One thing about Ronaldo’s career is that it’s hard to point to major controversies surrounding his achievements. If there are any, they’re very few and far between.
Now compare that to the other guy.
He’s the only player whose club career is tied to a major refereeing controversy like the Negreira case. He’s the only one with around four Ballon d’Or wins that are still heavily debated. In fact, almost every major Ballon d’Or controversy of the modern era started with him.
He’s also the only player to win a World Cup Golden Ball that was so controversial the FIFA president later admitted it was a mistake. Then you have two different World Cup campaigns surrounded by officiating controversies and decisions that are still debated today.
At some point, you have to stop calling everything a coincidence. One incident can be a mistake. Two might be unfortunate. But when it’s three, four, or more times, it becomes a pattern.
None of this takes away from his incredible talent. He’s one of the greatest footballers ever. But it’s also fair to say that, throughout his career, he’s benefited from more controversial decisions than almost any other player in football history.
Good to call Maresca out properly but important that we don’t lose track of the two more important points
1) nobody forced them to make the situation worse by hiring Rosenior
2) that your manager resigned to join a rival is not something to parade about. It’s embarrassing
When I revealed this last week, a lot of people thought it was a joke. But it was a decision the club made even before approaching any coach.
I don't know when they spoke with Alonso, but Chelsea had already decided to make that tweak to help any incoming head coach.
Also, the coach will have the final say on signing first-team players. It will be collaborative as usual with the SDs and the club, but he will have enough power to say, "I want this guy, and I don't want this guy."
You people are really funny. Chelsea should lose to Man City just cuz Arsenal want to win the league? So we should be playing in the Conference League because of your hatred for Arsenal?