UEFA Champions League 2011/2012

[Shinji Kagawa]

Drogba hails 'amazing' Chelsea after Champions League triumph

The Ivory Coast international praised his side's refusal to give up and singled out the performance of goalkeeper Petr Cech as key to the Blues' victory

May 20, 2012 12:15:00 AM

By Sion Cleaver

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Chelsea striker Didier Drogba hailed his side’s never-say-die attitude after they overcameBayern Munich to win the Champions League final.

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The Blues secured a famous 4-3 victory on penalties at their opponents' home ground after taking the game to extra-time thanks to Drogba's late equaliser.

The Ivorian also coolly slotted home the all-important final penalty to secure the win for his side, after Bastian Schweinsteiger's miss handed the Blues the advantage.

Drogba told ITV: "[Chelsea] never give up until the end. This team is amazing. It was written, I think, a long time ago.

"I want to dedicate this cup to all the managers we've had before, all the players I've played with before."

Drogba also hailed the performance of goalkeeper Petr Cech, who saved a penalty from Arjen Robben in extra-time before playing a key part as Bayern missed twice in the shoot-out.

"When we have this guy in goal you have to believe," he added.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Heynckes admits Chelsea defended well and are worthy Champions League winners

The Bavarians' coach says the Londoners' triumph at the Allianz Arena was fully merited as his side failed to take their chances, including a missed Arjen Robben penalty

May 20, 2012 12:43:00 AM

By Livio Caferoglu

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Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has admitted that Chelsea deserved to win the Champions League final on Saturday as he rued his team's failure to convert their chances.

Thomas Muller gave the Germans the upper hand with less than 10 minutes left at the Allianz Arena, but Didier Drogba equalised moments later for the Blues, before tucking home the winning spot-kick in the penalty shootout.

Nonetheless, Bayern squandered a succession of chances to win the match, including a missed penalty from Arjen Robben in extra time, but Heynckes confessed that the Blues deserved to lift the trophy due to his own side's profligacy in front of goal.

"I think I have to say that we played a good match but we were unlucky on occasions," Heynckes told reporters.

"Our players had a very strong spirit throughout the game and we saw how they played. We attacked from the beginning, and never gave Chelsea the chance to respond.

"Chelsea defended well but we didn't manage to take advantage from our many chances and unfortunately we missed a penalty. We lost our 1-0 lead and Chelsea deserve the title."

Bayern also finished the season second in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

It's unfair that a team like Chelsea can win titles, says Sammer

The ex-Dortmund sweeper spoke against the English side's victory on Saturday, and claimed the result could have a 'catastrophic' effect on the contemporary game

May 20, 2012 8:45:00 AM

By Clark Whitney

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Germany sporting director Matthias Sammer has hit out against Chelsea and modern football, labeling the London side's Champions League final win against Bayern Munich as 'unfair'.

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The 44-year-old, who won the prestigious trophy with Dortmund in 1997, criticised the English side's playing style in their penalty shootout victory, which came after the Blues and the Bavarians played to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

"If this is the future of football, then it's a catastrophe," he said after the game.

"It's unfair that those with such a playing style as Chelsea can win titles."

Bayern squandered several chances, including a penalty, over the course of the 120 minutes of play, but could not capitalise as Thomas Muller's late opener was canceled out by Didier Drogba.

In the eventual shootout, Chelsea came out the victors, claiming their first-ever Champions League trophy.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

'Football can be brutal sometimes' - Low after Bayern lose Champions League final to Chelsea

Despite the penalty shootout loss in the showpiece, the DFB trainer believes the Bavarians delivered a top-class performance in Europe's elite club competition this term

May 20, 2012 8:30:00 AM

By Trevor Allen

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Germany coach Joachim Low has applauded Bayern Munich's Champions League campaign, and opined that the Bundesliga side were extremely unlucky to lose against Chelsea.

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The Bavarians dominated their opponents at the Allianz Arena, but a cruel twist of fate saw them surrender the trophy in a penalty shootout.

"They were the better team against Chelsea for 120 minutes and had the better chances. Football can be brutal sometimes," Low told Bayern Munich's official website.

"Despite this defeat, let me congratulate Bayern on a top-class Champions League campaign. Bayern have given us some fantastic matches, especially against Madrid."

Bayern's defeat against Chelsea means that the Bavarians lost their second Champions League final in three years.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

From caretaker to history-maker, Di Matteo's Champions League miracle seals legend but not necessarily the Chelsea hot-seat

Roman Abramovich has finally been given the prize he has been obsessed over since arriving in London but the interim coach still may not have satisfied his demanding boss

May 20, 2012 8:20:00 AM

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ANALYSIS
By George Ankers

He tried the Tinkerman, the Special One, the director of football, the World Cup winner, the European Cup winner, the Champions League specialist, and the young upstart – but, in the end, it took the caretaker to win Europe’s biggest prize for Roman Abramovich.
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All of the Chelsea owner’s investment in the club has been with a view to lifting the famous trophy – and it has cost him a great deal – but in Roberto Di Matteo he found almost by accident the man to do it.

Around £13 million had been spent on bringing Andre Villas-Boas to Stamford Bridge last summer and Saturday’s scenes were no doubt the ones that Abramovich had in mind when he appointed the Portuguese, but he wasn’t prepared to let things get worse before they got better and the costly manager had to become an even more expensive ex-manager.

Di Matteo, former MK Dons boss and sacked by West Brom before becoming Villas-Boas’ assistant, came in to steady the ship, to hold the fort until the summer when a ‘proper’ coach could be found, one who could propel the club into the owner’s dreamland.

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[TABLE="width: 285"]
<tbody>[TR="bgcolor: #1874CD"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]ABRAMOVICH'S CHELSEA MANAGERS
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[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]CLAUDIO RANIERI
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[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: left"]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]The incumbent on Roman's arrival and removed after losing CL semi-final to Monaco[/TD]
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[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]JOSE MOURINHO
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[TD="width: 20%, align: left"]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]Blues' most successful boss won two Premier Leagues but left in 2007 after disagreements[/TD]
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[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]AVRAM GRANT
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[TR]
[TD="width: 20%, align: left"]

[/TD]
[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]Came within a John Terry penalty slip of winning the big prize in the 2008 final[/TD]
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[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI
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[/TD]
[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]Won World Cup with Brazil but lasted just seven months at Stamford Bridge[/TD]
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[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]GUUS HIDDINK
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[/TD]
[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]Filled in at end of 2008-09 season and won FA Cup but declined to stay on longer[/TD]
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[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]CARLO ANCELOTTI
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[/TD]
[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]Secured the double in 2009-10 but failure to follow up saw CL specialist dumped next year[/TD]
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[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS
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[/TD]
[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]Cost £13m to recruit but alienated key players and sacked in March[/TD]
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[TR="bgcolor: black"]
[TD="colspan: 2, align: left"]ROBERTO DI MATTEO
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[TD="width: 80%, align: left"]The assistant stepped in and rallied the troops to unprecedented European glory[/TD]
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</tbody>[/TABLE]
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But because of the Italian’s handiwork, the next man in will have to replicate history, not break that new ground. And yes, even after the greatest triumph, there may well be a next man in sooner rather than later.

It seems odd to imagine that Di Matteo might be jettisoned after what he has achieved, not only in winning the Champions League but the FA Cup, too.

The 41-year-old has taken an unhappy dressing room – one of which, as assistant manager, he was a very prominent part – and unified it with the belief to overcome the odds. Being the previous No.2, his status as the 'good cop' under Villas-Boas surely helped in this regard.

He has nurtured an improvement out of Fernando Torres while bringing the age-defying best out of Didier Drogba. He has maximised the ability of his squad and tackled its weaknesses, his use of the likes of Ramires, Salomon Kalou and Ryan Bertrand in recent times to cover holes as defensive wide midfielders a particular tactical success. He has rotated and motivated an ageing, transitional squad to unforeseeable triumph.

Some might have worried that the Abramovich glory days were slipping away with the apparent warming-down of the careers of John Terry, Frank Lampard et al. But Di Matteo’s work has ensured that Chelsea are legitimised on the world stage as continuing, genuine heavyweights, a status which the oligarch has always craved. The achievement is not to be understated.

Yet he may still go. Throughout the Blues’ stunning late-season run, the omnipresent question has been that of Di Matteo’s future, his chances of getting the job full-time.

Beating the mighty Barcelona over two legs in the semi-finals was an immense enough feat to have warranted hiring there and then. When the FA Cup was added a few days later, even more so. But Roman seems reluctant, Di Matteo downbeat.

Both before and after the match in Munich, the Italian appeared resigned with regards to his future. At the post-game press conference, the moment at which he was walking on water and could really have said whatever he liked, he said in reply to the question of whether he wanted the permanent job: “I want to go on holidays. Whatever the club decide, I respect.”

Already, despite the Munich miracle, you can see the cogs turning in Abramovich’s brain here. He has fired a double-winner before in Carlo Ancelotti, so going further is not all that much of a stretch.

The Russian has long desired not only success but also excitement. After all of the practical, measured Premier League dominance under Jose Mourinho, he wants Stamford Bridge to witness thrilling, attractive football on a regular basis, and, whilst Di Matteo has overseen thrills of a kind, his football style itself has not been so enterprising.

Chelsea’s caution and counterattacking play has been a necessity to go as far as they have. With limited and ageing players, weaknesses must be factored in, and against first Barcelona and then Bayern, the Blues have been, on paper, the weaker side. Backs to the wall has been the only option to weather those storms for the team who could only finish sixth in the Premier League and, though victorious in Munich, they were by no means exceptional.

This should not count against Di Matteo – you work with what you have – but the famously demanding Abramovich has his own brand of logic in these matters. Perhaps Saturday’s victory will be to him only a springboard to better attract a ‘proven’ coach who can take Chelsea to the next level of beautiful football and win the Champions League on the front foot rather than the back.

It has been proved impossible to predict Abramovich’s thinking in the past but perhaps, to that end, he could instead decide to give the Italian another year to see if things keep improving – and, if not, then move to lure Pep Guardiola out of his sabbatical. The idea could appeal to all parties.

Of course, given his record, waiting for Guardiola would leave just enough time to hire and fire at least one more manager before then. Who knows with this club? But Di Matteo has certainly done everything that he can and, whatever happens, has secured his place in the pantheon of Chelsea heroes as both player and coach.
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[Shinji Kagawa]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kvfkEUIR9wk?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Penalties [3-4]

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[Shinji Kagawa]

Chelsea's Bertrand could 'hardly believe' Champions League final start
The Blues defender admits that he was shocked to be included in Roberto Di Matteo's line-up and adds that the whole occasion bought back memories of playing football as a child

Chelsea success good for England - Hodgson
The new Three Lions manager says that the Blues’ Champions League victory could give his side a boost as they head to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012 this summer

Bayern's Boateng: I can't believe we lost
The Germany international has voiced his disappointment with Saturday's loss after penalties, and struggles to understand what happened

Seb Coe delighted at Chelsea Champions League victory
The chairman of the London organising committee for the Olympics admits that the Blues’ triumph in Europe's premier club competition feels more important than seven gold medals

Rummenigge: Bayern's loss more brutal than in 1999
The Bayern supremo was gutted with his side's Champions League defeat against Chelsea on Saturday evening and stressed the defeat hurt even more than their shock loss 13 years ago

Torres admits Chelsea rode their luck in Champions League final
The Spaniard conceded that the Blues had more luck than Bayern Munich as they edged out the German side on penalties to win Europe's most prized trophy

Neuer describes Bayern's devastation
The German goalkeeper told of the Munich squad’s hurt and bemoaned his side's bad luck as they lost out on penalties to Chelsea on their own ground in the Champions League final

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Sergio Ramos: I didn't know Neuer enjoys losing finals

The Real Madrid defender has ridiculed the Bayern shot stopper in the wake of Sunday's Champions League final, after Neuer had previously made fun of the Spain international

May 20, 2012 2:15:00 PM

By Stefan Coerts

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Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has hit back at Manuel Neuer in the wake of Bayern Munich's Champions League final loss against Chelsea after spot kicks on Saturday.

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The Germany international made fun of the centre-back after his penalty miss against Bayern in the semi-finals of the competition, saying 'I didn't know Sergio Ramos enjoyed blasting his spot kicks over the bar'.

Nevertheless, his comments came back to haunt him after Saturday's loss at the Allianz Arena, as Sergio Ramos was quick to ridicule the former Schalke star.

"I didn't know Neuer enjoys losing finals. Better luck next year. Always stay humble," the Madrid defender said via Twitter.

Bayern were beaten 4-3 after spot kicks as Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger failed to find the net from 12 yards.

The score after 120 minutes of play was 1-1 following goals from Thomas Muller and Didier Drogba.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

First the World Cup final, now the Champions League showpiece – Arjen Robben proves that he is a big-game choker

The Bayern Munich winger should have fired the Bavarians to CL glory on Saturday, but failed when it mattered most, and not for the first time in his career

May 20, 2012 10:00:00 AM

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COMMENT
By Stefan Coerts

Very few will disagree with the notion that Arjen Robben has been one of the world's best attackers over the past half-decade. The Dutchman has won league titles with PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, while lifting several more trophies at club level.

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Additionally, the former Groningen star has been capped 54 times by the Netherlands, and at the age of 28 has already featured at two European Championships and two World Cups.

However, the fleet-footed winger has not enjoyed much luck on the biggest stage. Robben has lost the last four finals he has played in: Inter proved too strong for Bayern in the 2010 Champions League final, Spain beat Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup, Borussia Dortmund defeated FCB in this year's DFB Pokal final, and Chelsea emerged victorious in this season's final of European club football's elite tournament.

The Oranje international has, unfortunately, played a key role in a number of these big-game failures, and the outcome could often have been very different had Robben been more decisive at the critical moments. This has led to the ex-Real Madrid star being labelled by some as a big-game choker.

The moment that will forever haunt him is the one-on-one with Iker Casillas at 0-0 in the final of the 2010 World Cup. However, the missed spot kicks in the Bundesliga title-decider against Borussia Dortmund earlier this term and in the Champions League final versus Chelsea on Saturday didn't do his reputation any good either.

Below are some of Robben's big-game chokes ...

[TABLE="width: 596"]
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[TD="align: center"]LIVERPOOL 1-0 CHELSEA (1-1 AGG.), MAY 2007
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After Chelsea had won the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie with Liverpool 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, they were unable to successfully defend their lead in the return. A single Daniel Agger goal restored parity after 22 minutes of play, and the game would eventually go to penalties as both sides failed to find the net in the remainder of the game.

Robben, who came off the bench in the 98th minute to replace Joe Cole, stepped up to take one of Chelsea's five spot kicks. His attempt from 12 yards was kept out by Pepe Reina, thus ending the Blues' Champions League dreams as Geremi failed to find the net as well.

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[TD="align: center"]NETHERLANDS 0-1 SPAIN (AET), JULY 2010
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Robben faced fitness problems ahead of the 2010 World Cup, and missed the first two group games due to a hamstring injury. Nevertheless, he returned to match action for Netherlands' third fixture, and played a key role in the knockout wins over Slovakia and Uruguay to help Holland to the final against Spain.

The Bedum-born attacker was then decisive in the showpiece too, but not in the way he'd have imagined ahead of the game. Robben was sent clean through on goal in the second half after a brilliant Wesley Sneijder pass, but the winger couldn't find a way past Iker Casillas, and Spain eventually emerged victorious, following Andres Iniesta's goal in extra time.

[TABLE="width: 596"]
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[TD="align: center"]BORUSSIA DORTMUND 1-0 BAYERN MUNICH, APRIL 2012
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Ahead of the Bundesliga game at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich still had every chance to win the domestic league title. They could not afford to lose, though, and things were not looking good for FCB as they trailed 1-0 with only five minutes remaining.

However, the referee's decision to award Bayern a spot kick after Roman Weidenfeller fouled Robben seemed to have helped the Bavarians back into the title race. The Dutchman confidently stepped up, but saw his attempt parried by Weidenfeller as he missed his first-ever penalty for the German giants.

Robben received the chance to make amends only minutes later, but the winger once more choked at a crucial moment as he fired the ball over an open goal from close range to effectively end Bayern's title ambitions.

[TABLE="width: 596"]
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[TD="align: center"]BAYERN MUNICH 1-1 CHELSEA (3-4 PENS), MAY 2012
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After missing out on the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal, Bayern were desperate to win the Champions League final versus Chelsea in order to save their 2011-12 campaign. Things were not meant to be for the Bavarians, though.

After Thomas Muller broke the deadlock with just seven minutes left, Didier Drogba's powerful header sent the game into extra-time. The Ivorian then went from hero to villain minutes later when he fouled Franck Ribery inside the area, leaving the referee no other choice but to award Bayern a penalty, and Robben the chance to restore his side's lead.

However, the Netherlands star buckled under the pressure, and his low shot was saved by Petr Cech, much to the frustration of the winger.

"Indescribable. I don't know what to say. I'm really lost for words. I never had any doubts when I stepped up for the penalty. I just wanted to hit it hard through the middle, but it didn't go as high as I wanted it to go," Robben commented.

The attacker's miss allowed Chelsea to hang on for a penalty shoot-out. Robben refused to take one of Bayern's five kicks, and watched on in agony as the Londoners won 4-3 in the lottery. Bayern had blown their dream of winning the Champions League on home soil, and Robben had proven yet again that when the big occasion comes around he often fails to produce the goods.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Villas-Boas congratulates Chelsea on Champions League triumph

The Portuguese hailed his former club and his successor, Roberto Di Matteo, after the Blues defeated Bayern Munich on penalties to win Europe's premier club competition

May 20, 2012 4:10:00 PM

By Rhys Turrell

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Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has offered his congratulations to his former employers following their Champions League triumph.

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The Portuguese was sacked by the Blues in March after a troubled time in west London, enduring a difficult relationship with some of the more experienced members of the squad.

He was replaced on an interim basis by his assistant, Roberto Di Matteo, who has since led the Stamford Bridge side to a European and FA Cup double.

"The biggest honour is to win the Champions League. Congratulations to Di Matteo and the players," the former Porto coach told RTP.

Despite turbulent spell at Chelsea, Villas-Boas has recently been linked with several top jobs, including the vacant Liverpool manager’s role as well as at Inter in Italy.

However, the 34-year-old refused to disclose his next move, and says that he will have to weigh up his options before accepting his next challenge.

"I am still choosing the right project and such a decision will take as long as necessary,” the Portuguese said.

 

[laksaboy]

Juan Mata celebrating with a Chelsea legend.

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Platini: Tottenham have not been unfairly punished
The 56-year-old insists the north London knew the danger they faced when they finished fourth with Chelsea in Champions League final, but did suggest that the rules may be altered

Ivanovic: I could barely watch as Chelsea won Champions League
Serbian defender found sitting in the stands almost unbearable, and believes that taking part would have been less stressful, describing himself as 'powerless' as a spectator

Kidd: Champions League success will take time for Manchester City
The former Manchester United assistant manager has warned that it will take the club time before they follow in Chelsea's footsteps and become European champions.

Bosingwa: Chelsea success proves the squad is not too old
The Portuguese defender claims the Blues' success in both Champions League and the FA Cup proves that the average age of the Stamford Bridge stars is not holding them back

Cristiano Ronaldo: I want to win Real Madrid's 10th Champions League title
The Portugal international has set his sights on the ultimate prize for Los Blancos next season as he wants to help the club end their drought in Europe's glamour competition

Albert Drogba: The time was right for my son to leave Chelsea
The striker's father fully supports the player’s decision to quit the Blues after their historic Champions League victory against Bayern Munich

Parry: Champions League should be minimum requirement for Liverpool
Following the sacking of Kenny Dalglish, the former chief executive says that qualifying for Europe's biggest club tournament should be the first priority for any new manager

Fabregas: Luck was on Chelsea's side
The Barcelona midfielder and former Arsenal man admitted that, as with all top sides, good fortune played a major role in the Blues' Champions League triumph on Saturday

'Nobody can be happy with the outcome of the Champions League final' - Johan Cruyff
The Dutch icon has admitted his distain for the English side's tactics, stating that he would prefer not to have won the trophy, than to do so in a similar manner

Gary Cahill believes Chelsea veterans still have a lot more to give
The Blues defender insists that he has already learnt a lot from his older team-mates and has gained valuable experience in the club's successful Champions League campaign

Chelsea's Lukaku: I did not deserve Champions League medal thanks to Villas-Boas snub
The Belgian forward insisted he could not even touch the cup following the Blues' victory over Bayern Munich on Saturday, after he was left out of the 25-man European squad

Luiz played through the pain for Chelsea in Champions League final
The defender explains he felt his injury after just 20 minutes in the Allianz Arena but was was determined not to be substituted and was rewarded for his courage with victory

'All the luck came in the Champions League' - Cech believes destiny helped Chelsea to beat Bayern Munich
The goalkeeper feels the Napoli game was the turning point in the season for the Blues and admits towards the end of the final on Saturday he was praying for penalties

Lampard: Chelsea's Champions League win is the crowning moment of my career
The England international said his team grew in belief throughout the game against Bayern and that victory was even more special after previous disappointments in the competition

Love him or loathe him, England should cherish Chelsea's Champions League hero Ashley Cole
The 31-year-old once again showed he is one of the best defenders in the world against Bayern Munich and now looks set to play a major role for the Three Lions at Euro 2012

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Chelsea midfielder Mikel reveals mind games forced Robben penalty miss

The Blues star has told reporters that he played a part in the Dutchman's fluffed extra-time spot kick in their historic Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich

May 21, 2012 4:30:00 PM

By Thomas Anthony Wilson

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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has claimed to have had a hand in Arjen Robben's missed penalty kick in their Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich.

The Nigerian has revealed that he told the former Blues winger that Petr Cech knew which way he would go, with the Czech goalkeeper indeed guessing correctly and keeping the effort out.

Roberto Di Matteo's side eventually prevailed 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, in which Robben did not participate.

"I told him: 'Petr Cech knows where you are going to kick it,'" Mikel told reporters.

"I just told Robben that he is going to miss it. You know, we just do that sometimes as players.

"I think when the penalty was missed, we kind of believed that this trophy was going to be ours."

The win ended billionaire owner Roman Abramovich's nine-year wait for Europe's top prize, in a season that had looked bleak following the departure of former boss Andre Villas-Boas in early March.

"I think we have made names for ourselves - we are the first club to win this trophy from London," Mikel added.

"We have shown what we can do. And, hopefully, people can stop writing us off."

The midfielder also hailed interim manager Di Matteo, praising the Italian for putting faith in him when he first took over from Villas-Boas.

Mikel continued: "When he took over, he had a word with me and said he knows how good I am, I am just maybe lacking a bit of confidence. And he gave it back to me.

"I would like to see him get the job, but at the end of the day, the club will make the right decision."

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

Chelsea owner Abramovich wants three more Champions League wins - Buck

The Blues chairman says the Russian oligarch gave a speech to the club's players following Saturday's victory over Bayern Munich and targeted further European success

May 21, 2012 12:47:00 PM

By David Lynch

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Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has revealed that the club's owner Roman Abramovich is targeting another three Champions League wins following Saturday's triumph.

The Blues won Europe's premier cup competition for the first time with victory over Bayern Munich on penalties at the Allianz Arena.

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And Buck says that Abramovich, who has invested heavily in the Blues' squad since purchasing the club in 2003, now wants to build on that success. ​

He told The Sun: "There’s a lot of clubs with three or four of those stars on their club badge. We have only one. Roman gave a thank you speech, the message was that it was all down to the boys."

Buck went on to discuss the future of Didier Drogba, whose late equaliser in Germany and final spot-kick proved crucial in lifting the trophy.

The Ivorian is out of contract in just a month's time and is a reported target of Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, now managed by former Blues striker Nicolas Anelka.

Buck continued: "We love Didier. But we have to think what’s right for Chelsea — and Didier has to do what’s right for him."

The American remained coy on the future of interim boss Roberto Di Matteo, however, but did admit that members of the squad are keen for the Italian to be appointed on a full-time basis.

He added: "We’ve heard from a number of the players that they’d like to see Robbie as manager.

"We haven’t set a timescale for a decision. Roman will be in London this week and we have to start thinking about it."

 

[Shinji Kagawa]

In Pictures: Chelsea celebrate Champions League success

After years of going close, the Blues finally clinched Europe's elite trophy on Saturday, and Goal.com takes a pictorial look at how Di Matteo's men revelled in their triumph

May 20, 2012 8:55:00 PM

By Andrew Kennedy

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Chelsea finally secured the holy grail of the Champions League trophy on Saturday night, with their old guard once again coming to the fore to lead them to victory over Bayern Munich on penalties.

After chasing no.1 spot in Europe's elite competition for nearly a decade, Didier Drogba slotted home the winning spot-kick to see the Blues crowned kings of the continent under the beaming gaze of owner Roman Abramovich.

The Premier League outfit will have had little opportunity to get bleary-eyed and boozed up yet though, having hop-footed it back from Munich to west London for an open top bus parade on Sunday afternoon to celebrate their success with the club's fans.

'Just don't drop it John, you've caused enough trouble' | Roman watches on

King of Europe | Drogba lifts the Champions League trophy to roars of cheers

Quick, get a picture! | Camera-phones at the ready as the bus crawls past thousands of fans

Championes! | Chelsea bring Europe's most presitigous crown to the streets of London

We do what we waaant! | An open top bus parade is the ideal excuse for surburban climbing

Home comforts | Fans back in London await their team's arrival

Blue is the colour | Chelsea fans eagerly await the return of their heroes

But, I wanted to play! | Just because Chelsea won, doesn't mean Fernando can't have a strop

'What you lookin' at?' | David Luiz isn't fazed by a mean looking German Police officer

JT slots in smoothly | 'If I get my kit on, they'll think I actually played in a few years time'

Continental geezer | David Luiz waves the Brazilian flag high

'Eeeyy, I putta the Champions League on my 'ead' | Torres... with a trophy on his napper

Third time lucky | Ashley Cole finally gets his mits on the trophy after failing twice

Where's JT? | Unfortunately for the defender, Bosingwa gets in his way at the crucial moment

Quick, get your kit dirty | Ivanovic is straight off the sidelines to celebrate with Drogba

'I've gone the wrong bloody way!' | The moment Drogba won the Champions League​