Oviri Kelvin, Sports Editor, Abuja
William Gallas has lashed at critics who describe Chelsea’s celebrations after winning the Club World Cup as embarrassing.
The former Chelsea player stated those who decided to tow this route are unaware of what it takes to win a trophy noting that the players train hard enough to add silverware to their archives.
The blues competed with the Brazilian Palmeiras in the final of the Club World Cup in Dubai where they defeated the South American club in a highly competitive clash.
It is noteworthy to mention that since Roman Abramovich bought over the club in 2003, the clubs have completely won all trophies.
Nitpickers had lampooned Chelsea for celebrating the victory beyond the value attached to the trophy noting that while they are doing that, Manchester City has extended the lead between both clubs to 16 points in the Premier League table.
More so, Craig Burley who was a former Chelsea player chastised the club players for indulging in such an “embarrassing” celebration and over a “nonsense” competition.
Responding to the critics in an exclusive with Metro.co.uk, Gallas said he was flabbergasted by the vituperation because the club deserved to celebrate a trophy having worked hard to win it.
Gallas said, “I don’t know why anyone would criticise Chelsea for celebrating winning a competition.
“It’s another trophy to add to their honours. I think comments like this come from people who haven’t played the game.
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“If you play in any cup competition like the F.A Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, the players are all working so hard to get to the final and win, you want to celebrate the victory properly, as it’s never easy to win a cup competition, no matter what it is.
“The commitment required deserves the celebration and releases all the pressure built up over each match. Congratulations to Chelsea on their success,” he added.
Nonetheless, during the weekend, Chelsea resume their Premier League campaign with a trip to Selhurst Park to slug it out with Crystal Palace.
With the development about Maison Mount who sustained an injury during the final of the Club World Cup in Dubai, Chelsea’s boss Thomas Tuchel is unsure if the Blues forward will be available to face the Eagles in the weekend tie.
Tuchel said, ‘‘He was injured. It was in one of the first actions, he had a run at the back post with Azpilicueta.
‘‘They fell and his opponent fell on his ankle and he hurt his ligaments badly. So we have to see. It’s an injury.
‘‘He came to me and said he didn’t feel good, stiff and painful. He didn’t know if he could continue so we took the decision,” he added.
Crystal Palace will be hoping to get a win on Saturday who in their last two matches with Chelsea, suffered a 3-goal battering, both at home and away in the 2020/2021 Premier League season.
