Roberto Di Matteo’s clever trick was to simply go back to basics

Stand-in Chelsea boss says keeping things straightforward has been the key to the club’s rejuvenation after Blues stalwarts inspire stunning victory.
Blue heaven: Frank Lampard slots home his penalty
15 March 2012

Roberto Di Matteo is unlikely to be handed the job of rebuilding Chelsea but he may have found a system that will give the next ­manager something to work with.

Andre Villas-Boas tried to change too much too quickly and it is reasonable to suggest several alienated members of the squad celebrated this stunning comeback with a degree of schadenfreude towards their former manager.

The 4-2-3-1 formation that served the Blues so well last night was one Villas-Boas flirted with on a number of occasions — most disastrously in the first leg three weeks ago. But it is Di Matteo, with a more cautious selection, that has made it work in his three matches and most emphatically in providing the basis for reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

The need to revitalise Chelsea’s squad remains the priority this summer but an enthralling performance at Stamford Bridge proved the old-timers can still rouse themselves. Villas-Boas must wonder where these defiant displays were when he was in charge but

Di Matteo cajoled the best from players who have given the club so many great nights in the last decade.

His celebration at the final whistle in running on the pitch and celebrating jubilantly with the players was Jose Mourinho-esque but those who believe this was simply a triumph for reverting to the tried and tested are misguided.

It is true the old guard, some of whom were left embittered by their treatment at the hands of Villas-Boas, were central to success here. There were scores to settle and not just against Napoli. Didier Drogba was at his bulldozing best, raging against the dying of Chelsea’s Champions League light, while Frank Lampard and Michael Essien anchored the midfield with authority.

John Terry also defied an injury for 98 minutes to give a typically robust display brimming with resilience.

But when was the last time the Blues played so well in a 4-2-3-1 system? Chelsea overpowered teams with their 4-3-3 line-up that Villas-Boas did his utmost to change. Carlo Ancelotti attempted something similar by introducing a midfield diamond only to revert to 4-3-3 but one of the most dramatic results in the club’s history was achieved through a different set-up.

Lampard operated in a deeper role alongside Essien allowing Juan Mata licence to attack, while Daniel Sturridge and Ramires did their best to provide shape on either flank.

Of course, Chelsea are not suddenly world beaters. The new approach has flaws, notably exposed by winger Christian Maggio attacking down the right flank as Ramires sometimes struggled positionally, and Napoli created a host of chances that makes a 4-1 scoreline a harsh reflection of reality.

Maggio’s withdrawal through injury was key as the fluency and width to Napoli’s passing faltered thereafter but Chelsea powered to success thanks to the right blend of experience, ingenuity and togetherness.

“For each game we try to put the players in the right system that we think will help us to win the games,” said interim head coach Di Matteo. “It has been the same for the last three games but it might change. We just tried to get back to basics, tried to be solid and not concede goals, and we were always confident that we could score.”

Napoli began with great urgency but Edinson Cavani’s threat gradually diminished as Chelsea took charge.

Drogba headed home Ramires’s 29th-minute cross and the visitors appeared unsure whether to stick or twist knowing the concession of another goal could put them out. It duly arrived when Terry’s header beat Morgan De Sanctis and suddenly the element of doubt was removed and so within seven minutes Gokhan Inler replied with a 20-yard strike.

Napoli continued to cause problems but the Blues were imposing their will and Lampard netted a penalty to take the match into extra-time before Branislav Ivanovic notched the winner. Drogba was man of the match by a distance but several bouts of playacting marred an otherwise exceptional display which he will need to replicate as Fernando Torres continues to suffer in front of goal having passed a full day of playing time without finding the net.

Domestically, Tottenham will be sitting even more uncomfortably if a revived Chelsea are to join Arsenal in crowding their rear-view mirror as they sit in third place but matches against Manchester City and then Spurs will be an exacting test of their renaissance.

But for now, this was a result to revel in for a beleaguered Blues squad.

“I have had some great nights but it will probably go down in the club’s history,” said Di Matteo. “The players showed the passion and that they care about the club and the supporters.”

The ‘interim’ part of Di Matteo’s job description may imply his role is merely to steady the ship but Chelsea’s stirring victory provides evidence the team could yet develop this season. They must now take it on.

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