UEFA Champions League 2011/2012

[Nuri Sahin]

Uefa rules out amending Champions League yellow card amnesties despite Chelsea and Bayern appeals

Three players from both sides have had their bans upheld with governing body revealing it will not be following suit with the World Cup and European Championships over cautions

May 2, 2012 12:33:00 PM

By Ross Jackson

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Uefa has revealed it will not be introducing a yellow card amnesty after the quarter-finals of theChampions League despite appeals from Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Both the World Cup and the European Championships currently involve a yellow card amnesty at the quarter-final stage, reducing the chances of players being suspended for the final.

However, European football's governing body has revealed it will not be introducing the system for at least another three years, on the morning six players set to miss the Champions League final through suspension were informed their bans would not be overturned.

Chelsea players Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic will all miss the match having picked up their third booking of the tournament in the semi-final against Barcelona, while Bayern Munich’s Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber will also be suspended for the clash.

The announcement will not come as good news to Roberto Di Matteo who is facing defensive problems ahead of the final.

Both Gary Cahill and David Luiz are injured while John Terry is also suspended, after being sent off at Camp Nou, for the showcase final at the Allianz Arena on May 19.

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Boateng: Chelsea won't play like they did against Barcelona in the Champions League final
The Germany international believes that the Premier League club will not adopt a defensive approach in the May 19 showpiece at the Allianz Arena

Bayern or bust: Di Matteo gambling by putting all his Champions League eggs in one basket
Team selection in 2-0 loss to Newcastle served as reminder that Chelsea squad is only as strong as its last result and now May 19 final in Munich has taken on extra significance

Badstuber: Chelsea won't be as defensive as against Barcelona in Champions League final
The Germany international believes that the Blues won't solely focus on defending in the upcoming showpiece against the Bundesliga giants

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Luiz adamant he will be fit for Champions League final
The Chelsea defender has been sidelined since last month's FA Cup semi-final victory, but is confident he will be available to take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena

Robben: Small details will decide DFB Pokal & Champions League finals
The Dutchman is eagerly anticipating the Bavarian side's last two games of the season, and believes that they need to be perfect in order to come out victorious

Cech: FA Cup win is perfect preparation for Champions League final
The Czech goalkeeper feels that Chelsea's cup win puts them in good stead as they prepare to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena

Lampard: FA Cup triumph will spur Chelsea on to Champions League glory
Two finals in as many weeks will be the key to the Blues' season after stuttering domestic form, and the midfielder wants a confidence-boosting victory at Wembley to take to Munich

Gomez: Bayern go into Champions League final to win it
The prolific striker is determined to end the season on a high by winning both finals his side are in, while stressing that he's not thinking about the top-scorer award

Ozil: I hope Bayern beat Chelsea in Champions League final
The playmaker hopes the Bavarians emerge victorious against the Blues in the finale of Europe's premier club competition and vows that the Blancos will try again next term

Mikel urges Chelsea to focus on cup double after league setback
The 25-year-old has implored his team-mates to forget about finishing in the top four after the side's defeat to Newcastle and instead concentrate on landing some silverware

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Robben: I promised my wife & mother I would quit football if I win Euro 2012 & the Champions League

The winger has intimated that he would end his career early if he wins top honours this season, and claimed that he would lose the Pokal final if it meant a win against Chelsea

May 7, 2012 10:50:00 AM

By Alex Mott

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Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has revealed that he made a promise to hang up his boots should he win the Champions League and Euro 2012.

He also claimed that claimed that the ultimate goal for his club is to claim Europe's most elite club trophy later in May, despite the Bavarians' upcoming DFB-Pokal final match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

The Netherlands international was adamant that the European title was the greatest prize in club football, but admitted he was focused entirely on the game against the Bundesliga champions.

“Am I focused on the Champions League final? No,” the 28-year-old told German magazineKicker. “That game is the biggest target, but first we have the [DFB-Pokal] final against Dortmund. And in that, we'll give everything.

“But, to be honest, the Champions League title is the biggest goal for our team, for me, for the club, for everyone.

“If someone were to offer that we win the Champions League, but not the Pokal final, I'd take it immediately.”

Robben concluded the interview by sending out a warning to both his club and country: “Two years ago, I promised my wife and mother that if I were to win the Champions League and Euro 2012, I would stop playing football.”

The former Real Madrid and PSV man scored 12 goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances this term.

 

[Nuri Sahin]

Buffon: Champions League is Juventus' next objective
The goalkeeper is already looking forward to the 2012-13 campaign, but realises that it will not be easy to emerge triumphant in Europe so soon after domestic success

Champions League football crucial to holding on to Falcao, admits Atletico CEO Gil Marin
The Rojiblancos director has admitted that the club's revenue will be adversely affected if they do not manage to pip Malaga to fourth place in La Liga on Sunday

Chelsea centre-backs Cahill and Luiz winning race to be fit for Champions League final - report
Both defenders could supposedly be ready to line up for the Blues against the German heavyweghts, a game which they must win in order to qualify for next season's competition

Platini: Juventus could struggle in Champions League
The Uefa president has expressed his joy with the Bianconeri's Serie A success, but warned them that playing in Europe's elite competition is something completely different

 

[Nuri Sahin]

In Pictures: Allianz Arena will 'go green' for the first time ever in Champions League final

Goalcom takes a look at Bayern Munich's new-look home as it prepares to host the final of Europe's glamour club competition, its biggest match in six years

May 11, 2012 12:18:00 PM

By Enis Koylu

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By Enis Koylu

The Allianz Arena, the iconic home of Bayern Munich, is set to make history when it "goes green" for the Champions League final next week when the Bavarian side face Chelsea.

Since its opening in 2005, the Allianz Arena has become one of the most recognisable stadiums in world football due to its 1056 distinctive cushions which illuminate the exterior of the structure. When Bayern play there, it turns red. When their city rivals 1860 Munich are in action, it turns blue, and when the German national team are on the pitch, it glows white, each time representing the colours of the home side.

But for the unique occasion of the Champions League final, the white design will be adopted, with a bespoke chequered pattern of green and blue in a band around the venue.

"The Arena is recognised the world over for its unique ability to glow red, blue or white, and for its fantastic atmosphere. The green and blue colouring is a historic first and a striking way to celebrate the final. We are very much looking forward to the match and wish all fans from London, Munich and the world an unforgettable experience," said Joe Gross, the head of market management for Allianz.

On May 19, under the stadium's new look, either Chelsea will lift the trophy for the first time in their history, or Bayern will become the first club in the Champions League era to win the competition in their home stadium.

Die Roten | The Allianz Arena in its most recognisable format

Glowing Green | What the stadium is set to look like when it goes green for the first time

Close Up | A more intimate look at the colour arrangement

Date with destiny | Either Bayern or Chelsea will make history on May 19​

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Pedro Proenca confirmed as Champions League final referee
The 41-year-old referee has been nominated to oversee the last match of the continental competition after officiating a semi-final clash the previous season

Chelsea handed Champions League final boost as Cahill and Luiz return to training
Both defenders took part in a light session at the Blues' Cobham base as they race to be fit for the showpiece clash with Bayern Munich on Saturday at the Allianz Arena

Effenberg urges Schweinsteiger to rise to the occasion in Champions League final
The former Germany international feels that the time has come for the midfielder to step up, and thinks that Bayern are too predictable

Chelsea's Champions League success to play 'important role' in shirt sponsor extension
Samsung has backed the club since 2005 and its current £13 million deal runs out at the end of next season, with any futher contract likely to depend on Saturday's result

Bayern will not be foolish enough to assume Chelsea are an average team, insists Kahn
The west London outfit had a disappointing Premier League campaign but the ex-Germany captain is wary of the threat posed by Roberto Di Matteo's men in Europe's finale

Di Matteo considers pairing Drogba and Torres for Champions League final
The duo played in tandem up front against Blackburn at the weekend and the Blues' interim boss has admitted he was experienting ahead of Saturday's final

Ribery: Chelsea are tactically stronger than Barcelona
The France international believes that the Blues will pose a big threat to his side and says that Roberto Di Matteo will take a defensive approach in the Champions League final

Casillas: Loss against Bayern will only make Madrid stronger
The Spain international feels that the Blancos' Champions League exit to the Bavarians will only make them stronger, and is desperate to go all the way next term

Ribery: Bayern are 'a lot better now' compared to 2010
The Frenchman feels that the Bavarians have made ample progress since losing the Champions League final two years ago, and is looking forward to the "biggest game of his career"

Injured Chelsea pair Luiz and Cahill 'getting better day by day', reveals Di Matteo
The boss hopes the crocked defensive duo will win their race to be fit for the European showpiece, while Florent Malouda limped off at half-time against Blackburn on Sunday

Low predicts Bayern backlash against Chelsea after Dortmund defeat
The Germany boss feels that the Bavarians will be disgusted with their display in Berlin and suspects that the Blues might feel the full force of their fury

Mikel: Winning Champions League will be Chelsea's greatest achievement
Nigerian midfielder thinks the Blues can beat Bayern Munich in the European showpiece, despite being made massive underdogs, and insists it will be the club's biggest triumph

We were the better side but we handed victory to Dortmund on a plate, laments Lahm
The 28-year-old full-back was bewildered by his side's defensive lapses against the German champions and admitted they cannot afford to make the same errors against Chelsea

Ramires: I will be Chelsea’s biggest fan at Champions League final
The Brazilian international is eager to cheer on his side as they take on Bayern Munich, after picking up a suspension that will rule him out of the showpiece game in Germany

Mata: We want to make Chelsea history by winning Champions League
The Spaniard thinks it is important to gain European qualification with victory, while hailing Di Matteo's "character" but refusing to speculate on whether he will stay on as boss

Di Matteo undecided on Chelsea's defence for Champions League final
The Italian has several first-team players out of the showdown in Germany on May 19, and is therefore trialling various combinations, but is yet to make a final decision

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Pedro Proenca confirmed as Champions League final referee

The 41-year-old referee has been nominated to oversee the last match of the continental competition after officiating a semi-final clash the previous season

May 15, 2012 6:05:00 PM

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Pedro Proenca will take charge of the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea at the Allianz Arena next Saturday, according to Bayern Munich's media and press department.

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The 41-year-old, who began officiating in 1988, is one of the 12 main referees nominated for Euro 2012.

He oversaw the Champions League semi-final second-leg contest in 2010-11 between Manchester United and Schalke, which the Red Devils won 4-1.

Proenca has taken charge of five Champions League matches this season, with Inter's 2-1 victory against Olympique de Marseille in the Round of 16 being the last contest he officiated in the competition.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Home advantage will not be a burden, insists Lahm
Roma were beaten by Liverpool in front of their own fans in the 1984 European Cup final, but the Germany international is confident a similar fate will not befall his side

Heynckes: Drogba is a top striker but also an outstanding actor
The Ivorian has long been criticised for the ease with which he goes to ground, and the Bavarians' coach feels it is something his players must be aware of at the Allianz Arena

Cahill desperate to make up for FA Cup disappointment against Bayern
The defender missed Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley earlier in May but is in line to start against the German outfit in the Champions League final

Terry will be greatly missed, admits Desailly
The former France international believes that the Blues could struggle without their skipper, describing the centre-back as essential to the English side's defence

Bayern may never get this chance again, admits Heynckes
Not since Roma qualified for the 1984 tournament decider at the Stadio Olimpico has a side had the benefit of home advantage in the biggest club game in world football

Schweinsteiger: We have solutions for our suspensions
The midfielder admits that Luiz Gustavo, Holger Badstuber and David Alaba will be missed, but he feels that Jupp Heynckes still has more than enough talent at his disposal

Frank Arnesen believes Chelsea have 'every chance' of winning the Champions League final
Hamburg's sporting director spent five seasons at Stamford Bridge as director of football, and he believes Roberto Di Matteo's side can expose Bayern Munich's makeshift defence

Schweinsteiger wary of early barrage from 'aggressive' Chelsea
The Germany international has insisted that his side must be careful in defence on Saturday, while he and Philipp Lahm have hailed Franck Ribery as a real difference-maker

Bayern have won all Champions League games at home this season - Rummenigge warns Chelsea
The German outfit's CEO has pointed out that the team have been in impressive form in their own backyard so far, while adding that the Bavarians only spend money they earn

Makaay: Bayern have a great chance to win the Champions League
The Dutchman says his former employers have a great opportunity to lift the coveted trophy on Saturday, as he looked back at his time with the Bavarian giants

Marko Marin tips Chelsea to beat Bayern in Champions League final
With the European final in Munich edging closer, the Blues' new signing is backing Roberto Di Matteo's side to beat the Bavarians and lift the coveted trophy for the first time

I'm not even contemplating defeat to Chelsea - Ribery
The Frenchman is determined to help the Bavarians to glory in Saturday's finale, and is eager to banish the memories of the 2010 final behind him after missing the clash


Babayaro: Chelsea must stick together to have a chance against Bayern
The Nigerian feels that Roberto Di Matteo's side have the quality to stop any opponent, but stressed that they will have to "keep it tight" at the back against the Bavarians

Chelsea star Mata: We've beaten Barcelona, bring on Bayern!
The 24-year-old is adamant that the Blues can overcome the Bundesliga side after their Camp Nou heroics and suggests the pressure of playing at home could count against the Germans

Cech admits Chelsea will be the underdogs against Bayern Munich in Champions League final
The goalkeeper believes the game will be like a home match for the Germans who are playing the fixture in their own stadium, and thinks big game experience won't be the difference

Elber believes Bayern will beat Chelsea on penalties
The former attacker expects an even encounter on Saturday evening, and hopes that the Bavarians will come out victorious to begin a new chapter in the club's history

Hamann tips 'unplayable' Drogba to fire Chelsea to Champions League glory
The former Germany international who won Europe's biggest prize with Liverpool believes the Blues will cope better with suspensions but warns them over Franck Ribery's ability

Lampard: Champions League win would be Chelsea’s greatest achievement
The midfielder believes the odds are against the Blues on Saturday and singled out Roberto Di Matteo's arrival as interim boss as the turning point of his side's season

Ballack backs Bayern for Champions League glory
The ex-Germany international played for both finalists during his distinguished career but is backing Jupp Heynckes team to beat Chelsea at the Allianz Arena

Arjen Robben vows to be fit for Champions League final
The Dutch attacker says that he will be fit to play the continental final on Saturday despite his recent absences from the club's training sessions due to illness

Robben urges Bayern to seize chance for Champions League glory
The Netherlands international has stressed that the Bavarians are determined to win Saturday's showpiece, but admitted their DFB Pokal final loss to Dortmund was a big blow

Grant: Terry was not on the list to take a penalty in the 2008 Champions League final
The Chelsea captain had the chance to win the trophy for the Blues against Manchester United in 2008 but hit the post before Nicolas Anelka's miss handed the Red Devils victory

Heynckes: Chelsea veterans could cause problems for Bayern
The German trainer has warned that the English club have plenty of experienced players, who will be desperate to lift the most coveted trophy in club football

Gomez: We cannot dwell upon DFB Pokal loss, the Champions League is too important
The Germany international has insisted that Saturday's showpiece is far too crucial for Jupp Heynckes's men, and insisted that the defeat against BVB should be put behind

Drogba keen to move on from Moscow heartache by winning in Munich
The Chelsea forward, who was sent off in the club’s last Champions League final four years ago, wants redemption against Bayern Munich.

Sagnol backs Bayern Munich for Champions League glory
The former France international has urged the Bavarian giants to seize the opportunity of playing at home, and added that people will only remember the winners

Lahm: I would never act like Terry did against Barcelona
The Bayern Munich captain has admitted that it would be "awful" to lose the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena but insists they have more belief after their 2010 loss

Now or never: Why Bayern Munich won't get a better chance to end their Champions League drought
Fans have waited 11 years for the German giants to claim Europe's elite club trophy for a fifth time. On Saturday they can break that streak, and their chance could not be clearer

I support Bayern on Saturday and I think they will beat Chelsea 3-1, says Huth
The defender is confident that the Bundesliga giants will come out victorious in Saturday's showpiece at the Allianz Arena but pinpoints Didier Drogba as the dangerman

David Luiz: Playing the Champions League final is every player's dream
The Brazilian stopper has vowed to be fit for the match against the Bavarian giants, while sharing his emotions at being able to take part in such a mouthwatering contest

Lampard: There's more to Bayern than Ribery and Robben
The England international warns Chelsea that focusing their attentions on the two wide-men could prove to be a mistake, and was full of praise for the Bavarians' central threat

Chelsea to display charity's name on back of Champions League final shirts
Blues have partnered the scheme that aims to improve the lives of poverty stricken children for seven years and they will wear the organisation's title on their jersey on Saturday

After Moscow, Chelsea will have extra motivation, says Schweinsteiger
The Bavarian midfielder claims the loss at the hands of United four years ago will provide added incentive for the Blues and has pinpointed Drogba and Lampard as the dangermen

Robben: We've already beaten Madrid and Chelsea are next
The Dutchman is eager to beat another former club after eliminating the Spanish champions in the semi-finals, and added that playing the CL final in Munich is a "dream come true"

Casillas believes Bayern have the edge over Chelsea in Champions League final
The Blancos goalkeeper admitted that the Bavarians deservedly booked their ticket to Saturday's showpiece as he tipped Jupp Heynckes' men to lift the European Cup

Bayern defeat would have a negative impact on Germany's morale, claims Low
The coach is worried about the impact a defeat for the Bavarians could have on his squad as they head into the European Championships

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Top 10 Champions League moments: Liverpool’s 2005 triumph voted greatest in the tournament’s history

MasterCard conducted a survey of European football fans ahead of the competition's final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Saturday

May 18, 2012 5:00:00 PM

By Miles Chambers

Liverpool's 2005 final comeback against AC Milan has been voted the greatest Champions League moment of all time in a recent survey of European football fans.

MasterCard asked 1246 people which matches they believed were the best and most memorable in the Uefa competition’s history.

The Reds’ triumph on penalties in Istanbul came after the Merseyside club were 3-0 down at half-time and needed a Steven Gerrard-inspired six-minute scoring spree to level the match.

That incredible victory came ahead of the second-placed 2002 final, when Zinedine Zidane scored a spectacular volley to win the prestigious trophy for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen.

In third is Manchester United’s epic two-goal comeback in stoppage-time to conquer this year’s Champions League finalists Bayern Munich 2-1.

The German giants feature heavily in the list, with their 2010 final defeat to Inter Milan and 2001 triumph on penalties over Valencia also appearing.

Chelsea, Bayern’s opponents on Saturday night at their home stadium in Munich, feature twice in the list, although neither clash is a final.

Their 2009 semi-final clash with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge is ranked tenth, while their quarter-final loss at Napoli this season is voted ninth.

Last year’s final - Barcelona's comfortable 3-1 victory over Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United - takes sixth spot.

Read the Top 10 list in full below:

1. Final 2005: Liverpool and the miracle of Istanbul

2. Final 2002: Zinedine Zidane's volley against Bayer Leverkusen

3. Final 1999: Manchester United secure the treble against Bayern Munich

4. Final 2010: Saturday Night Fever for Inter Milan

5. Final 2001: Bayern Munich Bounce Back

6. Final 2011: Barcelona outclasses Manchester United

7. Final 1996: A Triumph for “The Old Lady”

8. Final 1997: Record Breaking Ricken

9. Quarter-final 2012: Chelsea Caught Napping by Napoli

10. Semi-final 2009: The Battle of Stamford Bridge –Barcelona vs Chelsea

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Heynckes: Drogba is a top striker but also an outstanding actor

The Ivorian has long been criticised for the ease with which he goes to ground, and the Bavarians' coach feels it is something his players must be aware of at the Allianz Arena

May 18, 2012 3:35:00 PM

By Mark Doyle

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has intimated that Didier Drogba is just as adept at winning free kicks as he is at scoring goals, describing the Chelsea star as an outstanding actor ahead of Saturday's Champions League final.

The Ivorian is now 34 but he proved in the Blues' semi-final success over Barcelona that he remains one of the most fearsome forwards in the game.

Heynckes has warned his defenders that they will have to maintain both their focus and their composure - in the face of the forward's histrionics - if they are to nullify the threat posed by the former Marseille man.

"Drogba, for many years, has been one of the top strikers in the Premier League and is definitely dangerous - he can score at any moment," the 67-year-old coach told reporters at his pre-game press conference in Munich.

"Sometimes he overdoes it a bit. Sometimes he's an outstanding actor on the pitch."

With Chelsea coming off the back of a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League and the final taking place at the Allianz Arena, many pundits consider Bayern the clear favourites to prevail on Saturday. However, Heynckes is refusing to underestimate the threat posed by Roberto Di Matteo's resurgent Blues.

"If I look at the path of Chelsea through the group stage and in the knockout phase, they beat Napoli 4-1 - a team we played and who are a top team - and then beat Barcelona, the best team in the world," he pointed out.

"Then they drew 2-2 there [at Camp Nou] with a man down. That's a sufficient warning for everybody.

"I don't share the euphoria you hear outside that we're the favourites. In a Champions League final, there is no favourite.

"At Chelsea, they have players who have won everything apart from this, and it's their dream to win it, too."

The eagerly-awaited tournament decider gets under way at 20.45CET.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Grant: Terry was not on the list to take a penalty in the 2008 Champions League final

The Chelsea captain had the chance to win the trophy for the Blues against Manchester United in 2008 but hit the post before Nicolas Anelka's miss handed the Red Devils victory

May 17, 2012 12:45:00 PM

By Oliver Platt

Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant has revealed that John Terry was not originally on the list of Blues penalty takers for the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United.

Terry stepped up win the chance to win the trophy by scoring Chelsea's fifth penalty but lost his footing and hit the post. United went on to win after Nicolas Anelka's subsequent miss.

"People forget about Anelka," Grant told the Daily Mail. "John Terry always says to me, 'Why do people always talk about my miss?'

"I say, 'If you had not missed nobody would speak about it'.

"Terry was not on the list. But because [Didier] Drogba was out [due to a red card] we changed it because [Salomon] Kalou needed to be the fifth and then, because it was the deciding penalty, JT wanted it.

"He did his best. I thought yes [he would score]. But JT missed and Anelka missed again and that was the end of the story. Finish.

"When we came so close against Manchester United, what Alex [Ferguson] said, that it was the best United ever, is even more hurtful. I was very disappointed."

Grant, who left Partizan Belgrade after leading them to a fifth straight league title, believes that rather than winning the Champions League, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's biggest wish is to see the Blues develop an attractive playing style.

"Of course part of this is to not even win the Champions League, but to be in the Champions League final," Grant explained. "But first he really wants to build a team that everybody will respect the way they play.

"I didn't want the job. I wanted Jose to stay. But he left and then Roman asked me to take the job. I knew that I needed to do better because [Mourinho] was a big name. I also knew I needed to change the style of the football."

Grant insists that he is the only manager Abramovich has sacked who was taking the club in the right direction.

"Mourinho was sacked when he was on the way down, even [Carlo] Ancelotti - first year he was champion, the next nothing," Grant opined. "Not only this, but the football was not great.

"But Chelsea played very good football that [2007-08] season. I remember [assistant manager] Henk ten Cate said to me, 'They will miss this football'. And I agree with him. They don't respect it. They miss the quality of football we played that year."

The Israeli thought that Andre Villas-Boas had failed at Chelsea because he lacked the experience needed to deal with the problems he encountered at Stamford Bridge.

"Villas-Boas knows a lot about football," Grant said. "But sometimes it's not just football. I saw he came with all these books, but you cannot read about experience in books.

"In Chelsea you need experience because you have to deal with problems. It's not just about football in Chelsea."

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Bayern Munich must defend set-pieces well, says Effenberg
The former FCB midfielder has urged Jupp Heynckes' players to be wary at corners and free-kicks against the Blues in the showpiece at the Allianz Arena

Di Matteo set to gamble on Ryan Bertrand in Champions League final - report
The Chelsea boss has pinpointed the threats of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben and with a host of suspensions and injuries to contend with, there are obvious selection problems

Kalou: I will dedicate Champions League victory to those I rescued from war
The Ivorian forward who uses his Chelsea salary to support his family and friends after civil war back home wants victory against Bayern Munich to ameliorate their suffering

I hope Bayern Munich and Chelsea play out a great spectacle, says Champions League final referee Pedro Proenca
The Portuguese official will take charge of the crunch fixture at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, and has stated that he would like to see a free-flowing game for the fans to enjoy

Van Buyten: Champions League final at the Allianz Arena is a unique opportunity
The veteran central-half has admitted that Europe's top club competition is a one-of-a-kind tournament, and that Jupp Heynckes' men are eager to make amends for the defeat in 2010

Ballack: Playing at home gives Bayern Munich an emotional edge
The former Germany international has featured for both Champions League finalist in his illustrious career, but feels the Bundesliga side have a slight advantage

Bayern Munich must not underestimate Chelsea, says tennis ace Philipp Kohlschreiber
The German is a fan of the Bavarian giants and although he predicts the Bundesliga side to beat the Blues in the Champions League final, he feels it will be close match

Ziege: Schweinsteiger will be crucial to Bayern's hopes & Torres can be unlikely Chelsea hero
The former Germany international believes that midfielder's ability to gain the upper hand could prove crucial at Allianz Arena but backs Spanish striker to also play a part

Kahn: Bayern Munich can dominate Europe for the next decade
The retired goalkeeper feels the Champions League final will be a tightly-contested affair, but has talked up the Bundesliga side's chances of lifting the trophy

Drogba determined to create history in Munich in biggest game of his life
The Ivorian hitman has already scored for the Blues in the FA Cup final this season, and will be hoping to boost his impressive record in finals when they take on the Bavarians

Robben: Playing against Chelsea makes Champions League final more exciting
The Dutch attacker is eagerly awaiting the European clash at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, which he feels is made all the more important for him as he faces old employers

Cech: I'm prepared if Champions League final goes to penalties
After suffering defeat in the 2008 shootout, the Chelsea goalkeeper has done his homework if the showdown against Bayern Munich is decided from the spot

Di Matteo focused solely on Bayern clash, not Chelsea job prospects
The interim boss isn't dwelling on whether he will get the manager's position permanently, and is focused only on Saturday's Champions League clash against Bayern Munich

Hodgson: Chelsea are not underdogs in Champions League final
The newly-appointed national side boss will be in Munich tomorrow, and feels that the Stamford Bridge outfit have a better chance of winning than most believe they do

Lampard proud to captain Chelsea in Champions League final
The midfielder will fill in for the suspended John Terry as skipper on Saturday, and he believes the club can make a mockery of their underdog status with a win over Bayern Munich

Di Matteo praises ‘amazing’ Lampard and Chelsea ‘legend’ Drogba
The Stamford Bridge interim manager, who has guided the club to two cup finals since taking over in March, revealed he is confident his team can lift the Champions League

New Bayern Munich signing Starke: They made me feel wanted
The new arrival for the Champions League finalists has stated he joined the club because of they way they reached out to him and their involvement in Europe's top competition

Platini: Bayern and Chelsea were better than Real Madrid and Barcelona
Many pundits presumed that it would be the Blancos against the Blaugrana at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night, but instead it will be the Bavarians against the Blues

Drogba quashes Barcelona rumours but remains quiet on Chelsea future
The Ivorian veteran spoke ahead of Saturday night’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich but dodged queries about whether it would be his last game as a Blues player

Heynckes believes Di Matteo deserves full-time Chelsea job
The Bayern Munich boss thinks the Blues caretaker manager deserves to be given the role permanently by Roman Abramovich, even if they lose in the Champions League final

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Bayern Munich's Hoeness: We can still screw it up against Chelsea

The Bavarians go into Saturday's Champions League final with a slight advantage due to the fact that the game will be played at the Allianz Arena, but the supremo remains alert

May 19, 2012 12:20:00 PM

By Gareth McKnight

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Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has stated that victory for his team against Chelsea on Saturday is not a foregone conclusion, and warned that the Blues could still provide an upset.

The Bavarian side have the advantage of playing the crunch fixture at their home, the Allianz Arena, but the 60-year-old is not taking glory for granted.

"Of course we can still screw it up at home," Hoeness told Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

"Chelsea are a team with their backs against the wall because of their mixed season in the Premier League.

"So if anyone thinks that it will be a foregone conclusion or feels we have already won they would certainly be wrong," he stated.

Hoeness went on to confirm that coach Jupp Heycnkes would be in the Bayern hotseat next season regardless of the outcome of the Champions League final.

"Jupp Heynckes will be our coach next year. Jupp does not have the emotions or character of a deserter and will not leave," he concluded.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Abramovich will not give Di Matteo the manager's job even if Chelsea win the Champions League - ex-Chelsea star Zenden

The Dutchman believes it is now or never for his old club, who must copy Dortmund's tactics to overcome German giants in their Allianz Arena home and hit hosts on counter-attack

May 19, 2012 8:40:00 AM

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EXCLUSIVE
By Rob Stewart

Former Chelsea midfielder Bolo Zenden does not expect Blues owner Roman Abramovich to hand interim manager Roberto Di Matteo a permanent contract even if his team beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

Zenden insists Di Matteo has already done enough to merit a new deal since succeeding Andre Villas-Boas but he believes Abramovich will look elsewhere this summer for a more experienced manager when it comes to appointing a boss in the summer.

“It is a hard thing because in my opinion, why shouldn’t he be given the job because he has won the FA Cup and he has got them back on track after they were in a very bad state,” Zenden told Goalcom.

“Imagine him winning the Champions League – the trophy that Abramovich always wanted – and you could only imagine him getting the job but we all know that Abramovich has his own ideas.

“Don’t get me wrong, I do think that Di Matteo is a special manager with a heart for the club because he has always been there for so many years and he is linked with the club. But you can imagine Abramovich wanting someone there who has been managing at the top European levels for years and only for that reason do I think that even if he does win it he is not going to get the job.

“It will be close but me being a ex-Chelsea man I do hope Chelsea win because it is obviously something Abramovich has really been after since the first day that he took over. His main thing has been winning the Champions League. They have come close on many occasions but it has not quite come off for them.”

The ex-Barcelona player, who was in the Liverpool side beaten in the Champions League final by AC Milan in Athens five years ago, believes Chelsea will have to emulate Borussia Dortmund’s counter-attacking tactics if they are to beat Bayern in their opponents’ own Allianz Arena.

“In the end it will be the best on the day that will probably win it – nothing to do with the past or the future,” the 35-year-old added.

“But I saw Bayern play Dortmund in their equivalent of the FA Cup final and they were nowhere while Chelsea did very well against Liverpool in the FA Cup final and Dortmund played on the counter-attack like Chelsea do. Bayern had no answer to that and they were slaughtered. That will be a massive blow to Bayern’s confidence.

“Chelsea could copy that. When I saw Bayern play Real Madrid at home and away they were fantastic and they deserved to go through because they were two goals down at the Bernabeu and still kept playing and got themselves back into the game.

"They deserve credit for that but when you see what happened against Dortmund you would see that the way to play them is on the counter-attack.”

Zenden does not think Chelsea will just sit back and defend as they did in both legs of the semi-final against Barcelona. “I don’t think Chelsea will play like they did against Barcelona because that was just a one-off,” the former Dutch international continued.

“For the fans and for some of the players it is now or never because they have been close on so many occasions with the final against Manchester United and several semi-finals over the last few years. If it is not now then when is it going to happen? There are also a few players out there for whom it will be the last chance as well.”

Zenden believes that Bayern will be out to take advantage of the suspensions that have left Chelsea looking vulnerable in defence.

“Bayern are a strange team and we have seen the best and the worst out of them this season," Zenden added. “But they are so good going forward with (Arjen) Robben, (Franck) Ribery and (Mario) Gomez who has scored 40 goals this season. And then behind them you have got (Bastian) Schweinsteiger so they are very strong offensively and that is exactly what Chelsea don’t want at the minute because they hardly have any defenders,”

“There are four main characters missing for Chelsea – Ramires, (Raul) Meireles, (John) Terry and (Branislav) Ivanovic – and you might say that the ones that are missing for Bayern – (Holger) Badstuber, Gustavo and (Diego) Alaba – are easier to replace than the ones Chelsea are missing.

“David Luiz might be back but it is a bit of a risk if you ask me because if you have a knee or ankle injury you can have an injection and just get on with it. But with a muscle injury you never know when it will pop so there will be a big question mark over him.

“So you would guess that Bayern will play very open and very much forward and you will see Chelsea leaning back a bit and going on the counter-attack with Didier Drogba up front, maybe Fernando Torres and Juan Mata.

"There is a question mark over Florent Malouda but you have Salomon Kalou who can do the job. It will be fascinating.”

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

An estimated 45,000 Chelsea fans flood to Munich ahead of Champions League final

Supporters are making their way to the biggest game in club football, with some who don't yet have a ticket determined to find one in the build-up to kick-off

May 19, 2012 9:00:00 AM

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By Dan Levene | Blues Chronicle

London airports were experiencing the largest Anglo-German airlift since World War II, as an estimated 45,000 Chelsea fans made their way to Saturday's Champions League final in Munich.

Security queues at Stansted and Gatwick were teeming with replica shirts as the Blue Army made its way to the Allianz Arena.

At the other end, every airport within about 300 miles of Munich was being utilised by resourceful fans: Memmingen, Saltzburg, Zurich, Milan, Prague, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Paris.

People have come from all over the world, just to be near to the match when it kicks off. One man was flying into Munich airport on Saturday from Bermuda, via New York; while another had made the trip from Brisbane – without a match ticket.

Meanwhile many were taking 'The Road To Munich' literally, with Blues driving all the way from Sheffield, Leeds or Cornwall to the Bavarian capital.

One disabled fan was planning on travelling all the way to Germany in a London black cab. A friend said he had secured two drivers, and a pre-agreed price, but that they would leave the meter running just to see how high it reached!

Billie Davies, 27, of Aldershot is a Chelsea member, who bought a ticket for every home game in the league and cup this season. His whole family support Chelsea, and he has been attending games for 18 years.

He said: “I'm having to dip into my wedding money for the trip!

“I came home after the Newcastle game and said to my fiancée 'no matter what you say, I just have to be out there – just be happy for me'.”

He said he and his intended have been engaged 18 months, and plan to wed in August. They will have 11 tables at the wedding reception and, should Chelsea win in Munich, each table will be named after a member of their starting XI.

His journey to Munich will feature 15 lads in one minibus, and he describes their other arrangements as: “No plans, no hotel, no ticket... yet! Just beer and the clothes we leave in!”

Chris McGonigle (aka 'Big Chris'), 42, of Bristol, has been a season ticket holder since 1994, and a member before that.

His journey involves flying with three friends from Bristol to Prague, a brief stop to take in the local sights, then the long drive to Munich.

Of his group of four, only three have tickets and he said the fourth has 'turned down tout-price tickets'.

The partner in an investment company said: “I'm not sure I can describe how I'll feel if we win. There will be tears!

“And if Chelsea lose, I'm not sure we will be better at dealing with that after the 'Moscow experience'. Those words make me nauseous still!”

Sam Harris, 23, of Royal Tunbridge Wells has been attending games at Stamford Bridge for 17 years: the last 11 of those as a Matthew Harding Upper season ticket-holder.

“We had tickets for the Moscow final and they remain unused,” he said. “We were on the flight that was cancelled. That wasn't to be.”

He was planning to drive all the way to Munich, splitting time at the wheel between him and his dad – the cost of which has led him to take extreme measures.

He said: “My car is up for sale, as I now have no money and my season ticket payment is due soon. I've used every last penny I have until pay day to fund fuel and money for the trip.

“When the car goes, I will be gutted. It was my first car since I passed my test, and its in Chelsea blue!”

 

[elephanto]

Congrats Chelsea,

For winning the Champions League in the enemey's den

for flying the flag for a BPL club

For reminding the footballing universe that heavenly skills are Godsent but sheer belief and guts will always prevail.

P.s.
Poor AVB
lucky Torres
Amazing Robert De Matteo - sacked by West Brom a year ago, who can believe he will win CL as Manager a year thus?

So friend, if u juz had been retrenched or sacked, fret not.

Life is full of amazing grace....

 

[DerMannschaft]

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Bayern Munchen 1 - 1 Chelsea [Penalties 3-4] | All Goals & Highlights


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Only Penalty Goals [3-4]

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[Shin Orochi]

Bayern's Heynckes calls for Di Matteo to be given full-time job as Chelsea boss
The 67-year-old saw his side lose on the lottery of penalties and believes the interim boss at Stamford Bridge should be given the permanent job after winning the Champions League

Chelsea's Ramires believes Champions League winning team will go down in history
The Brazilian midfielder missed out through suspension, but believes the side that beat Bayern Munich on their own turf will go down in local folklore and deserve to be respected

'There is no justice in football', says DFB president Niersbach after Champions League final
The German football association supremo was distraught after the Bavarians suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the showpiece of Europe's elite club competition

Terry: Chelsea Champions League win was meant to be
The Blues defender, who missed the showpiece at the Allianz Arena through suspension, praised his side for their victory against the odds over Bayern Munich

Robben rues 'terrible' missed penalty against Chelsea
The Dutchman has made no bones about his poor spot-kick attempt which the Blues took full advantage of, and revealed his disappointment at missing out on the trophy

Di Matteo thrilled by 'amazing achievement' as Chelsea win Champions League
The interim Blues boss hailed his players' pride to triumph at the Allianz Arena despite suspension and injury concerns, adding that his side "deserve their luck"

Barcelona and Real Madrid congratulate Chelsea on winning Champions League
The Blaugrana, who were knocked out at the last-four stage by the Blues, and Los Blancos have taken to Twitter to salute the new European champions and commiserate with Bayern

Everyone could see Bayern deserved to win, says Nerlinger
The Bayern executive maintains that his side should have emerged from the Allianz Arena with more than a painful defeat to Chelsea and reveals the squad is "very downbeat"

Beckenbauer: Luck was on Chelsea's side but they deserved to win Champions League
The Bayern legend rues his team's wastefulness in front of goal as they missed a host of chances but acknowledges that the Blues should not be blamed for their defensive approach

Bayern's Muller: The best team did not win the Champions League final
The goalscorer on the night feels his side were unfortunate not to lift the trophy, but insists football is not everything in spite of their heartbreaking loss

'Champions League win means everything to Chelsea' - Lampard
The captain on the night savours a sensational victory for the Blues as they finally win the competition they have been chasing since Roman Abramovich bought the club

Daylight Robbery: Wasteful Bayern blow their chance of Champions League glory in Chelsea penalty drama
The German giants had every opportunity to win Saturday's final but were wasteful again and again - in the end, they were duly punished

Written in the stars - Drogba Chelsea's history-maker on the Blues' greatest ever night
The Ivorian confirmed his place in Stamford Bridge legend with an 88th-minute equaliser before slotting home the winning penalty as the Blues were crowned the kings of Europe

Bayern Munich 1-1 Chelsea (aet, 3-4 on penalties): Blues crowned kings of Europe for first time after thrilling shoot-out in Bavaria
Two late goals in regulation and a missed Arjen Robben penalty in extra time sent the final to penalties, where Didier Drogba struck the decisive kick from 12 yards out

Messi finishes as top-scorer of the 2011-12 Champions League with 14 goals
The Argentina international beat Mario Gomez and Cristiano Ronaldo to the individual trophy this term following his 14 strikes throughout the season

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Bayern Munich 1-1 Chelsea (aet, 3-4 on penalties): Blues crowned kings of Europe for first time after thrilling shoot-out in Bavaria

Two late goals in regulation and a missed Arjen Robben penalty in extra time sent the final to penalties, where Didier Drogba struck the decisive kick from 12 yards out

By Keeghann Sinanan

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Chelsea have won the 2011-12 Champions League after a gripping 4-3 win over Bayern Munich on penalties at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern set up camp in the Chelsea half for the majority of the match, but were extremely wasteful in front of goal, passing up a number of opportunities that allowed Roberto Di Matteo's men to stay in the contest.

Thomas Muller looked to have finally broken their resistance when he scored in the 83rd minute, but Didier Drogba brought the Blues back from the dead with a powerful header two minutes from the end to send the final into extra time.

Arjen Robben saw a soft penalty saved by Petr Cech in the 95th minute, but there was no winner in the additional 30 minutes as the match moved into a penalty shoot-out.

Drogba struck the winning attempt from the spot to send the Londoners to their first ever Champions League crown, and finally put the demons of their 2008 failure in Moscow to rest.

Resplendent in their adidas kits, both outfits were forced to reshuffle their XIs due to suspensions, but the biggest surprise came from Di Matteo, who unexpectedly began with 22-year-old left-back Ryan Bertrand in midfield for his first ever Champions League appearance.

The changes seemed to affect Chelsea more than Bayern, with the German side looking far more comfortable during a commanding, but profligate first-half showing.

Bastian Schweinsteiger was denied by a block from Cahill, just before Toni Kroos flashed wide from 18 yards out, all in the first five minutes.

Chelsea were nowhere to be seen in the attacking third, and remained penned back in their own half as Bayern just kept coming.

BLUES REIGN IN MUNICH

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Mario Gomez nodded a Franck Ribery cross just over, and Cech did just enough to tip a tricky Robben effort onto the woodwork.

It took Chelsea 34 minutes to register their first sight on goal after a clumsy challenge by Jerome Boateng on Cahill on the edge of the area, but Juan Mata sent the set-piece clean over the bar.

That sparked a flurry of chances, with Salomon Kalou testing Manuel Neuer at his near post just after Ribery and Muller both missed from good positions.

The Bayern pair embarrassed themselves with poor control attacking a loose ball in close, but Gomez was guilty of an even greater gaffe two minutes before half time, blasting miles over after twisting away from Cahill deep inside the box.

Drogba almost surprised Neuer with an outlandish strike from all of 40 yards shortly after the restart, but the chance proved to be something of an aberration as Bayern continued to threaten. Kroos and Robben were both denied by fantastic last-ditch challenges from David Luiz and Ashley Cole, before Ribery saw a goal correctly disallowed for offside.

With 15 minutes to go, Diego Contento was forced to mirror the efforts of the Chelsea rearguard, sliding in to intercept a dangerous Drogba centre from the left. But Bayern were their own worst enemy, and when Muller spurned a pair of chances with 10 minutes remaining, it looked like their profligacy would finally tell.

However, Muller came good in the 83rd minute, arriving at the back post to nod in a teasing cross from Toni Kroos to finally send Bayern into the lead. It looked like the end of the road for Chelsea, but incredibly, they found themselves level with two minutes to go, as Mata’s corner was met emphatically by the head of Drogba to send the tie into an additional 30 minutes.

The Ivorian almost went from hero to villain four minutes into extra-time, as he tripped up Ribery in the area to give Bayern a penalty. Robben steadied himself from 12 yards, but saw his weak spot-kick smothered by Cech, echoing his costly miss recently against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

Daniel Van Buyten came within inches of turning in a cross from Ivica Olic, before Bayern were blocked for the umpteenth time, Cahill throwing himself in front of Gomez from in close. But no winner was forthcoming, meaning that penalties were required to determine the destiny of the trophy.

In the shootout, Didier Drogba struck the winner from 12 yards out, after Cech saved from Olic and Schweinsteiger missed to send the 2011-12 Champions League trophy to Stamford Bridge.