To miss out once was a shame but to miss out twice would almost be criminal.
I?ve often admired the sheer professionalism of Carlo Cudicini. Before the arrival of Petr Cech the likeable Italian was considered, by many, to be the best keeper in the Premiership. Some of the saves he pulled off were outstanding, some simply unbelievable and some just awe-inspiring. However, since the arrival of Petr Cech, Carlo has had to play second fiddle making only the occasional appearance.
Many a player would have harped on about the injustice of it all, about how they?ve been treated appallingly and how they deserve a transfer. Carlo hasn?t! Instead he?s persevered with his game believing that his chance would come, he?s accepted that Petr?s arrival was yet another challenge that had to be overcome and has patiently waited for his chance.
Behind the scenes, Mourinho has admitted that Carlo is a superb keeper and that he is prepared to call on him whenever the occasion arrives. One such occasion should have been the Carling Cup Final last season. Having played in all the earlier rounds Carlo was told he?d be keeping goal in the final. Sadly, a red card, for handball, outside the area in a FA Cup-tie at Newcastle resulting in a suspension put paid to that dream.
This year Carlo had played in every round of the FA Cup and, if Liverpool had been overcome, would no doubt have played in the final. Sadly it is not to be. Instead, with Chelsea exiting the competition on Saturday, Carlo is likely to finish the season empty handed, again.
With Chelsea closing in on back-to-back Premiership titles, Carlo doesn?t have the minimum number of Premiership appearances under his belt to qualify for a medal. The situation is exactly the same as last year. The consensus of opinion amongst the fans, with regard to this matter, is that Carlo has had a raw deal.
Whereas outfield players can be substituted either through injury, a tactical switch or purely to give them a well-earned rest the keepers? role is different. Unless he sustains an injury it is almost unheard of for a keeper to be taken off for any other reason. The only exception I can recall is Lenny Pidgeley being given the chance to taste first team action against Charlton in the latter stages of the final game of the season last year.
With outfield players able to rack up the required number of appearances it doesn?t take a genius to work out that keepers are at a distinct disadvantage. Therefore, we?d like to hope that the suited gentleman of the Football Association might like to reconsider the rules when it comes to keepers. Perhaps it would be far more feasible if clubs were allowed to nominate two keepers for inclusion in the medal stakes.
If so, Carlo would be rewarded for the dedication he has shown towards Chelsea and the exemplary attitude he has displayed since he lost his first team spot would be suitably rewarded. It would also be an acknowledgement from the suited gentlemen that having two top-class players for each position is a necessity rather than just nice to have. Come on guys, you know it makes sense!
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