Those who support clubs other than Chelsea may find it strange to see the Chelsea players and fans celebrate a lot after winning the Europa League. After all, almost no one wishes to be in this competition in the first place.
So why celebrate winning the Europa League?
The current Chelsea squad has changed a lot in the space of 12 months. The infusion of several youngsters like Victor Moses, Eden Hazard, Azpilicueta, and Oscar has lowered the average age of the squad considerably. It has also lowered the experience within the squad as well.
One of the main reasons that has kept Chelsea going through the revolving door of managers was the presence of players who had actually won stuff before. The likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Petr Cech have been there and done it under José Mourinho.
That influence within the dressing room is slowly decreasing.
Mourinho spoke about the importance of winning a title – even if it was the League Cup – for the new players.
“It’s very difficult to win for the first time and for these players it is the first time so it is important. We now have the first title and almost for sure we will have the second one – and the second one will be the big one.” – Mourinho after the League Cup success in 2005.
It would have been tough to see the current crop of Chelsea youngsters coping with the disappointment of having failed to lift all seven trophies at the end of the season. For this reason alone, winning the Europa League is a huge achievement for Chelsea.
In many ways, it could help the likes of Hazard and Oscar become even better.
Winning is a habit and the Europa League has given the first taste of success for the Chelsea players.
