Chelsea need to take their Barcelona momentum to Manchester
By Travis Tyler
Antonio Conte said Chelsea could find their “level” against Barcelona. After holding Barcelona, they need to take their momentum to Manchester.
Conte showed little excitement in his press conference before playing Barcelona. That is, until the end of it. He eagerly told the press in attendance that the Barcelona match could tell Chelsea their level in the competition.
But it does not have to stop with the Champions League. The match Chelsea played against Barcelona showed their level against all opponents. On form, Barcelona is probably the best team in the world right now. Barring one perfect storm of mistakes, Chelsea would have beaten them.
That is a lesson they need to take with them to Manchester as they play their next two games away in the city. If Chelsea can go toe to toe with Barcelona, surely they can do the same against Manchester United and Manchester City.
First up is Manchester United who have one days less rest and an away game in the Champions League before Chelsea arrives. Jose Mourniho’s side has looked disinterested in recent weeks as it has become an almost certainty that their cross town rivals will take the title. They have been grinding out results in true Mourinho fashion but have failed to convince.
The “feud” between Conte and Mourniho has died down but is sure to pick up again as match day approaches. Since the two have joined their respective dugouts, the matchup has become a psychological duel as much as a tactical one.
If Chelsea can capitalize on their Barcelona performance, they can take advantage of United’s loss of appetite for the league. Mourinho will surely set his side up to defend first as he has with other big matches this season. But their defense is hardly up to Mourinho’s standards and Chelsea could well leave Old Trafford with all three point.
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The matchup with Manchester City is harder to play out with the time between it and now. Before they host Chelsea, City will have their first chance at silverware in the League Cup. They will be back in London to face the same opponent, Arsenal, before hosting the Blues.
City have been rampant in the league as they have earned a very deserved an commanding lead. In cups, they have struggled. Their FA Cup run ended to a resolute Wigan Athletic. They have limped their way to the League Cup final. With the league all but mathematically won, they are likely to shift their focus to the Champions League.
This could give Chelsea the window of opportunity they need. The Blues will have a full week’s rest. City, meanwhile, will be in London twice against Arsenal before having two days to rest for Chelsea. If the City players take their foot off the gas because of the lead in the league, Chelsea can snatch a victory. They will have to frustrate City in the same way Wigan did. As was shown against Barcelona, Chelsea are perfectly capable at frustrating.
Both of the matches in Manchester will require mental toughness. Luckily, the factors surrounding the matches mostly play into Chelsea’s favor. Antonio Conte must set his side up perfectly and bolster them with the Barcelona match.
Next: Chelsea vs. Barca: Three things to keep in mind while coping with the draw
If he does so, Chelsea can ride their momentum and sneak up the table.