Chelsea: Money Does Not Buy Happiness

Chelsea: Money Does Not Buy Happiness

When Roman Abramovich brought Chelsea and began throwing his seemingly bottomless wallet at what was then, a mediocre squad, it changed the dynamics of the Premier League completly. Several domestic successes later and it looks like its all falling apart...

...roll the clock forward a handful of seasons and it wouldnt be unfair to say that the philosophy adopted by Mr Abramovich appears to have back fired. Yes, Chelsea have had success domestically, but real success is measured on the amount of European silverware the trophy cabinet contains. And Chelseas' still remains empty on that front.

Compare their philosphy to that of Barcalonas, who ok, have spent recently on Fabregas, Sanchez and Mascherano. However the core of the team remains the same and the attitude of the whole club concentrates on bringing players through their youth teams and programmes. Lionel Messi being the crowning example of this. One of the greatest talents and examples of a footballer taking the game to the next level. (Zidane being the last player to really do this in my opinion)

Real Madrid have arguably gone about their business similarly to Chelsea in that they continue to buy players in search of finding a winning formula left behind by the "Galacticos". Although they are showing championship creditials and look to be on course to win a La Liga title after several barron seasons, my own opinion is that Barca philosphy will outlast that of Madrid and other teams looking to buy success, becuase they have a continuous flow of talent and enthusiasm errupting from their youth set-up. You get the feel from the philosphy at Barca that is not just the players that beleive in the ethos, but the entire club - from the cleaners to the programme sellers - and that the whole Barca "way of life" runs through the club and to everyone associated with it.

Compare that then, to Chelsea, they tried to buy success and ok they got some, but that simply wont stand the test of time in the memory and it will be the great organic sides - like Barca - who will be remembered not only for their success...but the way they achieved it.