Chelsea and John Terry jointly announced on Monday that the club captain would leave in the summer. Could it have come at a worse time?
Chelsea great John Terry will indeed be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer. After a year of awkward contract negotiations, both parties have decided that a parting of ways is most appropriate at this current time. As expected, the announcement has caused an outpouring of emotion from fans and teammates alike, but many are also questioning the timing of it.
The Blues were defeated by Manchester United this past Sunday, allowing Tottenham Hotspur to reduce their Premier League lead to four points. They weren’t just defeated, though, they were completely outclassed.
The performance proved that Chelsea have much work to do over the summer to get the squad up to Champions League level. However, more immediately, it showed that the title race is far from over.
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While all the focus should be on the run-in and inching over the finish line, this Terry news has grabbed all the headlines. There will undoubtedly be a solemn atmosphere around Cobham as players and staff digest the fact that the club’s flag-bearer will be leaving after 22 years with the Blues.
This sort of emotion is exactly the opposite of what Chelsea need as they try to regroup, some say.
However, there is another school of thought. Following the loss, perhaps club officials (in conjunction with Antonio Conte and Terry) felt that this could act as a motivational tool?
The individual performances from the players at the weekend suggested complacency. Pathetic was the word bandied about social media shortly after the final whistle.
With everyone now informed that this will be Terry’s last West London season as a player, they cannot let him down and falter on the home stretch. For all of his contributions to Chelsea’s history, Terry deserves to go out with at least a Premier League medal.
If the Blues are struggling for inspiration, the idea that they are going to bring the title home for John Terry can provide it.
Conte may even want to utilise the outgoing veteran. Sticking him in the team for a few of the games will bring a much needed presence on the field. Terry will be able to lead the team with the passion he has shown throughout his decades at the Bridge. This could filter through to the likes of Diego Costa and enable him to channel his own brand of passion in the right way.
The announcement could be seen as poorly-timed by club officials out of touch with Chelsea’s current situation. Or, it’s a cunning plan by all involved. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, it will prove to be the latter.