Chapter 83: Burning for Wembley
Saturday, May 8
FA Cup Final Training Grind
The day off had given everyone in Crawley a chance to celebrate the 4-3 win over Notts County. The town was still full of red scarves, signs and talk about Wembley.
With only a few days left before the final, Niels brought the squad back into a strict training routine. There was no time to get carried away. Chelsea were waiting, and everyone knew how difficult the game would be.
Niels spent the sessions working on Chelsea's strengths. Carlo Ancelotti's tactics, Didier Drogba's physical style and John Terry's defending were all discussed.
The players worked on everything from passing and movement to defending and set pieces. Niels kept reminding them that the final was important not only to them, but to everyone back home who had followed the team throughout the season.
On May 8, the squad arrived at Broadfield early in the morning.
