The Champions League returns to SW6 this evening with the visit of Marseilles, former club of our enigmatic striker; Didier Drogba.
The Ivorian hitman will however be absent from proceedings, serving his now almost traditional ban from the opening stages of the competition.
However the links don’t end there, with Marseilles manager, Didier Deschamps, a former player on the Chelsea payroll.
Deschamps signed in 1999 and made 47 appearances for Chelsea, making his debut in the 4-0 win over Sunderland in August, and going on to lift the FA Cup later that year.
Deschamps didn’t exactly set the world alight in his time here, that’s not to negate his contribution that season, where he brought a steady and calm influence to the matches he played.
Since leaving Chelsea he’s forged a successful managerial career with Monaco, Juventus and now Marseille, as well as being linked with the Chelsea job on a number of occasions during our managerial merry-go-round.
As you all know, Carlo, a former manager of Deschamps at Juventus, took the hot seat and the rest is history, today the two men pit their wits against each other in Europe’s premier corruption competition.
Speaking before the match, Carlo confirmed the continued absence of Frank Lampard; “He can’t play tomorrow. If he doesn’t play with us, he is not able to play for the national team. He needs more time than we expected for his rest. After these games there will be an international break and he will be ready for the games after the international break.”
“For now we have to choose up front. Sure we will start Malouda and Anelka but we will have to choose the right position up front.” He added; “It could Sturridge or Kakuta, I could put these two players in, they are ready. From the beginning, McEachran will go on the bench; he will be ready to go onto the pitch if it is necessary. John Terry will play.”
Speaking about the threat our opponents pose, he said; “My players will know everything about the opponent but the most important thing is our play. Obviously we will know the skills of the opponent’s team but we must play our way. If we play our best, we will win.”