The 2009-2010 season continues to be a serious case of Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde. And we were without a doubt on the negative end of that spectrum against Chelsea on Sunday, despite being the better team in the first half. Losing 0-2 for the second match running is not a pleasant feeling, but rather than wanting to punch a wall or screaming in agony, I felt more of a sense of disappointment. In 2008-2009, because we seemed within a whisker of something big, I felt more anger and “punchiness,” but this season I simply just don’t have those expectations.
Was it that we lost Alonso, or that the other big sides simply just made more important upgrades? At Chelsea, their new manager will make a WORLD of difference, and they didn’t lose anybody of significance. At Man U, they lost Ronaldo and Tevez, but they still have the gaffer, so they’ll always be at the top. And in the Champions League, I simply don’t see one loss as a big deal, because we probably will win or draw the rest of the matches. That one was looking like the only real sticky match, and now it’s out of the way.
Anyhow, I hate writing after we lose. There is the combo of disappointment and not wanting to become a whiner/know-it-all. Often times people think they are more competent than the manager when their club loses, and I reallly don’t want to become that type of supporter. I back Rafa on all of his decisions, whether I’d make them in his position or not. I’m proud of my club, proud of the players, and especially proud of the improvements Rafa has made. This season may be faltering already, but you never know what can happen, and maybe we’ll get a trophy in an unexpected way. Don’t lose hope!
