Chelsea’s Ashley Cole shows signs of discontent while playing in the Community Shield match
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole looked frustrated and flushed while playing for his club in the FA Community Shield match on Sunday. The defender abused Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia owing to a first half tackle which left the Ecuadorian withering in pain.
Ashley Cole is considered to be the best player in the left-back position, and not many can get past him. Valencia, however, got the best of him on most occasions in the match, which led to Cole giving the winger a piece of his mind. Cole, along with other English World Cup players, was booed every time he touched the ball, owing to England’s poor performance in the World Cup. Cole is to be blamed for United’s first two goals, as he couldn’t match the pace of Rooney and Valencia on the left wing. This is somewhat a new phenomenon for the English international, as they are lesser occasions where fingers can be pointed at Cole, atleast on the field. The left-back has been hugely linked with a move to Spanish Giants Real Madrid, and if that’s the reason behind the attitude, Ancelotti would be having constant nightmares. Time and form will probably help the defender get over such issues and both club and country would be hoping to get the “Real Cole” back.
The 29 year old was one of the few English players who really shone at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His teammates Frank Lampard and John Terry resumed training with the club only days ago, but played a better match than expected. The left-back position was the least part of Capello’s worries in the English team, but now he may have to rethink the situation. Valencia is no doubt one of the most impressive wingers, but for him to make a fool of Ashley Cole is not a pretty sight, especially for his club and country manager.
Both the managers wouldn’t have liked Cole’s lack of concentration, enabling John O’Shea to find Valencia, who put forward a neat cross right into the feet of Javier Hernandez, who found the net.
Cole also refused to shake England manager Fabio Capello’s hand while climbing up the steps when he was substituted, which was an insult to the 64 year old Italian. It’s unlike Chelsea to be exploited from the left side, but that proved to be the only reason behind their 3-1 defeat to Manchester United. Perhaps the jeers messed up Cole’s head every time he and his defence partner John Terry touched the ball, and affected his performance.
England manager Fabio Capello may well have to rethink his strategy if Cole is affected by the negative reaction of the fans. Most of the England players may well have to face such remarks owing to their below-par performance in the World Cup. England play Hungary next on Wednesday at the same stadium, and jeers would be expected to follow all the English team every time they touch the ball. Wayne Rooney was booed every time he had the ball at the feet, but made an impressive comeback and gave his all in the Community Shield match.
Ashley Cole did, however, get a chance to redeem himself. The defender had the ball in his feet right in front of United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar. The left-back decided to use his left foot to take the shot and failed to hit the target. This was enough for the Chelsea manager, who replaced the troubled left-back and ended his misery in the second half. Yuri Zhirkov replaced Ashley Cole. Jeers from the United side of the group followed Cole’s footsteps till he left the ground in anger.
Chelsea have lost 4 matches in a row and are desperate to find full form. The team scored 103 goals last season in the Premier League and won the FA Cup along with the Premier League. However, this doesn’t look like a team that can defend the coveted title, and Carlo Ancelotti would want to get his team’s head right before the start of the new season.
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