Bertrand in as Chelsea spring surprise
Posted Sunday, May 20, 2012 by YAHOO Sport
Chelsea coach Roberto Di Matteo handed a Champions League debut to youngster Ryan Bertrand in a major selectorial surprise ahead of Saturday's final with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
In a clear sign that Chelsea will seek to neutralise the threat of Dutch winger Arjen Robben, Di Matteo has picked defender Bertrand to operate ahead of full-back Ashley Cole on the left wing.
Bertrand, 22, has never played in the Champions League before and his selection represents a huge gamble for Chelsea, who are missing suspended regulars John Terry, Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles.
"Florent Malouda was injured last Sunday and didn't train, so we trained with Ryan and worked with him," said the Chelsea coach.
"He has a good understanding of the game and helps us going forward."
Elsewhere there were few other surprises from Di Matteo, with Gary Cahill and David Luiz recovering from injury as expected to take their place in the centre of the Chelsea back four.
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes handed starts to Ukrainian defender Anatoliy Tymoshchuk in place of the suspended centre-half Holger Badstuber.
Toni Kroos comes in for the suspended Gustavo, partnering Bastian Schweinsteiger in the holding role.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)
Manuel Neuer; Diego Contento, Jerome Boateng, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Philipp Lahm (capt); Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos; Franck Ribery, Thomas Mueller, Arjen Robben; Mario Gomez
Coach: Jupp Heynckes
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Petr Cech; Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Jose Bosingwa; Frank Lampard (capt), John Obi Mikel; Ryan Bertrand, Juan Mata, Salomon Kalou; Didier Drogba.
Coach: Roberto Di Matteo
Referee: Pedro Proenca (POR)
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