Chelsea’s title win in 2005 was marked by a strong defense, making them champions of the Premier League.
Jose Mourinho’s appointment as manager is seen as a key factor in Chelsea’s rise in European football, bringing in significant investments from Roman Abramovich.
Claudio Ranieri had only one season under Abramovich before it became clear that expectations had changed at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho, fresh from leading Porto to an unexpected Champions League victory, took charge at Chelsea. With the team having finished second in the Premier League and made it to the semi-finals in Europe the previous year, there was already a solid base to build on.
One key player upon his arrival was John Terry, an academy graduate who had become essential to the team.
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Recognizing Terry’s talent, particularly after his strong performance for England at Euro 2004, Mourinho appointed him as captain after Marcel Desailly’s exit.
Terry possessed the characteristics needed to lead Mourinho’s vision, combining presence and courage that are typical of English defenders.
However, he needed a strong partner.
Porto’s Champions League success led to other teams eyeing their top players.
While Deco chose Barcelona over Chelsea, Mourinho did successfully bring in defensive pair Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho.
Carvalho had already attracted attention from major clubs, having been named UEFA’s Best Defender during the 2003/04 Champions League and included in Euro 2004’s Team of the Tournament.
His arrival was a major plus for Chelsea, and after adjusting, he established himself as Terry’s partner in defense.
A rock at the 💙 of @ChelseaFC‘s defence…
Ricardo Carvalho became a Blue #OnThisDay in 2004 pic.twitter.com/clU05HDuAG
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 27, 2018
Their partnership had strength, speed, and tactical awareness, making Chelsea’s goal nearly impenetrable.
Stamford Bridge became a stronghold, with teams struggling to score against the champions.
Chelsea conceded just 15 goals in the 2004/05 season, winning the Premier League with a record 95 points and remaining unbeaten at home, conceding only six goals.
No team has matched this low goal tally on the way to a Premier League title, and it’s uncertain if anyone ever will, as Mourinho’s side achieved 25 clean sheets in 38 games.
Terry was known for his fearless defending, while Carvalho was shrewd and composed when controlling the ball.
Terry’s performances earned him the PFA Player of the Year award, making him the first defender named Premier League Footballer of the Year in over a decade.
No defender has netted more goals in Chelsea history than John Terry’s 67… 🙌#CaptainLeaderLegend pic.twitter.com/EcBtVVZrbQ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 7, 2018
Carvalho’s cleverness allowed him to outsmart those stronger than him, while his speed was a valuable asset for a defense that suppressed opponents’ hopes.
Carvalho discussed the strong bond he had with Terry, stating that their understanding on the field made his transition to the Premier League smoother.
“There are things you can’t explain,” he shared with FourFourTwo. “We complemented each other perfectly. It was a privilege to play with someone I fully trusted.”
Terry has also praised Carvalho, noting their strong partnership and how they clicked from the start.
“With certain players, you just hit it off, and with Rickie, I had that feeling right away,” he remarked in Sport Gazette.
Chelsea’s title victory set the stage for an era of success, with a second Premier League title in 2005/06.
Again, they remained unbeaten at Stamford Bridge, conceding only 22 goals, placing them among the best Premier League defenses.
The game that secured the title was a 3-0 win against Manchester United, where Carvalho scored a goal during a counter-attack.
In the following season, Chelsea won a domestic cup double before reaching their first Champions League final in 2007/08, ultimately losing to Manchester United.
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Carvalho was honored as Chelsea’s Player of the Year in 2008, but his role diminished over the next two years, despite the team winning a domestic double in his final season.
His move to Real Madrid reunited him with Mourinho and ended his partnership with Terry.
Terry’s achievements as club captain have secured his legacy as one of Chelsea’s all-time greats, deeply woven into the club’s history.
Successful partnerships depend on harmony, and alongside Carvalho, Terry formed the foundation of a strong Chelsea team.
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