Arsenal’s Dutch player Robin van Persie (centre) gets squashed between Chelsea’s John Terry (left) and John Obi Mikel during the Premiership match at Stamford Bridge in London in this November 30, 2008, file photo. Chelsea take on Bolton in their next match today.

LONDON: By his own admission John Terry acknowledges that the only way to get over the disappointment of last season’s trophy-less campaign is to come back stronger and be in the mix come the latter stages of all the big competitions this season. Terry suffered personal anguish after seeing his penalty kick clip the post in last May’s Champions League final dramatic penalty shoot out against Manchester United in Moscow.

Had he scored, Chelsea would have been crowned European Champions for the first time and would have also become the first London side to ever do so. It was cruel on the Chelsea and England captain and for a side who had become used to collecting silverware, the sight of United also claiming the Premiership title was even more the galling, but insists Terry that is all history and it is time to move on. 

“The disappointment that we all felt was massive last year. We got close in a number of competitions and still didn’t win a trophy and that really hurt. When we saw Manchester United lifting the trophy in May, and all their players celebrating on the pitch, it really burned inside, especially knowing how hard we’d worked over the course of that season. And that lives long in the memory,” says Terry. “ But the answer is to come back the following season even stronger and work even harder. The new signings gave everyone a lift and then you just go again.” Terry says it is now time to move on under the new regime of Luiz Felipe Scolari, who he says has settled in very well in west London. 

“He’s been a great signing for the club. He’s brought in a lot of new ideas. Training changed a bit in the pre-season and now we do more running than we did under Jose Mourinho, so the lads are feeling really fit. Tactically, he’s very good too. We’re doing a lot more tactical work day in day out which has helped us a lot at certain times in games. He’s a great man too; he gets on well with everyone. Away from the training pitch he’s like one of our friends. But on the training pitch, he’s got the complete respect of the whole squad.” Those new signings Terry alluded to have certainly made the Blues formidable opponents, and have impressed Terry. 

“Deco was awesome at the start, he scored a couple of great goals, and he’s linked up very well with Frank (Lampard) and his all round play has been exceptional. Jose Bosingwa has been different class as well. He really pushes on and is actually one of the quickest players I’ve ever seen. His pace is amazing, not only pushing up but also coming back and defending. He works really hard for the team. People talk about our goals and about out clean sheets but a big part of that is due to out full backs working very hard going forward, but also understanding they’ve got to come back and help the team.” 

Chelsea have started this season strongly, but Terry has been unable to explain Chelsea’s recent home form which have seen the Blues held to a goal-less draw by Newcastle and then followed by the defeat to London rivals Arsenal last Sunday. However, he feels Chelsea will recover and that the same top four will be competing for the title come the latter stages of the season. 

“Liverpool have certainly stepped up a gear. Early on this season, they weren’t playing well but were still grinding out results and that’s the sign of a good team and is more like the Liverpool of old. The ability not to get beaten or draw too many games is something that’s let them down in previous years, but not now. Even when they’re playing badly they’re still getting the right results, which is a sign of great character. Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are doing a great job of really motivating the foreign lads in their squad and I think Liverpool will be pushing everyone this season.” Terry saw how good the Reds can be as like Arsenal, Liverpool are the only other team to have taken three points from their visit to Stamford Bridge. 

“Arsenal have been a little bit inconsistent this season but I’m sure they’ll put a good run together as they have some great players,” adds Terry who also knows United are looking in ominous form again. “Manchester United haven’t peaked yet I don’t think. They’ve still got another level to go to, but even when you look at the teams below the big four, every game is really tough.”  

With key players Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien, absent due to long-term injuries, Terry insists the Blues squad will still be able to cope as the fixtures move into the festive season.  “We’re lucky to have not just a big squad but also a very good squad of players. We have a few injuries to date but all of the players who have been going out on the pitch have been performing well.” As Chelsea prepare the trip to face a resurgent Bolton today, Terry will know that a win will be vital to keep up the Blues’ title ambitions.