As an ex-Italian international it will be interesting to see Carlo Ancelotti’s take on this situation, however.
Be that as it may we fans are left to debate and argue our own position on club vs. country, and it generally tends to strongly divide opinion. For what it is worth here is mine.
I’m a club-man first and foremost. I want Chelsea to be the best they can be and compete for trophies. So, realistically, how are we going to achieve this? Well it means recruiting the best players from across the world at any age and either bring them through our youth and reserve systems or have them in the first team squad from the start.
There is of course a consequence of this scenario. That consequence or cost is that players will want to play for their country. It is only natural, unless your name is Scholes or up to recently Carragher that is. (Perhaps they recognised that they are the shadow of the players they were)
Apologies, the mention of gingers or scousers baffles me so I digressed there for a second. Ah yes, the cost. Players of any real talent and value will get picked to play for their country because they are the best. (Not picked because we are short of a substitute right back) This means Chelsea will have to lose their players to international duty and yes it also means they could get injured.
So, is there a solution for Chelsea and its fans?… I believe there is.
I, you, all Chelsea fans everywhere, we simply have to put up with it. There. Quite simple really. To be honest I can’t recall many Chelsea fans or past managers, for that matter, actually ever complain about it.
Ideally, what I would like to happen is that Chelsea players get picked for international duty and then are unable to play owing to an injury (hopefully a minor one such as a toe nail split etc. A fractured arm seems taking the club cause a bit too far) and end up missing the World Cup, thereby having an extra months rest and recuperation, thus being fully fit for the start of the season ready to play for their club.
Don’t get me wrong, I will be watching the England games and yes I will be wearing my England shirt and I will be the first one in the street cheering, screaming even, maybe even signing ‘footballs coming home’ if we win it. I just don’t want Terry, Lamps or Cole – Ashley that is - (Joe Cole, well do I care?) hurt in the process.
The same applies to Chelsea‘s other internationals. The important thing, though, is their being fit, fresh and focussed for our title defence kicking off against Robbie D’s Baggies in August.
So come on Chelsea’ internationals, but remember the blue shirt puts dinner on the table!