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No sentiment in next chapter of Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea story | Richard Williams

Di Matteo has supplied Roman Abramovich with his heart's desire but he will take a pragmatic view of the Italian's futureIf the fans had a vote, they would give him the job today. At least for a season, to see if he could build on the miracle of Munich...

Roberto Di Matteo finds way to give Roman Abramovich richest payback

• The £24m spent on Didier Drogba was money well spent• Chelsea's trio of thirtysomethings outstanding in MunichRoman Abramovich can buy all the Francis Bacons and Lucian Freuds he wants, but he will never spend £24m better than he spent it on Di...

Olympic torch paraded in Cornwall by David Beckham

Gold-painted Airbus 319 brings flame to airbase to begin the 70-day relay around the country in the buildup to London 2012The applause inside the gold-painted Airbus 319 was not the usual ironical salute for a bumpy landing at the start of a package ho...

Olympic torch paraded in Cornwall by David Beckham

Gold-painted Airbus 319 brings flame to airbase to begin the 70-day relay around the country in the buildup to London 2012The applause inside the gold-painted Airbus 319 was not the usual ironical salute for a bumpy landing at the start of a package ho...

Olympic torch paraded in Cornwall by David Beckham

Gold-painted Airbus 319 brings flame to airbase to begin the 70-day relay around the country in the buildup to London 2012The applause inside the gold-painted Airbus 319 was not the usual ironical salute for a bumpy landing at the start of a package ho...

Fernando Torres shows Chelsea what to expect when Didier Drogba goes | Richard Williams

Hat-trick striker played with the air of a man who had never missed a chance in his lifeIt is easier to play like Barcelona when you are not actually playing against them. There was a festive air about a sodden Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and Queens Par...

Pep Guardiola was father figure to Barcelona’s generation of genius | Richard Williams

Guardiola's understanding of Barcelona's philosophy and relationship with the players brought so much success, which suggests he would find it much harder to come by elsewhereFor all the 13 trophies and the countless hours of sumptuous football produce...

Bayern Munich take long road to final where history awaits | Richard Williams

Jupp Heynckes has led the German club to a home Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in his third spell in chargeRoberto Di Matteo must be pinching himself. Sacked by West Bromwich Albion in February of last year, turned down by Birmingham City,...

Did Chelsea’s tactics against Barcelona kill football or embellish it? | Richard Williams

Like a pianist using only one half of the keyboard, Chelsea made the best of a limited range of options to beat BarcelonaOn one side there was delighted admiration for a revelation of character under supreme duress, on the other a scathing contempt for...

Chelsea prove at Barcelona that adversity brings out best in them | Richard Williams

On a wild and crazy night the extraordinary success achieved by Roberto Di Matteo's team was a victory for obduracyThe more you stack the odds against this Chelsea team, the better they seem to like it. Down to 10 men before half-time, they saw off opp...

Carlos Tevez may lead City’s careless rapture to title bliss | Richard Williams

Ever since Roberto Mancini conceded the title to Manchester United, City have played with a new freedomOnce a traumatic defeat at the Emirates Stadium on 8 April had prompted Roberto Mancini to declare Manchester City's season officially dead and ...

Didier Drogba provides the reward for Chelsea’s resistance movement | Richard Williams

The Ivorian striker can be as maddening as he is magical – and Barcelona experienced both those qualitiesRevenge? It never crossed his mind. That little business back in 2009, when he was suspended for five European matches after cursing Tom Henning ...