Welcome
to the U.S.A. boys! If this weren’t a friendly, we’d probably all be really,
really drunk right now, anticipating the worst with our incredibly depleted
squad facing off against the European Champions. But it’s just a friendly. And
especially considering that these Blues just lost to the MLS All-Stars on
Wednesday, I think we can lose the socks, put on some shades and relax, Miami
style.
Christian Maldini with his father, Paolo, relaxing in Miami just last week (photo courtesy of @ChrisMaldini) |
So
if we’re taking on Chelsea, we should forget that Roberto Di Matteo is an
Italian coach, the caretaker coach that did for Chelsea what astronomically
paid and overrated Andres Villas Boas could not. Di Matteo has since been hired
on as the permanent manager, a decision that took Chelsea and moneybags Abromavic
long enough to decide. (“Hmmm… he won our
first Champions League title for us… should we keep him?” /facepalm)
We
should also forget that after having such a talented squad, Chelsea have
reinforced this summer. Although Drogba, Bosingwa, and Kalou left the club,
they have added the likes of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin, and most recently,
Brazilian phenom Oscar. Luckily for us, Oscar will be at the Olympics with
Brazil.
David Luiz and Sideshow Bob: the resemblance is simply uncanny. |
Unfortunately,
we will face a lot of other very talented players, including one of my favorite
defenders, Sideshow Bob. Abate looks most like Bart Simpson, so he should take
extra care not to face off with the big haired villain. Of course with players
like Ashley Cole, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Frank Lampard, Yossi
Benayoun, Michael Essien, Marko Marin, Ramires, and Romelu Lukaku having
started vs. the MLS All-Stars, everyone will have to put in a solid
performance to stay competitive.
Inasmuch
as this is supposed to be just a friendly, I think there is more pressure than
ever for Allegri and the boys to prove themselves. Especially the Primavera
players, who are playing to be noticed and to be promoted to the first team.
And I suppose a little extra pressure is on for our own Phillip Prosenik, the
Primavera player who was purchased from Chelsea in January. Also, given the
venue, if Robinho scores, his dancing had better be up to par, they know how to
move in Miami.
The boys relaxing on the plane to the U.S. (courtesy of @acmilan) |
I am
not certain whether or not the returning Euro players will start, but I know
they are traveling with the team, so perhaps we will see a starting lineup of
Amelia; Abate, Mexes, Acerbi, De Sciglio; Montolivo, Ambrosini, Nocerino;
Boateng; Cassano, El Shaarawy. Or any number of other players. Personally,
given Allegri’s record, I wouldn’t mind if he started all of the Primavera
players and gave them as much time as possible, since it is unlikely we will
see them again until we face off against them once they are sold to other
teams. And that’s not how I want to see them, I want to see them in the red and
black.
At
the end of the day, we should take a cue from the fun and laid back Miami
summer and just enjoy the chance to watch our boys play some football against
other. Chelsea may want to redeem themselves after Wednesday night’s loss, and
that’s fine. This is their last stop on their American tour, it’s our first
stop. All that matters is that no one gets hurt and the players put in a good
showing and allow Allegri and the fans to see what they are capable of in a
more relaxed environment. And no, if we beat Chelsea, it doesn’t mean we win the
Champions League, so let’s just sit back and relax and enjoy the show, Miami
style.
This
post inspired by the music of The Chemical Brothers
World Football Challenge
Milan
vs. Chelsea Friendly
Saturday, July 28th •
6:30pm EDT
SunLife Stadium, Miami,
FL, U.S.A.
This match will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN3 in the U.S.
This match will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN3 in the U.S.