Hey guys and welcome back to my Ultimate European Challenge. During the last post, you saw me get the Chelsea job. My first 5 games were very successful, with five wins from five games I guided the London club from 13th place to 6th in the Premier League. With half a season remaining and some excellent signings awaiting their debut. The sky was the limit and some of you were even calling for the title. My goal however was to achieve a top four finish and maybe win one piece of silverware. Enough of the introduction, lets get down to business and see how my season ended.
Premier league results: Jan-Feb
OK, so to win the title I basically needed to get three points from most of my matches. The first against West Brom wasn’t an ideal start. We failed to score at home, however I found renewed hope against Cardiff. Petrovic was deadly with two goals to round off an excellent 5-0 victory. The match away to Ipswich just summed up my squad, inconsistent. We struggled and were lucky to come away with a 2-2 draw. The next six games saw my new signings settled and at their best as we won all six. The victories over Man City, Arsenal and Everton were pleasing. Manchester Utd away was a stretch too far though, as my boys failed to come back and lost 3-2. We also failed to bounce straight back into form, drawing 0-0 against Birmingham. These bad results against lesser teams could cost us come the seasons end.
Premier League results: March — mid April
These five games went quite well I thought. Although, I kind of expected more from the West Ham match. Seeing Petrovic score 8 goals in the last three games was simply brilliant. The young striker will be massive for me this year and next. With a reasonable run of form, you would expect Chelsea to be challenging for top spot. However, Liverpool, Man Utd and Man City are just incredible. I can’t see how anyone could stop them and winning the EPL isn’t just going to be a problem for this season. :(
The final four games — Premier League
If I am to hold onto the top four, it will have to be done in style. We cannot afford bad results against Man Utd at home or Liverpool away. I reckon three wins may just be enough to secure a Champions League spot. The first match against Man Utd was extremely frustrating. We took the lead three times and still failed to win. This match alone proved just how bad my back four is (bar the new boy Kyle Walker.) With me feeling a little worried, my players went to Anfield and produced a real shock. We won the match 4-0 and enjoyed a huge boost to our confidence. I was still suffering from the 2 dropped points against Man Utd though. Arsenal and Liverpool were one point above me, which left Chelsea in 5th position and needing to win the last two games as well as encounter some luck. We did of course win the last two games and with some conviction too. Petrovic kept up his great form with another goal as we beat Fulham 4-0.
So I did my bit, but did lady luck keep up her end of the bargain…of course she did!! Arsenal and Liverpool somewhat fluffed their last two games, Arsenal even lost to Ipswich. :) I checked the league table and found a nice surprise as we finished third. Automatic qualification into the Champions League which Man Utd were the winners of this season. United have an incredible side and really do look untouchable. I have no choice but to redo my defence and central midfield if we’re going to challenge them next season.
Europa League results
With all my best signings cup-tied I was always going to have an uphill battle in Europe. Petrovic, Walker, Godwin and Weiss have been vital so far and were dearly missed in this competition. We coped against Schalke and Rangers, but the quarter-final versus Aston Villa was a step too far. Granted Villa enjoyed some luck, but my second rate squad just isn’t good enough. A real shame to miss out on this trophy yet again, but we still have the FA Cup to luck forward to.
FA Cup results
My first three opponents were fairly easy, though we made hard work of the 5th round tie against Burnley. The Championship side took advantage of my weakened side and forced the reply. We did of course prevail, but could have done without the extra game. The Sixth round draw had Chelsea versus Manchester City, a tough match on paper, but my boys rose to the challenge and won 2-1. Then the semi-final saw me face Aston Villa for the fifth time this season. Villa gave me a few scares late on, but we held on for a fantastic 2-1 victory. On to Wembley and my opponents Tottenham.
FA Cup final — Chelsea vs Tottenham
After only half a season with Chelsea, I find myself in the FA Cup final and with a chance to complete one part of my English challenge. Having already thrashed Spurs this season, I had a fair idea of my tactical approach. A trusted 4-5-1, with standard strategy. Petrovic is to be used upfront and hopefully Godwin will perform as my playmaker from the left wing. Spurs still have Gareth Bale, Modric and co. Plus an added threat upfront in the form of an English regen called Palmer. Lets see who prevailed in my first final with Chelsea.
What a weird game, my boys looked well up for this after McGeady’s first half strike. Then we just seemed to fall asleep and I pulled my hair out while watching Spurs equalizer. First off my centre back plays a loose ball backwards, then the usually reliable Walker just fannies around leaving Palmer to score the late equalizer. This wasn’t the end of disastrous goals though. Spurs also suffered as Gomes seemed to be glue to the floor, leaving Weiss to just stroke the ball into an empty net. I swear time stood still for me as Weiss chased that loose ball. What a clanger from Tottenham. :)
Squad stats
After a very successful first season at Chelsea, I am left to analyse my squad. A lot of improvements will be needed next season, but I can take refuge in the following players and rely on them for years to come. First of all Petrovic scored an impressive 20 goals from 21 starts. Bertrand is also very solid at left back with a great rating and 14 assists to go with it. Papadopoulos had a decent season with 8 goals but needs a consistent partner. Then there’s Godwin who despite scoring 7 and setting 8 goals is still not fully settled. I have seen some other great performances from McGeady and Ramires, but their just too old in my opinion. The near season will see me searching for two CM’s, at least one CB and a right winger.
Well that concludes my first season in charge of Chelsea. Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments. The World Cup is up next and I have a special two part post planned so stay tuned for that.
Sears
20 марта, 2011 at 18:11
Well done buddy, you did well to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around in such a short space of time. That was a tense finish to the season but congrats on your F.A Cup victory. Shame about the Europa League, but hopefully you can go on a long run in next seasons Champions League. Good luck!
Darren Smith
20 марта, 2011 at 18:24
Cheers mate, it was a well contested league this year and I knew we’d be up against it. The Europa League was against me from the start with all the best players been cup tied, but I just want to win the EPL next season and finish with England.
Laxeyman
20 марта, 2011 at 18:18
Well done Darren, you’ve turned Chelsea around and had some really good results in the second half of the season. The signings you made have all done well, especially Petrovic. I reckon you can win the league next year with a couple of quality signings. Good luck!
Darren Smith
20 марта, 2011 at 18:25
Thanks Laxeyman, we have a chance in the league next season, but must buy well especially in defence and central midfield.
Lye
21 марта, 2011 at 02:38
Hi Darren,
Well done on your first season in EPL. A good finish there and i have no doubt you will have a great fight with Man Utd for the title. Who are you looking to sign? Maybe your Argentina contingent? Looking forward to your transfers. Good luck.
Darren Smith
21 марта, 2011 at 11:53
Cheers Lye, next season will be tough and maybe the most two sided title fight for a while. I’m not set on who to sign as my reputation isn’t good enough for the best of my Argentinians though I have my eye on like three Brazilians as well as an Englishman. :)
Liam101
21 марта, 2011 at 06:51
Well Done on the Fa cupo darren. I hope you can reshape the squad and mount a good solid title run. Looking forward to seeing your signings
Darren Smith
21 марта, 2011 at 11:53
Cheers Liam, the squad will be getting a major make over. :)
fmcrazy
21 марта, 2011 at 11:35
Great first season, the FA Cup win was good and all you need is the league to complete England. Are you getting bored of the UEC? I noticed in a previous comment you said you just want to get it over with.
Darren Smith
21 марта, 2011 at 11:55
Hey mate, I’m hoping to get the EPL soon as pos. I’m not bored of the UEC as its a great challenge, but more bored of moving clubs and spending so much money :)
I want to play a more lower league game and set myself rules like only buying English talent etc. Well not that particular rule but you get the idea.
fmcrazy
21 марта, 2011 at 12:11
I do that to, remember my Patriots FC idea? I might create a team and get people to submit info, create like an FMCrowd team or something, if I do that be sure to participate :)
Don’t spend so much money then :P Just kidding, can’t wait for the WC though, your Argentina side will rule!
Darren Smith
21 марта, 2011 at 18:38
Yeh that sounds like a good idea mate, a lot of people would be interested and I’d take part. :)
I shouldn’t spend so much, but know the challenge will take longer if I don’t. I just want to get into a game with the goal of been financially smart from the beginning to watch them grow. We’ll soon see if it happens though.
kevin
22 марта, 2011 at 08:23
Hi Darren
Somewhow I missed you joinging Chelsea but you have done a great job so far in winning the FA Cup and getting into the ECL.Looking forward to seeing your Chelsea «makeover» and a full season at Stamford Bridge.
Darren Smith
22 марта, 2011 at 19:02
Thanks Kevin, this season was long and tough especially with the disadvantage of joining 1/4 way through a season. Though we managed well and my makeover should have us winning on all fronts. :)
Johnny Karp
22 марта, 2011 at 13:10
You did a good job Darren, taking over a team in the middle of a season is always difficult. Looking forward to the World Cup frenzy, I’m sure you have something special in store :)
Darren Smith
22 марта, 2011 at 19:03
Thanks Johnny, I love big competitions and they come no bigger than the World Cup. I do have a surprise in store, but part 1 will just be a build up to the surprise in part 2. :)
Timmy
22 марта, 2011 at 14:47
Darren Darren,
what a great season and i don’t see Bonucci name in your squad,did you sell him?
well Darren good luck and if you can post ‘the makeover squad’ ASAP(just kidding :) )
cheers
Darren Smith
22 марта, 2011 at 19:05
Hey Timmy, you’re correct Bonucci is gone as I feel he is too old for the team. We need to free up as much cash and wage budget as pos. :)
We have the World Cup to watch first mate, but after that will be my makeover :)
Ana Garcia
22 марта, 2011 at 20:14
Chelsea!! My boyfriend will be very pleased! :)
Well done on winning the FA cup!
Good luck on next season and I look forward to your world cup post, but I have my fingers crossed that Spain will win it. Sorry!
:)
Darren Smith
22 марта, 2011 at 20:28
Well I hope I can make your boyfriend happy with a title next season :)
The World Cup is far more competitive than I imagined, and guess who is the favourites, Spain or course :)
Sayam Khan
23 марта, 2011 at 18:28
Hi Darren,
you website hasn’t been loading for the past 2 days :-(
Anyway, unlucky on not winning the so called ‘easy teams’ but i’m sure that will change next season. Congratulations on winning the FA Cup. Petrovic is a beast of a striker!
Darren Smith
23 марта, 2011 at 18:38
I know Sayam, the site has experienced a few problems with the hosts servers. These are now fixed and hopefully should stay that way. I’m sorry for the inconvenience, I too have been very frustrated by it. :(
Hopefully I can reform Chelsea into the side they once were, but the January signings are a great start. :)
Jay
7 июня, 2011 at 21:58
well done mate, good season :)
Darren Smith
8 июня, 2011 at 11:45
Thanks Jay.