Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia received the Best Club Director in European football award and discussed the ‘special’ relationship between the Blues and Italy.
The Chelsea director was in Turin yesterday to receive the award presented by Italy newspaper Tuttosport.
“It’s strange to receive a personal award for team’s achievements,” she said as quoted by Tuttosport newspaper.
“I didn’t even know it existed, by I am excited to receive it, because it’s the result of the team’s work.”
The Blues won the Champions League in 2021, beating Manchester City in the Final. They are now among the contenders for the Premier League title, along with Pep Guardiola’s side and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
“There isn’t a secret to Chelsea’s successes,” she continued.
“Or at least, I don’t know it. Otherwise, it would be easier to win year by year. But I know that there is daily teamwork and communication behind every success. Chelsea are a great team on and off the pitch.”
Many Italian legends have played for the Blues over the years. Gianluca Vialli and Gianfranco Zola are probably the most prominent.
The former Juventus striker did also coach the Blues, while Zola was part of Maurizio Sarri’s staff when the current Lazio tactician won the Europa League in 2019.
Vialli scored 40 goals in 78 appearances with the Blues, while Zola netted 80 goals in 312 matches.
Former Italy international Roberto Di Matteo was the first coach to win the Champions League in charge of the Premier League giants.
“Now we have [Carlo] Cudicini in the staff and Jorginho on the pitch,” Granovskaia said.
“We are not as Italian as we used to be, perhaps this is a German period, but the bond with Italy is still very strong and will never end.”
Forgot to mention Ranieri, Ancellotti and Conte.