Fallout From John Terry Scandal Grows
The fallout from the John Terry scandal continues to grow as further news from the papers today revealed that Vanessa Peroncel might have slept with no less than 5 Chelsea players both past and present. I've seen some of the names and would say that most of them aren't at the club anymore but it is shocking how dumb a club captain and the one who leads his national team can be by getting himself involved with such a woman, if the allegations prove to be true. It is easy to say that Terry probably thinks better with his other head but if only he applied half his on-field intelligence to his private life, things could have been all that much better for both club and country. Instead, now we could see a full blown problem that threatens to engulf the club and totally wreck our title ambitions.
We're now very close to becoming champions again this season in the English Premier League, but this situation has definitely affected team morale and performances. First it was Hull City, maybe this weekend it could be Arsenal. However, I still believe the Chelsea players will bond together well and come out of it stronger. The question is whether they can do it in time to still win the league. It would be painful to see the title once again stay in Old Trafford. Nothing hurts more than seeing those fairweather fans that are plentiful in Manchester continue to gloat over their success. But it is also useless to worry about others when we cannot clean up our own house.
Whether Capello decides to stick with his captain after Thursday's talks, or to ask him to hand it over to another player, the immediate repercussions would definitely be John Terry's club, Chelsea. The gaffer has already hinted about giving him some time off from playing to get his house in order. But do we have someone who can replace him at the back in the meantime? Not likely. His leadership on the field is also required, although there were signs that Terry was below his best against Hull. But it also underlined his importance to the club that his mistakes were the one that mostly could have resulted in goals or turning points. I think Ancelotti's hands are tied and he has no choice but to continue sticking him in the lineup.
The gaffer has already admitted that we have struggled against set pieces this season. In fact, it has been like that since last season. Cech has never recovered his best form and has already admitted to being afraid to dive in on most occasions. His unwillingness to stop wearing that helmet is also a clear sign that mentally, the Czech keeper has gone under. I do sympathise with him and can't really blame him after all that has happened. But the club has to come first and perhaps we have to look for a stronger keeper come summer. That lack of confidence in Cech has also affected the defence since then. Carvelho and Terry are two of the best stoppers in the game but they have continued to look rattled when defending in set pieces. There seems to be some communication problems and that is often the lack of it between goalkeeper and the line of players directly in front.
The vital match against Arsenal is approaching. Perhaps we shall know better whether we really stand a chance for the title or everything so far has been another false dawn and a collapse might be imminent.
