Two games, different paths
Chris O'KeefeThe silverware is polished, the right colour ribbons are being chosen by the organisers, the fans descend on various destinations, if they can afford it. The scribes and orators try to offer an account of history that lives in the memory and those who can't be present occasions try to bear these accounts. The participants actually have more to think about than winning the cups.
Many futures will be shaped on the results of Wembley and Athens battles, managers secured and cast aside, players given the boot or given the chance to lace their boots in pastures new. Offered more money, offered second chances, perhaps they'll be at odds with one another and offered nothing. All these teams will change and evolve before August, no doubt, and these fixtures will map those evolutions.
Chelsea and Manchester United only locking horns in one final wasn't the prediction a month. Many were willing to say these would be the teams selling out the Greek theatre for 'old big ears'. Now both, each one trophy to their name have their achievements tainted somewhat by European failure, are playing for the FA Cup and the first helping of glory under the arch. United and Ferguson's season is still a success, regardless of Saturday's result. The league is back where the fans feel it belongs and those who frequent Old Trafford would've bitten the hands that feed for such an outcome!
Chelsea had higher ambitions this year, to which the league was a minor component. A quadruply they cried, but the immediate ambition was clear when Shevchenko and Ballack pulled up on the King's Road. Abramovich saw Athens with eyes gleaming. Two signings apparently made for Europe, unfortunately not for Anfield and the ghosts that still resonate over the Chelsea from that goal of 2005, or was it? They were helpless against a wall of noise, a "12th man", Anfield at its finest!
Mourinho, only a League Cup to show for more spending, constantly linked with Heathrow's departure lounge and mooted successors linked with arrivals. What price a Mourinho swansong and a bidding war from more destinations than Judith Chalmers could ever visit? Perhaps a swansong too far off, with Chelsea held together by sticky tape, limping in to face Rooney and Ronaldo, hoping to recover pride and with more to lose from their season without winning at Wembley?
Liverpool, now in search of number six when fans were screaming for an assault on number 19. Slow starts, new faces finding their feet and league chances cooked before the Christmas turkey. Cup finals are not to be sniffed at, four in three years and another success may finally attract the personnel that brings the Holy Grail back to a home it once stayed with such regularity.
AC Milan progress is noted especially for the fact that it nearly failed before the season began, with scandals of match fixing that threatened to bring the Italian game to its knees. Milan, began points off and with a place. Next year, they could be European Champions, favourites for Serie A and at the beginning of rebuilding the dynasty.
Of course, all these things are ifs buts and maybes. What is for sure is that these two results will help map the course of the clubs involved and their campaigns next year.
posted by C O'K @ 6:43 pm
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