Veterans Hope 'magic Moment Just Doesn't Belong Munchen

In the London borough of Chelsea is the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a nursing home for former members of the British Army. Are both known device and its inhabitants under the name Chelsea Pensioner. The image of a Chelsea Pensioner served the nearby football club Chelsea after it was founded in 1905 as the first club emblem, which the players of the club in the coming years, the nickname Chelsea 107 years after its founding, the descendants of this generation
to send on Saturday in Munich's Allianz Arena to bring the trophy for the first time in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge the home. For much of the blues, the current nickname of the London clubs, it could be your last chance to win a major title: Some are much older than 30 years, so it in the local press - even according to their roots - be dubbed as ever "retired band" (The Sun). We are not talking of old guys who want to phase out their careers. We are talking about players who want to win, "said midfielder Frank Lampard, clearly, 33, start of the week. "Finals are to be won in order," was the terse response from attacker Didier Drogba, 34, on the question of whether the final against Bayern was the last chance of the Old Boys. His coach Roberto di Matteo agreed with him: "No one knows whether he will ever again reach such a final, the youngster is not." Nine players from the current squad were four years ago in the final against league rivals Manchester United and defeated in a penalty shootout. Drogba saw just before the end of the extension of the red card, the locked in Munich captain John Terry verschoss the decisive penalty. "I have been to us as old, our zenith and scourged without cohesion. But as a team we unite, if we stand with their backs to the wall, "said the 31-year-old defender.''

Di Matteo values ​​its veterans

"We have waited four years to be back in this situation and the chance to have to sit at the pinnacle of European football," Drogba said on Friday before the last big before training his team to the finals. Next to the Ivory Coast and Terry also vice-captain Lampard, Ashley Cole are (31), Florent Malouda (31) and Paulo Ferreira (33) for 30 + Group. "This experience is invaluable. Without that you can not win, "said Lampard. Di Matteo of the crisis-ridden history, the club three months ago took over and led to the final of the Champions League, knows what he has to his veterans. "Lampard is a born leader. If it is needed, he is there, "he said of the midfielder, who was under his predecessor, André Villas-Boas is not always the first choice, after the change in the dugout but" has increased with the challenges. " Drogba's future after the final in Munich is still uncertain, will "enter into legend in the history of this club," as prophesied Di Matteo.

Chelsea's difficult season

And dahoam best with a win against Bayern in the final. "It's a great feeling to be involved in this final. We deserve it and will do everything we can to win it, "said Drogba, who according to the sixth place in the league of a" talking tough season. " "We have been much criticized, this is completely normal. If we win tomorrow, nobody will remember. Then everyone will say. It was a fantastic season, " "My players have all the qualities you need to win this game. These qualities have brought us this far. I am very confident, "said Di Matteo, who must replace Terry alongside the also blocked Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles and Ramires. For him are probably the least injured Malouda, Gary Cahill and David Luiz available. Drogba is hoping at least to a "magic moment" to deal with this "great and enormous challenge."

Categories: 2012 Champions League Final , Bayern Munchen , sport of soccer