Can Chelsea win the treble?

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits - Albert Einstein

With the reintroduction of Mourinho to Stamford Bridge the amount of short passes has risen drastically, with a tika-taka style being enforced. In the opening fixture of the 2013-2014 Premiership season at home to Hull and Aston Villa, 552 and 677 passes were attempted respectively, but only 448 attempted at Old Trafford. In comparison to last season, home to then play-off winners West Ham and Aston Villa were 539 and 559 passes attempted respectively, and 414 attempted away to Manchester United. This is suggesting Mourinho will be aiming to retain more possession.

Unlike the days of Didier Drogba, Jos Mourinho doesnt have the big target man for successful long balls, with Lukaku going on loan to Everton, and hopes lying on Etoo, Ba and Torres to find that last ditch goal once behind (if they do go behind).

The only shots being conceded on target this year against Chelsea have been from a very central position yet are being able to shoot from every angle.

With regards to the treble, the Super Cup loss to Bayern Munich proved too much for Mourinhos men who were ahead until the last minute and lost on penalties, it seems a bridge too far. Jos has always struggled to maintain the aggression of his players with numerous games under his management ending in a loss, with his team finishing the match with ten men. 23/02/2005 Barcelona 2-1 Chelsea (Drogba sent off) 22/04/2006 Chelsea 1-2 Barcelona (Del Horno sent off) 28/04/2010 Barcelona 1-0 Inter (T. Motta sent off) 29/10/2010 Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid (Ramos sent off) 16/04/2011 Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona (Albiol sent off) 20/04/2011 Barcelona 0-1 Real Madrid (Di Maria sent off) 27/04/2011 Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona (Pepe sent off) 17/08/2011 Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid (Marcelo sent off)

24/04/2012 Barcelona 2-2 Chelsea (Terry sent off) 30/08/2013 Bayern Munich 2-2 Chelsea (Ramires sent off) Managed by Guardiola Managed by Mourinho The reason Chelsea will struggle to win big one off matches (required for a treble) is that Mourinho is unable to keep all his players on the pitch and is outclassed home and away by bigger teams.

Moreover, the inability to use the flanks will leave them crowded out in the middle of the park against teams like Napoli (4-2-2-2), struggle when not in possession to Juventus (3-5-2) and throw it away to Bayern/Pep (4-1-4-1).