MX23RW : Friday, April 26 16:58:54| >> :60:98:98:

Ronald Koeman, Edwin van der Sar slam Chelsea tactics

Dutch legends criticise Chelsea tactics
© PA Photos
Ronald Koeman and Edwin van der Sar criticise Chelsea's defensive tactics in the Champions League.

Dutch legends Ronald Koeman and Edwin van der Sar have criticised Chelsea's defensive tactics following their Champions League win over Barcelona.

The Spanish giants went down to a Didier Drogba strike in the semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge last week, despite dominating possession.

­Feyenoord boss Koeman, who won the European Cup with Barca in 1992, said that he would "never" let his side play like Chelsea did against the Spaniards.

"I watched Chelsea defend for 90 minutes and I was appalled they did not try to make something more of the game. I have no admiration for Chelsea's approach," The Mirror quotes him as saying.

"And, let's face it, this tie could have been all over by now. ­Barcelona could easily have won in London.

"Let's hope football will be the winner this week and the team with the best approach goes to the final.

"It is the moment when a team like Chelsea have the chance to create something and they won't which annoys me. As a team, you can't sit back and wait for Barcelona all the time."

Former Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar echoed his compatriot's sentiments, saying that he hopes Chelsea lose the return leg "for the sake of the game and for football in ­general."

He added: "I love teams who attack. Chelsea did nothing but ­defend with nine players and kept lots of players in the ­middle of the park. But this tie could have been over by now.

"I expected Chelsea to lose by a big figure. And it could still have been 5-1 to Barca at the end. Chelsea had just one shot at goal - and they scored."

The return leg will take place at the Nou Camp next Tuesday, April 24.

ID:24697: cacheID:24697:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2865:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Didier Drogba
Read Next:
Drogba fit for Barca clash?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool34228475344174
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!