Chelsea must avoid replicating Arsenal’s treatment of Patrick Vieira with John Terry
Judging by the first half of Chelsea’s season, no one would have ever imagined a 5-1 Chelsea victory being overshadowed by anything during this campaign. However, this was the case this week as their fourth round FA Cup victory was eclipsed by John Terry’s announcement that he would not be wearing Chelsea blue next season.
The West Londoners were at their best this against MK Dons. They swiftly put aside the clearly weaker team, with Oscar stealing the show, scoring a first half hat trick. Even Hazard bagged his first goal of the season and Bertrand Traore scored his first senior Chelsea goal.
However, John Terry’s announcement was the major talking point on the day. He stated that he would not be retiring in West London, as the Chelsea’s board had decided not to offer him a contract for next season.
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“Ideally, I would have loved to stay, but the club’s moving in a different direction,” Terry said. “It’s not going to be a fairytale ending. I’m not going to retire at Chelsea, which it took me a couple of days to get over.” –The BBC
The book is not completely closed on his Chelsea future, as a club spokesman has said it’s a no at the moment, but that it could change and that dialogue between both parties was open.
The timing of this decision could not have been more poorly timed. Chelsea were just beginning to find their rhythm, culminating with an emphatic victory in the FA Cup. Furthermore, Chelsea’s defense has looked much stronger, with John Terry and Kurt Zouma keeping Gary Cahill out of the side, minus the MK Dons match.
Whatever happens with Terry for next season, whether he stays or goes, it’s absolutely imperative that Chelsea keep him close. Not close as in him playing for another Premier League side. But they should make it explicitly clear that Terry has a role within the club when he retires, and a large one at that.
A perfect example of a similar situation is Patrick Vieira and Arsenal. Most Gunners’ fans consider Vieira to be immortalized within the club’s history. The Frenchman was a major part of the North Londoner’s past. He was one of the main players on the “Invincibles” that won the title in 2004 without a loss.
However, the Frenchman ended his career at Manchester City after playing his football in Italy, both at Juventus and Inter Milan. After his playing career ended, he accepted a coaching role within Manchester City’s youth ranks. He has worked his way up within the organization and will now take the reins at Manchester City’s sister club, New York City FC.
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In a recent interview, the Frenchman shed some light on the subject.
“Vieira is adamant he has never been approached by the north Londoners but did hint he would have been willing to work for the Gunners, said Sam Long of the Standard.
“I’ve never been contacted by anyone to manage or get involved with the club. I was expecting something from them, but it didn’t come. It didn’t kill me. He [Wenger] is a busy man. I didn’t speak to him in quite a long time.”
There is clearly a hint of frustration in Vieira’s comments that suggest he was disappointed not to hear from Arsenal with regard to any sort of role after retirement. Chelsea must categorically avoid any situation like this with Terry.
The Englishman has led Chelsea for two decades to every title a player can win in his club career. He is a figure larger than life within Stamford Bridge and the board has to realize this.
They have already made several errors in handling the situation thus far. I wouldn’t be surprised if they rescinded their decision and did offer him a role for next season, even as a player-coach.
This would make the most sense for both the club and the player. He could pursue his coaching badges, while also being a contributor to the team.
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Terry deserves a better swan song than this season. He’s put in the time, and it’s time for Chelsea to repay that. Furthermore, Terry could be absolutely instrumental in helping Kurt Zouma and another young defender mature into a reliable replacement.
The torch will absolutely have to be passed within Chelsea’s ranks. But there is no need for it to be at the end of this season.
However, regardless of the decision, Chelsea must make it extremely clear that Terry is welcome at the club, following his retirement. They must promote him quickly, keep him around, and make sure they avoid Arsenal’s treatment of Vieira.