suggestion. Other teams in the top half were considerate enough to give it a thought with Martin O’Neill describing it as “interesting” and one that “people might go for”.

Any change in the current format would have needed the approval of 14 of the 20 Premier League clubs. With the television deal in place for the next three years, any change would have reflected only after the current deal expired.

Also, the general consensus at the meeting was that the team finishing in fourth position after a gruelling season deserved to play in the Champions League. The congestion in the English football calendar did not help the change at all. Premier League bosses feared that this change would reduce the significance of the FA’s other tournaments especially the FA Cup. Why mend something that ain’t broken?

John Terry has been stripped of England captaincy following the nasty revelations about his personal life. Manchester United centre back Rio Ferdinand has been appointed as captain with Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard acting as his deputy for the World Cup in South Africa. Ferdinand made his England debut in 1997 and has played for the country in 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Terry will continue to be an integral part of the England squad.

The meeting with England boss Fabio Capello lasted only for ten minutes during which the decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy was made. A statement from Fabio Capello read, “After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry. As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice.” John Terry has also graciously accepted Capello’s decision.

The world collapsed for Terry when news about his four month fling with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel was made public by a British newspaper. Carlo Ancelloti has pitched his support for the Chelsea captain. On the other hand, Roberto Mancini has also spoken of the trauma Wayne Bridge had to undergo due to the scandal. The Manchester City star is believed to have coped well with the situation.