Do Chelsea receive the credit deserved for their Champions League record?
I am biased of course I am but I do not believe that Chelsea receive enough credit for our record in the Champions League. As Liverpool and Man City have struggled to maintain a foothold in the competition, Chelsea march on to continue their impressive record.
Over the previous ten seasons, Chelsea have missed out on qualifying for the latter stages just once in 2012-2013 (but went on to win the Europa League). In those ten seasons, Chelsea have reached the semi-finals an incredible FIVE TIMES winning it once in Munich 19.05.12.
Chelsea's complete record for the past ten seasons is as follows:
Ten-year European record (UEFA Champions League unless indicated otherwise)
2013/14: semi-finals
2012/13: UEFA Europa League winners (having transferred from UEFA Champions League group stage)
2011/12: winners
2010/11: quarter-finals
2009/10: round of 16
2008/09: semi-finals
2007/08: runners-up
2006/07: semi-finals
2005/06: round of 16
2004/05: semi-finals
Chelsea most successful British club in Europe
You look at Liverpool's Champions League campaign this season and see how they have struggled. You look at Manchester City and their ongoing problems in Europe's biggest competition ever since they have become as successful domestically as they have and you can only have admiration for what Chelsea have achieved over that ten year period. Man City in particular would bite your hand off to have a record as we have right now!
Ten years ago, Peter Kenyon spoke of Chelsea's vision of establishing themselves in the Champions League, in Europe and then all over the world as one of the biggest clubs and we have done exactly that.
The squad has evolved over that period of time and has gained vital experience. We have had managers who also have that experience and know exactly what it takes to get results and the club has established themselves now as one of the favourites for the competition every single season!
Maybe it's just me, but I really feel that because of our record, people do not give us the credit we deserve because there is a level of expectation now at this club. It's when you see other clubs from England struggle that you realise just how good we have been.