For as long as I can remember, Europe has always been a source of heartbreak for Chelsea. This year they played their best football and against the best team in the world, Chelsea showed Barcelona that possession and having the best attacking players in the world do not win you games. This time round, it was a combination of poor refereeing and bad luck that Chelsea lost out despite being the better team.

While the referee has really been abhorrent, it still took a moment of class from Iniesta to find the back of the net.

The challenge on Drogba by Yaya Toure should have been a sending off and a penalty. That blatant handball by Pique must also result in similar consequences. Yet no actions were done. Chelsea should have put the game away with so many clear cut chances and yet it was not to be.

Sometimes you really have to wonder the existence of a higher authority. Footballing gods? Now talking about clearing out players from Stamford Bridge, I really wonder who should go and who should stay. After all, in recent weeks, players have been showing their worth and many of them can still remain here and provide CHelsea with the driving force for a league title and European glory again.

Up front we have Di Santo, Kalou, Drogba and Anelka.
Midfield there is Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Essien, Mikel, Joe Cole, Belleti, Mineiro and Deco
In defence we have Mancienne,Bosingwa, Ferreira, Ashley Cole, Terry, Alex, Carvalho and Ivanovic.
Cech and Hilario in goal.

So who do we need to ship away?

For all their critics, I think Drogba and Anelka still have a good few years left in them so there are definitely not going to go away. With two experienced EPL strikers around, we will always be able to open up any defence and also do well against fellow title contenders.

Di Santo is still young and has not much chances to prove himself. Perhaps he should be sent off for a loan spell and Kalou is one I would not mind seeing him leave. If Arsene Wenger so likes him, he can buy Kalou and provide Chelsea with the funds to bring in a big name striker.

Whose name comes to mind? Definitely with David Villa apparently being put on the display cabinet by Valencia, he is one we must consider. He has the skills necessary to thrive and provides a different dimension to Drogba's strength and Anelka's speed. With Man City and Real Madrid chasing him, we need to dig into Abramovich's pockets once again to compete. However I really think with our prowess on the European stage, Real and City will never be able to compete even if they can pay more. Not every one is a RObinho.

Of course there are a few strikers playing in the french league like Brandao who might be good for Chelsea. I would not want David Trezeguet or Ibrahimovic because they are too individualistic for the good of Chelsea. Podolski might be nice but he is returning to his hometown club. Perhaps an Italian striker like Amauri would also be good. Then if ever Eto'o is thinking of leaving Barcelona, Chelsea would welcome him with open arms.

In: David Villa, Samual Eto, Brandao
Out: Di Santo , Kalou

Midfield: Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Mikel, Joe Cole and Malouda should stay.
Of them Ballack is considered the most inconsistent and he sometimes disappears during the early part of the season. However his experience and ability to perform in big matches could see him being retained on a bit part basis.

However players like Deco and Belleti have outstayed their welcome. Deco may be cheap but he has stopped delivering. Belleti is old and perhaps should be cleared for a new midfielder to take over.
I am not adament for Ballack and Deco to leave. If they are happy being squad players, their experience would be good for the team.

Players that should be brought in should be wide players like Ribery although everyone is eyeing him. SO i do not rate the chances of getting him great. How about Aaron Lennon or Ashley Young for a winger. Stewart Downing might be obtained on the cheap if Middlesbrough are relegated. A talented midfielder like Danny of Zenith St Petersbrug would be good as well. David Silva might be good as well. Malouda is finding his form and I expect great things from him next year.

So out: Ballack, Deco, Belleti
In: Lennon, Young, Downing, Danny or Silva

Defence I think we should keep all the players including Alex and Ivanovic. Because I feel they are able deputies and Alex definitely can challenge the ageing Carvalho for a starting place. We do however need a left back. One more quality goalkeeper to challenge Petr Cech would also be a good thing.

So while it is heartbreaking to lose in the 93rd minute, Chelsea is still a wonderful team and can continue to challenge for a few more years. Lets hope for the best.