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The League title’s now beyond us, says Guus Hiddink
Tom Collomosse23 Apr 2009
Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink conceded the League title to Manchester United today after his team failed to beat Everton.
The goalless draw with FA Cup Final opponents Everton at Stamford Bridge left Hiddink's team trailing Manchester United — who beat Portsmouth 2-0 last night — by six points, having also played a game more than the champions.
Hiddink claimed: “We said before the match that we could not drop any more points and we have.
“Mathematically, we're still in the title race but we have to be honest and focus now on the Champions League and the FA Cup.”
The Dutchman's European chances in the semi-final with Barcelona have been harmed by the news that Ricardo Carvalho looks almost certain to miss the match.
The defender had been earmarked to play at left-back and mark Lionel Messi in the absence of the suspended Ashley Cole. But Carvalho suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the reserves on Monday night and is extremely unlikely to play in Tuesday's first leg at the Nou Camp.
Hiddink said: “Carvalho played for 45 minutes and suffered another little problem in his hamstring. So he is not available for the upcoming week. I don't think he will be there against Barcelona.
“Is it a blow? Yes. We have the problem with Ashley Cole as well. I could cry but I like to think when there is a disadvantage, how can I get an advantage out of that. Regarding the
left-back spot against Barcelona, there are some candidates but we have the time to practise. I have options in my mind.”
With Carvalho sidelined, Hiddink will be keeping his fingers crossed that Jose Bosingwa can recover in time. The full-back is also out with hamstring trouble but was due to return to full training before Saturday's match at West Ham.
Paulo Ferreira is out for the rest of the season, so Hiddink could decide to gamble on the 21-year-old Michael Mancienne.
Reader views (8)
Dom I think Man Utd thrashing Arsenal would be great but even better would be an all London final .... in Rome .... a packed Olympic Stadium .... have a re-run of the Cup Semi Final result then lets see what any future comments say from these so called knowledgeable Gooner & Spud fans ..... at least we have achieved something new Spurs and Arsenal fans teaming up together to spit envy and hate towards the Nos 1 team in the capital ..... who would have thought that would ever happen?
- Melly, Cartagena, 23/04/2009 17:55
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Hey Blue Baby, Thats all they can do now, nothing to win, so they just cus the best london club out of jealousy!
Would be good to see the Goners get a good spanking from the Mancs in Champs Lg. Just a shame the Spuds are going to be in the Prem Lg next season. Would loved to have seen em struggle in the lower division.
- Dom, London, 23/04/2009 16:01
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Exactly - Chelsea have lost their manager, regrouped, had injuries to key players this season like - Joe Cole, Didier, Essien, Carvalho - not moaned - other players and new Manager have worked hard, re-grouped and are in the Top 3 of League, FA Cup Final and Euro Semi Finals - alot of these other comments just stink of envy - Chelsea have a real chance of some silverware this season unlike any other team in London so just face facts whether you other London fans like it or not we are competing still at the highest level this season while you are waiting for your Summer Holidays to come round.
- Melly, Cartagena, 23/04/2009 16:00
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I see the Goners (no silverware in six years) and Spuds *(annual fight against relegation) have hijacked the comment thread!
- Blue Baby, London, 23/04/2009 14:47
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Wow,this chap is smart
- David, london, 23/04/2009 13:13
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The possibility of one of the worse cup finals ever,as was the Chelsea v Man Utd game 2 years ago,both teams seem so negative in their style,also i am looking forward to seeing Chelsea chase Barca around trying too get the ball,if last night was anything to go by,even without Messi,they were awesome against a stong Sevilla side..hopefully footy will be the winner and Barca give em a good whipping..
- Evs, Uxbridge, 23/04/2009 12:43
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Worst 'investment' in football history, RA could have got MU for the same money and if he pulls the plug the whole lot will collapse like the UK economy under NuLabour. Both have the same long term prospects - none.
C'mon Barca!!!!!!!!
- Undercover Elephant, London, UK, 23/04/2009 12:12
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That's two down. After Chelsea play Barca next week that will be three. If Everton can win the FA Cup (looked a possibility last night) that will make back-to-back seasons with no silverware. Magic!
- Kb, London, 23/04/2009 11:07
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