Chelsea do not have long to wallow in their Europa League qualification. The FA Cup beckons and it will show who really wants to be at Chelsea.
The match against Newcastle can be summed up in one word: apathy. The players simply did not look bothered they were blowing their only slim chance at Champions League. They went through the motions with no pride, desire, or effort. Indeed, only Thibaut Courtois and Ross Barkley really appeared to try to change that.
But curious stories came out after the match in regards to the travelling fans. Some say Eden Hazard rallied teammates as they tried to rush down the tunnel, sending them to the fans. Some say only Cesar Azpilicueta made the effort to applaud the fans.
Both stories, regardless of which (or if either) are true, point towards some amount of disappointment from the players. And that would mean they cared somewhat.
But it will only be clear as to who cares about staying and playing for Chelsea after the FA Cup final. The club cannot wallow long because there is still bittersweet silverware on the line.
How the players react will be vital for two reason. First of all, the reaction to drawing Huddersfield was pathetic. A repeat of that follow up would be shameful. Second, these players should not need motivation to beat Manchester United to a trophy. Especially a Jose Mourinho Manchester United.
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For those who wish to stay, they will need little prompting. They will go out and lay it all out on the Wembley pitch. But for those thinking of departing, it will be a slog. They will not care for a consolation FA Cup. They will only care about finding a club in the Champions League next season.
And this extends to Antonio Conte as well. His last two XI’s were sensible at the time but, in hindsight, look poorly planned. If he plans as badly for United, it will be a bad day. If he is as slow and almost frozen during the match, it will be a rollover.
The final will come after the transfer window officially opens in England. Several players have already been linked with moves away. If they want to put those rumors to bed, they must turn up for the FA Cup and earn their kit. There can be no more free handouts.
All eyes will primarily be on Eden Hazard. It is debatable if he is still Chelsea’s best or most important player (N’Golo Kante makes a strong case), but keeping him at Chelsea could be beneficial. He has stated he would stay without Champions League but there are rumors Conte’s fate is tied into that.
If Hazard wants to stay at Chelsea, it should be because he loves the club. Not because he loves the manager who is currently in charge. Hazard has been prone to fading in big games this season and to do so again would be the final nail in his Chelsea coffin. Regardless of who is manager next season, if Hazard wants to stay he must turn up.
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And like his teammates, he will have to show he wants to be at Chelsea next year. Conte too, if he really intends to honor his contract. Turning up for Wembley and giving it the respect it is due will go a long way to showing a player is willing to play for Chelsea going forward.