Chelsea FC Fan Blog

Deco Glad Things Are Back On Track At Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Chelsea playmaker Deco did not particularly enjoy his first season in the Premier League, which rapidly soured after a bright start under the management of Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The Brazilian-born Portuguese international became the forgotten man at Stamford Bridge, as Scolari's reign ended in disappointment and Guus Hiddink took a Deco-less Blues to FA Cup glory against Everton at Wembley in May.

Last night at Sunderland though, he netted a quality goal which helped his side to a 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light, and he is feeling optimistic that things are set to improve for him personally.

"Last season was the worst season of my career, because I never had so many injuries before, but I don't want to talk about this. This season things can be different," he told the club's official website.

"I know I am well and fit and I can play. I want to help the team and I think the coach trusts me and spoke to me and I just want to play. I started well, I train hard and play well, and I want to keep this.

"It was a good goal and that it helped us to win made it more important because we had scored a second goal and after this they started to press - but then I scored a third and I think it was finished then.

"I think we did a great game,' the Portuguese international reckoned. 'All the players enjoyed the game. Of course we started not well because they scored first even though we played well. It was a difficult game but our reaction was good.

"I have a contract and they respect me here: the fans, the people in the club and the new coach. It is a fantastic place to work and I just want to help the club.

"I had other offers but I never said that I want to go. I just said the last season was difficult and I wouldn't like this one to be like the last one - but I talked with the club and the coach and the first time he said he wanted to keep me in the squad, I said okay, I want to stay."

Much has been made of the 'diamond' formation employed by new Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, which was tweaked last night into a 4-3-2-1 system. Deco feels happy in the new system, and is sure that the manager has the players at his disposal to make it work.

"The system is good because we have the ball all the time," he explained.
"All the time we have one player more than the other team in midfield. When you have good players it's good because you have a lot of possession. But it's difficult to defend because you don't have a winger to help but I think it is good to play.

"The players have good experience and it is easy to understand. The coach has some options to play the same system and change the players."

Chelsea Trophies Mean More Than Personal Records - Frank Lampard

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has insisted personal records are secondary to winning trophies with his club.

His comments came after he scored his 132nd goal for Chelsea in 430 appearances, meaning he is now joint-fifth on the club's all-time top scorers list, level with the legendary Jimmy Greaves.

"Personal records are nice, but not as important as silverware,” Lampard told The Daily Mail. "When you look back on your career you look at what you won as part of a team.

"I’m much more proud of winning Premier Leagues and FA Cups with Chelsea."

Lampard was proud of his personal achievement but said he was focused on continuing to score for his club.

"I’m very pleased to be up there with him, but just want to keep on scoring for Chelsea.," he concluded.

Sunderland 1-3 Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:23:00 +0000

Chelsea went top of the Premier League table on Tuesday night as they came from behind once again to secure a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Darren Bent put the home side ahead early, but Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Deco each scored in the second half to maintain the Blues' perfect start to the season.

And Carlo Ancelotti was well pleased with what he considered a dominant performance from his Pensioners.

"I am very happy. We played well throughout. Even when we fell behind, we were in total control," said the manager, according to The Daily Mail.

"Sunderland were very strong in the first half but they tired and it was more difficult for them to control our play."

It was a decidedly different-look Chelsea side to the one that rallied to edge out Hull City in the opening round, with Nicolas Anelka, John Obi Mikel and Ricardo Carvalho sitting out.

Ancelotti explained, "I changed the team because I trust my players and I wanted to rest some. I know we have quality in the other players and I want to use them and keep them all fresh."

Chelsea To Offer Roma €14m Plus Ricardo Carvalho For Philippe Mexes - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:21:00 +0000

Despite Luciano Spalletti's declaration that Philippe Mexes would be staying put at Trigoria, the Giallorossi's management could be tempted by a bid from Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea.

According to 4-4-2.com, Ancelotti wants Mexes to partner John Terry in central defence this season and is willing to pay €14m plus Portuguese international Ricardo Carvalho for the Frenchman.

Carvalho was linked with a move to Inter earlier this summer as Jose Mourinho looked to bring the 31-year-old to San Siro along with Deco, but the Nerazzurri were priced out of a move.

The German website also suggests that, should Carvalho be unwilling to move to Rome, the Blues could use Jose Bosingwa as a makeweight instead. However, this would leave three centre-halves competing for two places and neither Mexes nor Carvalho would be content with a place on the bench.

Another problem for Chelsea is the salary of any player they would use in exchange, as that player would be earning considerably less at Stadio Olimpico than at Stamford Bridge. One way round the problem would be for Chelsea to continue to pay a percentage of the player's salary, but Roman Abramovich has been attempting to cut costs at Chelsea this summer and is unlikely to look favourably on such a solution.

Chelsea 2-1 Hull

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Didier Drogba spared Carlo Ancelotti’s blushes with a fortuitous strike deep into injury time.

The Italian’s embarrassment was evident until the Ivory Coast striker intervened to save the day and break Hull’s stubborn resistance.

Ancelotti’s full-time predecessor was sacked for failing to beat Hull at home last season.

And given the evident displeasure from a frustrated Roman Abramovich sat outside his private box, Ancelotti was anxious to avoid a run-in with his billionaire employer just one game into the campaign.

“I was very quiet and worried, that’s for sure,” said Ancelotti. “We want to believe it is good for a team to score all the time but that doesn’t always happen.

“But as a team it is important for us to believe. This game was difficult, but we showed great character to stick at it and deserved to win.

“But I accept we need to improve. We made some mistakes and we need to address those problems.”

Ancelotti was understandably full of praise for Drogba.

“He had a problem last season with his body but he has worked very hard during pre-season.

“He is very important for the team and his goals and continuing goals are good for the motivation of the team.

“I am very glad he has stayed and shown loyalty to Chelsea.

Drogba added: “I can’t deny that the winning goal was a cross. But it is always good to win the first game and our belief is strong as always.

“We showed we can fight until the end of the game and the desire was there.”

Hull boss Phil Brown tried to take the positives out of a heartbreaking defeat.

“I’m bitterly disappointed but pleased with the players performance and the way they applied themselves.

“The first goal was a soft free-kick and we had a point until Didier Drogba’s cross ended up in the back of our net in the 92nd minute.

“We always knew Chelsea had the quality to beat us but, to be honest, we coped well given the possession they had.

“I think we have surprised a few people with this, but we also know that we need to apply ourselves consistently throughout the campaign and take points when they become available.

“I’m not surprised people doubt us after the way we escaped last season. We know we will have to prove people wrong again.”

Chelsea were making relatively hard work of breaking down a Hull side that had taken just three points from their previous 30 and were without a win in 11 games.

Drogba missed two sitters inside the opening five minutes and John Terry headed over the bar from Frank Lampard’s corner.

Then Petr Cech was called into action in quick succession to prevent Hull taking a shock lead – before Stamford Bridge fell silent in the 28th minute.

It was bad enough Hull had taken a shock lead but was compounded by the fact that Stephen Hunt applied the finishing touch. Hunt had famously hospitalised Cech during a clash at Reading in August 2007 and he was booed with every touch.

The ill-feeling towards him seem to subside once Drogba made amends for his earlier misses by curling the ball past Boaz Myhill from a 25-yard free-kick.

After the break, Nicolas Anelka, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda and Drogba all threatened to give Chelsea the lead as wave upon wave of attack bore down.

Hull had half chances through Folan and Boateng but it was clear they were set for a draw.

Then, deep into time added on, Drogba came to Chelsea’s rescue, as his cross sailed over the stranded Myhill from an acute angle to break Hull hearts.

Chelsea Boss Carlo Ancelotti Wants Serie A To Recreate Premier League Atmosphere

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti's introduction to managerial life in England has thus far been a success in terms of a Community Shield coup and an opening day league win against Hull City, but it is the atmosphere generated by matchday fans that has left an impression on the Italian tactician.

"British stadiums have a beautiful atmosphere and my desire is to see this atmosphere also in Italy," Ancelotti is reported to have told the press following the Blues' 2-1 victory over the Tigers.

Didier Drogba scored twice as the Pensioners collected maximum points at the weekend, but the former Milan boss noted that the game proved laborious for his side due to the defensive resilience of Hull.

"We showed quality, even if it was a very difficult game against a team that has defended well and played just long balls," he said.

Ancelotti also commented on how welcoming the Stamford Bridge masses were to his arrival in domestic football in England, noting, "It was very exciting because I received a beautiful round of applause."

Carlo Ancelotti Relaxed Ahead Of Chelsea's Trip To Sunderland

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:02:00 +0000

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he has no major concerns as his squad prepare for their game against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, and that training has gone well after Saturday's opening day victory over Hull City at Stamford Bridge.

"Yesterday we recovered all the players and now today [Monday] we did a little tactical work," the Italian told the Blues' official website.
"It is no problem to recover the players at the start of the season. There is no problem to prepare a game for tomorrow because Sunderland played the same time as us, Saturday. We have the same problem.

"Ray [Wilkins, assistant manager] said to me that Sunderland is a very particular place. He said there is a lot of passion around this team and we have to know it will be a difficult game.

"We have to stay ready, to continue to win. This is only the second game in the league but we want to maintain the good atmosphere in the team.
"The journey is no problem with a plane. We want to play with the same system, with the same mentality. We want to attack, we want to win. We can try to do this."

As for the club's injured players, Ancelotti revealed that there may be some hope that Alex (groin), Yuri Zhirkov (knee) and Juliano Belletti (Achilles) may play some part in the first team soon.

"We hope to recover them for the next match at home," Ancelotti confirmed.

Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira remain long-term absentees with knee injuries.

Chelsea Coach Carlo Ancelotti Aims For Milan's Clarence Seedorf - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti is ready to show his hand for Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf.

According to Il Giornale, Ancelotti is ready to return to his former club and ask for the 33-year-old midfielder. The ex-Milanista tried, but failed to land Andrea Pirlo, and he is now turning his attention to the Dutchman.

Seedorf was popular under Ancelotti during their seven years together at San Siro, and he was a key component in the team before the coach joined Chelsea during the summer.

However, despite the reports, it is suggested the Rossoneri have no intention of selling him. Seedorf is seen as back up to Ronaldinho. Voices claim there are still doubts over the Brazilian's potential this season, and it is unlikely that Seedorf will be put on the market.

Seedorf joined Milan from Inter in 2002 from Inter and has won the Scudetto, a Coppa Italia, two Champions Leagues and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Whoever Finishes Above Chelsea Will Be Champions - Sunderland Boss Steve Bruce

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:53:00 +0000

Chelsea travel to Sunderland on Tuesday night for a challenging-looking Premier League clash, and Mackems' boss Steve Bruce thinks that his men are in for a tough test.

Bruce feels that the Blues are definite contenders for the title this season, with anyone good enough to actually finish above them this season likely to end up winning the Premier League.

"If anyone finishes above Chelsea they will win the league, in my opinion. They have some great players, the squad have been together a long time and they're geared towards winning things," he told the Black Cats' official website.
"Carlo Ancelotti's won the European Cup and Serie A and he'll want more. We know what to expect - a very tough game.

"Not many teams beat Chelsea. To be fair, we have to be at our best and we'll have a game plan to play against them.

"We'll have to do something tactically against them because if we take them on head to head they'll enjoy that with what they've got in their locker.
"We will have to do our jobs properly and hope we can produce a performance, particularly in the first 45 minutes. If we can do that, we've got a chance."

The Sunderland gaffer was aware that the fixture computer could have handed him a better home debut, but he was relishing the challenge, especially after an encouraging opening day 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers, and was hoping that the passionate Mackem support would play their part.

"I couldn't have wished for a more difficult first home game but we're looking forward to it," he added.
"The fans are important, of course. It's my first time in front of them, and after the reception on Saturday I want us to put on a performance for the home fans which shows them what we're trying to achieve."

Despite the challenging nature of the game, Bruce does feel that his team pose a true threat in attack, with the combination of Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones possessing an intimidating mixture of pace, power and skill.

"I don't think they were ever that big when I played - they seem to get bigger now," he told The Daily Mail.
"They didn't breed them like that when I was playing, thankfully. Potentially, they have got the makings of a very, very good pair. When they are at it, the pair of them, I wouldn't like to play against them. They are a handful for anybody, that's for sure, so I hope that continues.'

"Kenwyne looked to me as if he was enjoying himself and enjoying playing with Darren, maybe a new partner who suits him a little bit. But it's not just Kenwyne, I want all of them to come and play as if they are enjoying it."

Werder Bremen Continue Talks With Chelsea Over Claudio Pizarro

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:52:00 +0000

Chelsea over the future of Claudio Pizarro and the German outfit's sporting director Klaus Allofs feels confident that the Peruvian striker can be brought back to the club.

Pizarro spent the entirety of last term with the Bundesliga side, enjoying a successful season before returning to Stamford Bridge.

The 30-year-old himself has admitted that he wishes to fight for a place in Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI, but Allofs remains hopeful that Pizarro will return to Germany.

"We are deep in talks with them [Chelsea] and we hope to be successful before August 31," Allofs told DSF television.

"And just to bring an end to all the rumours, if we do sign him then we would be buying him and I think that is also what Chelsea want."

Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka: Drogba & I Can Be 'Most Feared' Strikers In Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Chelsea star Nicolas Anelka believes that he and Didier Drogba are well on their way to forming what will come to be known as the "most feared" striking partnership in Europe.

"I really mean what I say. If we consistently play together, we can become the most feared strike partnership in Europe - and that includes the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona," he said in The Sun.

When Anelka arrived at Stamford Bridge from Bolton Wanderers in January 2008, questions were raised as to whether he and Drogba could coexist in the Blues' starting XI.

But the Frenchman is sure that any doubts over his compatibility with the big Ivorian will be extinguished for good as Carlo Ancelotti's men push for Premier League honours this season.

"Yes, we had our critics who said we couldn't play well together - but we have shown them just how rubbish their words were," he said.

"I'd love to win the Golden Boot again, but if it is Didier who wins it, then I really won't mind.

"All that matters is that the title comes back to Chelsea. The boss has us playing as a team at the moment and nobody is out for personal glory."

And while Anelka conceded that there was an abundance of top-quality attacking talent in England and abroad, he insisted that there was nobody he'd rather turn to in a do-or-die situation than Drogba.

"There are some great strikers in world football at the moment, like Fernando Torres and David Villa. But when you really need a goal, there is no better man to look to than Didier," he said.

"He never gives up and his attitude for the team is fantastic. For me, he is the most complete striker in the world."

Manchester City set to beat Chelsea to signature of 'new Robinho'

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:51:00 +0000

Moneybags Manchester City are beating Chelsea to the signature of Brazilian teenager Rafael de Silva Rodolfo - the 'new Robinho.

The 16-year-old attacker, whose football name is Pernao has attracted huge interest and flew in for talks with both City and their London rivals.

Pernao is rated at £3 million despite the fact that he has not featured in the Fluminese first-team yet and is considered the next jewel from South America.

City moved quickly to invite the youngster to Manchester last week and expect to complete the deak shortly, which will include further add-ons, following discussions with his club and family.

Pernao was able to meet and train with his idol Robinho and wants to follow the same route to Manchester as his friends, the Da Silva twins who have already made the first team at rivals United.

Chelsea thought they were at the front of the queue for the player but City are currently spending millions establishing academies across the globe and have very firm plans to recruit the hottest young talent around.

Chelsea Will Not Renew Nicolas Anelka's Contract Until Next Year - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:49:00 +0000

British newspaper The Guardian has reported that Chelsea will not enter contract negotiations with Nicolas Anelka until the end of the season at the earliest - despite claims from the player's agent that talks were imminent.

It appears that Anelka's representative, Doug Pingisi, had jumped the gun slightly regarding his client's future, as Chelsea seem perfectly happy to wait until the last year of the Frenchman's current deal before opening negotiations again.

Holding out until their players' final years seems to be the norm at Stamford Bridge, with the club having extended the contracts of Mikel John Obi, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard all on their remaining 12 months with the Blues.

Anelka looks set to pair strike partner Drogba on Tuesday night when Chelsea face Sunderland in their second Premier League tie of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti Pleased With Chelsea's 'Difficult' Win Over Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Chelsea triumphed on penalties over Manchester United after a 2-2 draw in today's Community Shield season opener at Wembley, and Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti seemed satisfied that his team had shown the character to cope with a difficult test from Manchester United.

"We are happy because we won a very difficult match," he told Sky Sports News.

"Manchester [United] played better than Chelsea in the first half. They went up by one goal and for us it was a very difficult first half. Second half was better for Chelsea, because we put more strength into the game, we put in more quality.

"We draw, and then we won with a decisive score from Lampard," concluded the smiling Chelsea coach.

The Blues had a disastrous start to the game, conceding from a Nani effort inside the first ten minutes, before Ricardo Carvalho and Frank Lampard put them into the lead. A Wayne Rooney stoppage time equaliser sent the game to a penalty shoot-out, which Chelsea won 4-1.

Community Shield Win Is A Sweet Moment For Chelsea – Frank Lampard

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard admitted winning the Community Shield against Manchester United was a “sweet moment” for the Blues.

An entertaining game at Wembley ended 2-2 with Wayne Rooney scoring a last minute equaliser for the champions.

However, the Blues bounced back to win from the penalty spot and claim the first silverware of the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Lampard, who scored Chelsea’s second goal admitted it was a good way to start the season.

“It’s a nice start to the season especially after that last minute goal we could have been on a bit of a downer but we kept our heads,” said the England international.

Lampard’s goal had an element of controversy to it after Chelsea played on despite a foul by Michael Ballack on Patrice Evra.

However, the midfielder insisted the west Londoners had done nothing wrong.

“No I think everyone knows the rules now it’s up to the referee to stop it,” he explained.

“The rules are as a player whenever the referee stops it, he stops it so that’s what we did. I’m sure Manchester United would have done the same.”

Lampard also admitted he was happy with the diamond formation Chelsea had played and his own position within the team.

“I’m very happy, I don’t mind honestly where I play in midfield in a diamond,” he added.

“The holding role is not particularly my role but left right or at the top of it I’m happy.

"I enjoyed it today, I won’t play it as a typical no 10. I try and give a bit more to the team defensively but at the same time try to add as much as I can going forward.”

Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United (Chelsea Win 4-1 On Pens): The Blues Seal Penalty Shoot-Out Victory

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Chelsea were triumphant in today's Community Shield encounter on penalty kicks after their clash with Manchester United ended 2-2 after normal time.

Nani had given United the lead before goals from Ricardo Carvalho and Frank Lampard had seemingly clinched victory for the Blues, but a Wayne Rooney goal in injury time sent the match to spot kicks.

Carlo Ancelotti and his men were not to be denied, however, and they sealed a straightforward win on penalties after Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra both missed from twelve yards.

First Half

In what was an open and free-flowing encounter, both sides had a number of opportunities, with the Red Devils just edging the first-half in terms of possession and clear cut attempts on goal.

Chelsea, however should have taken the lead inside the first five minutes. Frank Lampard whipped in a tremendous delivery, finding Didier Drogba unmarked, but the Ivorian’s flick header found the crossbar via the head of Patrice Evra on the goal line.

The English champions then moved into the ascendency, and took the lead on ten minutes thanks to their mercurial Portuguese winger Nani.

The heir apparent to Cristiano Ronaldo on the United wing seized his chance, drifting inside from the right hand side to unleash a powerful shot that flew into Peter Cech’s net. The Czech stopper will undoubtedly feel he should have done better, with the ball flapping through his fingers, but it took nothing away from the vicious nature of the strike.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men looked to press home their advantage, and not long after Dimitar Berbatov broke clear on the right hand side. His floated cross was knocked back across goal by Wayne Rooney, and Park Ji Sung managed to get some kind of connection on his volley that Cech on this occasion did well to palm away.

Berbatov once again broke clear after a neat one-two with Park that left him in on goal and Jon Obi Mikel trailing in his wake, but Cech stayed big to block his effort and keep his side just one goal behind.

As the match edged towards half-time, the Londoners began to enjoy more sustained levels of possession without really showing any hint of penetration. Nicolas Anelka did well to shift and shoot low inside the area, but his shot drifted wide, and so ended the first half.

Second Half

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had set his Chelsea side up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation that his players looked uncomfortable employing in the opening period, but the second half belonged to the Italian and his players, and the equaliser arrived on 54 minutes.

Malouda played a teasing chip across goal and as Drogba jumped with the somewhat nervous Ben Foster, the ball broke to Ricardo Carvalho who accepted the gift to nod into the empty goal. 1-1, and probably a fair reflection of the game as a whole up until that point.

After the equaliser the contest became rather disjointed, but in the end it was Chelsea who moved into the lead, and the goal was a contentious one.

Patrice Evra was clearly blocked off on the left touchline by Michael Ballack, but with Wayne Rooney with the ball at his feet, referee Chris Foy waved play on. Evra remained flat out as Chelsea regained the ball and ignored pleas to knock out of play to allow the Frenchman to receive treatment. Drogba crossed to Frank Lampard, who drilled the ball into the net via the hand of Foster and the post. The Manchester United players protested, but to no avail – the goal stood and Chelsea had the advantage.

The Red Devils’ response was to make a quadruple substitution, with Giggs, Scholes, Owen and young Fabio entering the fray, but Chelsea appeared more likely to extend their lead. The ever-dangerous Drogba powered a low shot from the edge of the area that Foster instinctively smothered with his right hand.

The match looked to petering out to a Chelsea win, with United largely ineffectual in the closing moments as they laboured in their attempts to draw level.

But, as so often has been proven in the past, it is foolish to write off Manchester United, and in injury time they clinched a superb equaliser thanks to Wayne Rooney.

The imperious Ryan Giggs slipped through a beautiful pass into the path of the 23-year old, who drove in on goal and dinked the ball precisely over the despairing Cech.

No extra time is played in the Community Shield, and so we were straight to penalties. United entered the shoot-out with a mixed record, having lost to Everton in the FA Cup semi-final but defeating Spurs in the Carling Cup final, while Chelsea's agonising loss in the 2008 Champions League final was still fresh in the mind.

It was Chelsea who were to clinch the victory in the showpiece thanks to efficient penalty taking coupled with two dreadful efforts from Giggs and Evra, winning 4-1 and striking the first blow prior to the Premier League campaign commencing next weekend.

Chelsea Launch Mega 'Buy & Loan' Move For Milan Star Pato - Report

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 08:16:00 +0000

According to the News of the World, Chelsea are ready to pay Milan a sum of €52.5 million for the services of Alexandre Pato.

The Blues have long been linked with the Brazilian teenager, especially since Carlo Ancelotti, the former Rossoneri boss, took over at Stamford Bridge earlier this summer.

The Italian giants have thus far resisted all approaches for their up-and-coming striker, but Chelsea believe they have come up with a deal that will please all parties.

It is claimed that the Londoners are willing to buy Pato outright for the aforementioned €52.5m and then loan him back to Milan immediately for the 2009-10 season.

The Serie A side are worried about cashing in on another star so soon after selling their talismanic playmaker, Kaka, to Real Madrid, but the Pensioners' new proposal would calm some of those fears.

A NOTW source said, "The boy would come to Chelsea right now but Milan have just sold Kaka and do not want to lose another top star.

"That's why this deal could make all the difference. Milan get their money up front and keep his services for one more season and have plenty of time to scout a replacement.

"Chelsea are hoping it is the perfect deal both for them and for Milan."

Both clubs are yet to comment on these latest reports.

Carlo Ancelotti Sees Advantage For Chelsea Ahead Of New Season

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:53:00 +0000

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes his squad have an edge going into the new season; an edge sharpened by the fact that, with no major departures over the summer, their sense of unity has intensified.

Of the Premier League's 'big four', only Chelsea did not lose a top star this summer, having successfully repelled Manchester City's attempts to lure captain John Terry north.

Ancelotti was quoted as saying in the Daily Mail, "We do have an advantage because we are the same group of players and they all have good relationships. It can be an advantage for us.

"We bought Yuri Zhirkov and Daniel Sturridge. Zhirkov is a top international player and Sturridge is a good young player. We got Ross Turnbull as well because we needed a goalkeeper.

"But it was more important we did not lose a player this summer than it was to buy players. We stay well with these players.

"I don't want to take other players because I think the squad is very competitive at Chelsea. We don't need other new faces."

In contrast to Chelsea, Manchester United lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, while Arsenal lost Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure, and Liverpool saw Xabi Alonso head to Real Madrid.

Regarding this weekend's Community Shield clash with United, Ancelotti said, "We have taken very good information from our pre-season. We did very good pre-season because we don't have injuries. We worked well, with a good mental attitude.

"United will be a difficult game but we arrive happy and excited to be at a beautiful stadium such as Wembley."

And he even added, "I like the weather in England as well because I don't like the sun. Every day rain, rain, rain. Rain makes good pitches. This is a good temperature to work in."

Drogba Set For Two-Year Contract Extension At Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Chelsea forward Didier Drogba is expected to sign a new deal on Wednesday that will extend his current contract by two years, according to a report from Sky Sports.

The African had been linked with a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, as they share a special relationship, but now it seems he will remain at Chelsea.

Drogba, for his part, had always maintained he was committed to Chelsea and was determined to at least see his deal out, which was due to end in 2010.

“I like Chelsea. I have spent good times here and I am part of this great club," he said.

“There have been some difficult times, but it is great to play for a team with quality players.”

The Ivorian international had fallen out of favour with Luis Felipe Scolari last season, but rekindled his devastating form under Guus Hiddink towards the latter part of the season, and will be hoping to continue that momentum during the tenure of new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Chelsea's Carlo Ancelotti Promises Highly Creative Midfield Triangle

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:46:00 +0000

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has asserted that his re-shaping of the Blues' first-team formation into a 4-4-2, with a 'diamond' in midfield, will allow several of the club's attacking midfielders to line up alongside each other.

"Chelsea can play [Frank] Lampard, Deco and also we can play Joe Cole, he has the quality to play behind the striker and maybe also [Salomon] Kalou," Ancelotti told the club's official website.

"Lampard can play on the left and he can play offensive midfielder. I want to try this, because I like games where he is in this position.

"The other players can play in the diamond in a different role, they can play up front or they can play behind the striker, so I want to play with the diamond."

Dealing with such tactical problems is something the Italian clearly enjoys, and he feels that his patience is the personal quality that allows him to find the solutions he needs.

"My patience is my biggest strength, although I also love football and I think this is the biggest point," he added.
"I love the tactics, the play and I love finding solutions and trying new solutions.

"But the most important thing is to have a team who play with a clear idea of how they need to play. So we prepare the training with this objective.

"I want to be myself with my players, I have my character and I want to keep this character around my players. I want to be true.

"If I have an idea of how to play, I put this idea to the players and they go out on the pitch and play the way I want. That is not easy to do and this is why I need a good relationship them.

"All this will help us win a trophy this season, which is very possible. I don't like to say I will win, but I have a good feeling. It is better to think about winning than to think about losing."

The Champions League winner was also unequivocal in what his targets are with his new club in the coming campaign.

"The most important thing to win is the Premier League and the Champions League," he confirmed.
"To win these would be a success, but we also need to have an identity with the team and I think we are going the right way about doing this. In the last games, I saw some very good ideas coming from the players."

'Nothing Official' Regarding Milan Star Andrea Pirlo - Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:48:00 +0000

Reports emerged earlier on Friday that Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo had said his goodbyes to his team-mates, as he could be on the verge of joining former coach Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea.

The news has not been confirmed by either club, so Italian news agency ilsussidiario.net contacted the head of the Chelsea press office, Steve Atkins, who claimed that no move has been made for the 2006 World Cup winner.

"There is nothing official here. This news is not on everyone's lips," was his response.

It remains to be seen if a move for the Italian international playmaker will materialise or not. The press in both Italy and England continue to suggest the teams are in negotiations.

The Premier League giants supposedly saw a €14.5 million bid, which also included the services of Claudio Pizarro and the loan of Michael Mancienne, rejected earlier this week.

Pirlo has been with the Rossoneri since 2001, making over 320 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Nicolas Anelka Enjoying Chelsea's New Formation

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:46:00 +0000

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is looking forward to playing more games as an out-and-out centre-forward rather than out wide, with new manager Carlo Ancelotti favouring a 4-4-2 formation featuring a diamond-shaped midfield.

Last season, Anelka often found himself shunted out wide in order to allow Didier Drogba into the side, as the Blues continued to favour a 4-3-3 line-up, but he is now acclimatising himself to the new formation and his partnership with his Ivorian strike partner.

"I like the new system, and we just have to learn again to play in this new way. Last season I was on my own up front, then on the left and the right, so now I am central with Didier and I think it is going to work well," he told the club's official website.
"After some games I will start to learn a little more this position because we can swap together and I think it will be like when I was on the right, it will take time to get used to but after that it will be okay."

Chelsea face Championship side Reading tomorrow in their final pre-season game before the August 9 date in the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley, having returned from their tour of the United States.

"It was a good trip to America but now we have to move on, we are back in England and London and we are a little more concentrated because the season is coming soon," he added.

"We have to be ready, we have one more game and then in a week it is Manchester United.

"It is still a little bit difficult, it will take a few days but we are back in training and it is good. It was a successful tour for us, we won all of our games and played well against some big teams, so things are looking good."

John Terry: Roman Abramovich Talks Tactics With Chelsea Players

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:28:00 +0000

Chelsea defender John Terry has revealed how club owner Roman Abramovich involves himself in football affairs at Stamford Bridge.

Terry has committed his future to the Blues this week, reportedly thanks in no small part to a meeting with Abramovich.

The England international captain says the Russian has the final say on matters at the club but that he is always looking for feedback from his players.

"Mr. Abramovich is a very successful businessman and makes all the final decisions," Terry said, according to Sky Sports News.

"He likes to have the opinion of the players.

"We are the ones living and breathing the football life and he can make a really small improvement for us on or off the pitch if he tries to do it.

"And he wants to know the feedback from the lads - what is working and what's not.

"It's great because he understands football. He watches so many games and understands the game very well and he has put an awful lot in.

"He wants to know why and how we can improve, all the time. I think it's great we can have that relationship with him."

Franco di Santo Delighted With Chelsea Pre-Season

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:06:00 +0000

Chelsea striker Franco di Santo was over the moon after his goal helped the Blues topple Club America in the World Football Challenge.

"I feel happy because it is my first goal in the pre-season, and I am happy because I needed to score to improve myself," the 20-year-old told the club’s official website.

"This was good for me, because I have a lot of competition with the other strikers - but I have scored today and I am happy. It is important but the more important here is that Chelsea win and it is the first trophy from pre-season."

The Argentine U-20 international performed admirably with a strong run that ended in Florent Malouda scoring the second goal for the Pensioners.

"Making goals is as important as scoring because the most important is that the team wins," he added.

Chelsea won the World Football Challenge after emerging victorious in every game in the pre-season competition.

Fabio Capello Is Happy With My Decision To Stay At Chelsea - John Terry

noreply@blogger.com (Kee Siong) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:03:00 +0000

John Terry has come out saying that his decision to stay at Chelsea was made due to the lure of Champions League football. He believes that England boss Fabio Capello will be happy to see him play at the highest level before the World Cup.

"To be in the Champions League is massive," Terry has been quoted in The Mirror as saying. "You never know what Mr. Capello's response would have been had I not been playing Champions League football.

"I'm delighted and I'm sure he's happy. We're looking really good with England - it could be a good year for us.

"I'm just hoping the season starts really well with the national team, and that no one picks up any injuries with England this season, particularly in the late part of the season. It could be really good."

Never a man to shy away from showering praise on his boss, the captain spoke of the influence Carlo Ancelotti has had on the team, saying, “Carlo has been fantastic.

“I know it is only early days but he has been really good - he knows the modern game very well.”

Chelsea recently triumphed in the World Football Challenge after winning all their games in the USA-based pre-season competition.