Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell says that Stamford Bridge is a quiet stadium unless there’s action on the pitch.
Stamford Bridge used to be considered as one of the toughest stadiums to compete in, especially during the title-winning reigns of Jose Mourinho.
Lethargy at the Bridge: Five key things to know…
- Sidwell is not the first person to remark on Stamford Bridge’s lack of energy.
- Jose Mourinho once said that playing at Stamford Bridge was like “playing at an empty stadium“.
- People even debated playing a recorded crowd soundtrack to enhance the atmosphere.
- Discontent and a lack of enthusiasm has intensified at the Bridge of late as supporters fall out of love with Sarri-ball.
- Heavy ticket prices and anti-social kick-off times have also been cited as reasons for the distinct lack of atmosphere in west London.
However, Stamford Bridge has not been the liveliest Premier League ground this season which might have something to do with the acquired taste of Sarri-ball that Blues fans have been treated to of late.
Sidwell acknowledges that the Bridge can still be a tough pace to play, but claims it’s a quiet stadium when things aren’t going well on the pitch.
“Some stadiums get up for the big games more than others,” he told TalkSport. “But generally, unless there’s real entertainment on the pitch, it’s a quiet stadium.
“That’s from playing there and going as an opposition player as well.”
Sidwell added that the Blues will encounter further trouble if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this term.
“They have to finish in the top four. There’s huge pressure for them, they can’t go two seasons without finishing in the top four.
“Especially with the transfer ban and everything that’s going on with [Eden] Hazard. They’re going to have to try and promote youth products.
“I’d love to see [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek, I’m a massive fan and I really want to see him get a run of games.
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“Give [Callum] Hudson-Odoi a run of games as well. You want to see these youngsters come through and be given a chance at the top level.”
The Bridge not what it used to be
Sidwell is not the first person to criticise the lack of passion in west London and long-time followers of the Blues have remarked upon how the clientele has changed on match day ever since Roman Abramovich arrived with all his billions.
The atmosphere at Chelsea sometimes resembles the second day of a rain sodden test cricket match with away supporters frequently out singing the Blues faithful.
During Mourinho’s last spell at the club he was also critical of the atmosphere.”I think it’s getting worse,” Mourinho said of the atmosphere. “When comparing to my previous time I think it’s getting worse.
“I can clearly say we are the team to get less support in home matches. I don’t question the passion and the love – I’m nobody to question that and I know clearly that’s not true.
“Chelsea fans show us their passion for this club every day, but there is a certain line of living (way of behaving) at the matches at Stamford Bridge.”
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