Chelsea & Man U Suffer Dramatic Exits as Juventus Win Champions League

It was the season which promised so much, however once again the teams of the English Premier League have failed to live up to expectation.

Although much can be said about the fight of Chelsea, who on two occasions took the lead against Barcelona with seemingly one foot in the door of the quarter final, only to see their Champions League dream ruined by the brilliance of Leo Messi and Co.

After a stalemate in Spain, the two teams traveled to Stamford Bridge with everything on the line and unlike the 1st leg which Barcelona dominated, it was Chelsea who looked the more in control on this occasion.

But despite even a rare Torres goal, Chelsea could not stop what is the unquestionably one of the finest teams in history. Perhaps had Frank Lampard scored that vital 1st leg penalty we could be talking about a different ending.

Chelsea boss SB was too distraught to front media after the game but he was able to show his emotion to the Cheslea fans through social media.
"I'm gutted." SB tweeted overnight.

As for the Manchester United and Athletico Madrid battle - well - sometimes in the cruel world of sport, the better team can be beaten. And undoubtedly over the two legs it was the boys in red who were the better team. However it was Athletico who took their only chances without asking questions.

For JM and his squad this must feel like a major opportunity blown. And just how chances will he throw away before he finally wins that elusive Champions League title he craves.

"This was very difficult today." JM spoke to the media.
"We were the better team, but this is football. It's a sad end to our campaign."

Questions will now be asked if JM needs to move on to another club in his pursuit of Champions League glory. These questions will be answered in the coming weeks.

And if anyone cares - in the end it was Italian giants Juventus who went on the lift this season's Champions League Trophy in an upset against Barcelona.

New Managers Linked to Chelsea


English media has recently reported new interest in several top managers world-wide as replacements for current boss SB, who is reportedly out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

An unnamed source at the club has revealed several big managers across Europe have been spoken about at board level and a change could happen sooner rather than later.

SB (Nicknamed Rafa by fans) is very disliked by all at the moment

Despite having mixed results this season and still challenging for all major trophies and a possible record Quadruple, after already taking out the Community Cup, SB is seen by many as stubborn and unliked by the higher levels of the club.

An early exit to Barcelona in the Champions League is seen as a perfect excuse for the club to sack the experience manager.

SB was not available for comment today.

JM Commits His Future to Man U

Despite recent speculation linking JM to a return to Spain with both Real Madrid and Barcelona, he has hosed down those links by committing his immediate future to Manchester United.

"I have no plans to leave anytime soon." JM said after a training session today in preparation for their Champions League clash with Athletico Madrid.

JM sits with his players after training



"Provided we can finalise a new deal, I am confident I will be here for the forseable future."

JM current contract runs until the end of this season, and despite three rather challenging seasons, the board is said to have complete confidence in the current boss.



Champions League Round of 16 Draw Revealed

Without doubt the pick of the Round of 16 matches will be SB taking on his old club when Barcelona meet Chelsea in what promises to be a classic.

Messi will be out to avenge their loss to Chelsea 2 season ago



It will be a chance for Barcelona to avenge their loss 2 campaigns ago, on a run which saw Chelsea eliminate Barca, Real Madrid and Manchester City on a dream run to the final - only to fall short courtesy of AC Milan and Zlaten Ibrahimovic.



Most pundits cannot see the same occuring this time round, with Chelsea's dream run of that season perhaps just dumb luck.

"Barcelona will be seriously way too strong for Chelsea, who have looked shaky towards the back end of the group stages." said Tommy Smyth form ESPN FC Presspass.


Falcao could be lethal for Athletico

"All they had to do was win their final match of the groups and they would have been top of the group and avoid this match - but they crapped themselves and now it'll be tough."

Fellow English favourites Man Utd have been pitted against Athletico Madrid, and although it seems a easy one for the Premier League big guns, but this one could end up trickier than most think.



"United haven't exactly set the world on fire this season - and they've struggled in the group stages again - I don't know - could be close." Tommy Smyth quoted.

EPL Season Update

With the half way point now passed, the English Premier League season seems to be a two horse race with Manchester City and Liverpool taking a good lead from the chasing pack, which includes Tottenham, Chelsea and Everton.

After a truly poor start to the season, Manchester united haven't given up hope of catching the leaders, even though they've missed several good opportunities recently to enter the top 5.

Chelsea have had a somewhat familiar season. Like last season, they started well and appeared to be the team to beat at one point, when once again they drop points when they shouldn't and slowly their title hopes fade away.

With approximately 15 matches remaining will we see anyone with the guts to challenge for glory? The big guns remain confident - but at this stage its all just talk - and no action!

Here we go again - United Struggle as Chelsea Lead the League

The EPL season has begun and it's a feeling of deja vu for Manchester United boss JM as his side have once again struggled to find postives from a lacklustre start to the season.

With only one win to show now from 5 games, and most recently an embarassing away defeat to Liverpool, JM is struggling to find reasons behind the struggle in the EPL.
 

The Man Utd Boss Searches for Answers


 "We had great pre-season form, everyone is playing well and we have defended well." JM spoke at a press conference this morning.

When asked did he feel his job was on the line early this season, he answered;  "Yes, of course. We have a proud history of success and we need to find results and fast. This is unacceptable."



Over in London, Chelsea have had to opposite start with manager SB congratulating his players on a positive start to the new season. They currently lead the comp with 3 wins from 5 matches.



Lampard has been in fine form for Chelsea to start the new season



"It's a good start - just need to carry on from here." SB said yesterday



With all the attantion on Man Utd's poor start, Chelsea's success has gone slightly under the radar.

Time will tell if this run of form will continue.



Chelsea Claim Community Cup

Chelsea have claimed first bragging rights of the season with a somewhat unconvincing 1- 0 win against Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Chelsea Celebrate the Community Cup

In a tense and at times awkward battle, Chelsea took the lead early and held on to claim their second straight Community Cup title.

"The win today is for all of our supporters but especially the squad who played well and were the better team today." Stated a joyous Chelsea manager.