Bleacher Report - Articles by TheChelseaBlog.org

Chelsea: Where Does Adriano Fit In?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:45:53 -0500

Well, it looks as if it’s more or less confirmed that Adriano will be leaving Inter in January, with Jose Mourinho quoted as saying “Adi will not be playing with us any more and this really saddens me, as I would have preferred to keep him here until at least June.” The question is, is he heading for Stamford Bridge?

The suggestion seems to be that he is, for six months at least, until Scolari can see what difference he makes during a loan spell. But what difference would he make?

Chelsea, as we know, probably at the cost of our home form, don’t play two up front and whilst I’d like to think it’s Scolari’s plan to start playing two up front at home, therefore justifying the need for a striker in reserve, I just can’t see it.

As it is, with the system(s) Scolari uses, Nicolas Anelka has surely done enough to keep his place? And we’ve been told time and again that Drogba’s going nowhere. So where exactly does Adriano fit in then?

s Adriano going to fancy coming to keep our bench warm? I can’t see it somehow. But then I can’t see any justification for pushing Anelka out either—well, not as far as away games go anyway. It’s a strange one this.

Ezequiel Lavezzi Warned Off ‘Dirty English Women’

TheChelseaBlog.org — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:00:59 -0500

Are Napoli getting a bit twitchy or what?

I mean, obviously as the transfer window gets ever closer, most clubs want to make sure they keep hold of their players. Most clubs though would just issue the bog standard “hands off” warning. Not so for Napoli though because although that’s the approach their Sporting Director took a couple of months ago, their president, Aurelio De Laurentiis has taken a different tact.

Ezequiel Lavezzi has been linked to Chelsea for a while, despite ruling out a move away from Napoli, although clearly this fell on death ears because De Laurentiis is running off at the mouth with reasons why his players should avoid England like the plague.

Now, I’m sure we’ve all heard some desperate statements from clubs in their time when fighting to hold on to players, but this one really has to top the lot because in an effort to dissuade his players from opting for Premier League football.

De Laurentiis says “If they want to go to England then in the end they’re going to go, but they need to understand this: the English live badly, eat badly and their women do not wash their genitalia. To them, a bidet is a mystery.”

Who’s he trying to kid? At least we have clean feet.

Chelsea Getting Sneaky while United Are Away?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:00:08 -0500

The rumors are coming in thick and fast as we get ever closer to the transfer window. No matter what Chelsea might say about lack of funds available, the press isn't giving in that easily, even if it means repeating themselves.

The latest voice we have echoing around us is Axel Witsel.

Yes, I know we’ve been there and done that already; only last month we were being told Scolari had his eye on the Standard Liege youngster. We were also told the player himself had a preference for United.

Now, though, the press reckon we’re getting sneaky about it because although United apparently had a bid of £19 million for the 19-year-old turned down last month, the suggestion is that Chelsea are trying to pull a fast one while they’re out of the way.

You see, whilst United are in Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea are rumored to have "contacted" Standard Liege about the promising midfielder.

The only snag I can see with that one is that the press missed the bit out about where exactly the money is meant to be coming from to pay for him.

What’s with the Anelka celebration?

Andrei Arshavin Prefers Chelsea to United Now?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:00:15 -0500

I had to laugh when I read the reports linking Andrei Arshavin to Chelsea again.

Arshavin’s agent, Dennis Lachter, has previously informed us the Zenit striker was almost certain to sign for Barca in the summer then did an about-turn when he didn’t get the offer he’d hoped for.

The next thing we heard was he’d accepted an offer from Chelsea although Zenit made it clear they didn’t either want or need to sell him. And so, with no firm offers forthcoming, Lachter threw the net out a little wider, suggesting Arshavin would play for any of the top four British clubs—not sure he meant Villa at the time though.

Anyway, back to the latest rumours, apparently off the back of a quote from the player himself this time, and he’s sticking with Barca—or is he? Because Arshavin says “I still want to play abroad. I would like to play in Spain or England. Barca are my favourite team and in England I used to like Manchester United, but right now I prefer Chelsea.”

How much does he sound like a six year old in the playground hedging his bets and trying to be everyone’s friend?

Are Joe Cole Rumours a Concern for Chelsea?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:45:13 -0500

We’ve had rumours about possible moves for Joe Cole before, notably Villa and Liverpool in the summer although fortunately they were no more than that. But somehow the latest rumours worry me a little more.

This time, it’s Spurs with an interest in Joe Cole, and that bothers me for a few reasons.

Firstly there’s the Redknapp thing. Harry Redknapp is more than a little keen on Cole and they know each other well what with it being Redknapp who gave Cole his debut at West Ham. Then there’s the fact that Cole would be valued highly by his former boss—something he’s always had to fight for at Chelsea.

Add to that the fact that Redknapp knows that come the summer, Joe Cole will have just a year left on his contract thanks to Chelsea’s delay in holding talks, and these reports aren’t weighing heavily in Chelsea’s favour.

Not only that, but with Cole apparently only being on around £70,000 a week at Chelsea—hardly an amount comparable with the big earners around him—he could even get a pay rise into the bargain.

And here’s what a Spurs source has to say about the whole thing “Harry loves the way Joe plays and can’t believe Chelsea are running the risk of losing him. It is behind the striker where Harry sees him for Spurs — given a licence to thrill.”

I know Cole has previously said he was happy for the talks to be put on hold because his priority was playing for Chelsea but I can’t help hoping the club get their act together over a contract just in case.

Change of Formation Needed at Stamford Bridge?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:00:52 -0500

Our home form is doing my head in but what’s more annoying than not being able to get a win at home is the fact that Scolari doesn’t have a clue what to do about it.

With just three wins from nine at home now, including another draw at home to West Ham yesterday, Scolari admitted, “Yes it’s difficult. When we play here it is different than when we play away. Away we have more space and we play more with the ball, maybe we are now thinking ‘this is not our home’ and we are not scoring goals, I don’t know what is happening.”

Er hello! Change of formation maybe?

For a start he left Drogba on the bench yesterday and went for a 4-5-1 when that hasn’t worked at home this season. I’m not suggesting he drop Anelka either because to be fair, he’s totally earnt his place but the point is, Anelka does better in the games away from home because he relies on his pace.

Away from home we’re up against teams who have to give us a bit of a game, so it’s faster, more open football and that suits Anelka. At home though, probably because of ‘that record’ the opposition have learnt how to play us, they put men behind the ball and shut us out. That’s where Drogba’s strength and physical presence are a must. Ok, we might have to revert to the ball over the top, but if it works, so what?

Whilst we’re on the subject of Anelka, where did he play most of his games last season and how effective was it? Yep, slung out wide with his chin dragging along the floor because he hated it and no wonder—he isn’t as good there, he’s not a wide player so why play him there?

On the second half yesterday even Scolari admits it didn’t work, stating “With [both Drogba and Anelka] yes, but also before because when they come on I lose my middle.” And yet he goes on to say “We need to train with that system a lot more because when we only have two forwards and one winger like today I play a genuine 4-3-3 for the second half [with Joe Cole used as a striker], but lose my middle—so it is difficult for me.”

So what’s wrong with 4-4-2 at home? Worth a try surely?

Kalou and Malouda are useless, so we’d have to rely on Bosingwa and Ashley Cole to do the business up and down the wings. Keep Mikel in front of the back four—for me he’s doing a steady job there this season. Then it’s a diamond formation with Ballack and Lampard either side and Joe Cole sitting behind Drogba and Anelka. I wouldn’t even bother with Deco in these home games unless Joey’s injured because he just doesn’t look up to it to me.

Defensively, we really need Ricardo Carvalho back because there’s no doubt about it, we’re weaker without him and god knows we’ve missed Essien this season. But for now at least, Scolari needs to address this run of bad form at home and sticking with formations that aren’t working isn’t the way to do it.

Your thoughts?

More Points Dropped at Home for Chelsea

TheChelseaBlog.org — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:00:39 -0500

CHELSEA 1-1 WEST HAM

So, another home game, another draw. Little consolation Liverpool, United, and Arsenal all drawing if we fail to capitalise against West Ham.

I actually thought we started ok. Fair play to West Ham for not bringing the bus with them but Bellamy’s first half goal on the break was against the run of play. Were there a couple of handballs in there? Well, I wouldn’t like to see either of them given against us so I’d have to say no.

So what else stood out in the first half? Well, as ever we dominated in possession but did very little with it thanks largely to Scott Parker breaking up just about everything we tried to put together. John Terry was limping about way too early in the game for comfort after a knock on the ankle although it was the poke in the eye from Carlton Cole that seemed to trouble him more.

Mike Riley, it has to be said, seems to turn into a tourette’s victim the minute he’s given a yellow card to play with because he was waving it about furiously at anyone who moved—which I guess could’ve explained Michael Ballack’s lack of movement.

The second half saw Didier Drogba on for Michael Ballack and his impact definitely troubled West Ham, with Anelka scoring his 100th Premier League goal within minutes of the Ivorian’s arrival. Mikel, for me our best player, worked his arse off again both helping out a ragged defence and giving the midfield a starting point to push on from. And yet, West Ham’s defensive play continued to stop that push from coming.

The second half also saw Kalou coming on for Joe Cole, although Scolari might as well bring my mother off the bench as Kalou considering Cole wasn’t doing a lot wrong anyway. Belletti came on for Mikel, who also didn’t warrant subbing although clearly Scolari was going all out to attack by this time.

Again, it didn’t work against a resolute West Ham. As for Lampard’s penalty shout, well clearly there was contact and Neill admitted as much after the game but he went down a little too hard and maybe a little too late to convince Riley.

So that’s 14 points dropped at home already this season and certainly not title winning form.

TEAMS

CHELSEA: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole, Mikel (Belletti 80), Deco, Ballack (Drogba 46), Lampard, J Cole (Kalou 74), Anelka

Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Bridge, Ferreira

WEST HAM: Green, Neill, Upson, Davenport, Ilunga, Collison (Boa Morte 87), Parker, Noble (Mullins 72), Behrami, Bellamy (Di Michele 90), Cole

Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Faubert, Tristan, Sears

Chelsea scorer: Anelka 51

West Ham scorer: Bellamy 33

Inter Still Trying To Offload Adriano?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:00:53 -0500

Okay, so on the one hand we’re being told by The Mirror and the NOTW that Chelsea will be rifling through the bargain basement for a back-up striker next month. Now though, we have the Express and the Daily Star suggesting we don’t need to waste our time looking.

You see, in keeping with the summer transfer window theme, the latter have decided to drag out the old faithful—presumably because they’re running out of ideas. Yes, it’s Jose Mourinho time again folks. And according to some of the press boys, there’s a definite bid in the offing for Didier Drogba.

Wait though, this is where it gets even more imaginative, because remember that "meeting"? Well, we’re told Chelsea knew about Inter’s intentions all along and not only that but they also know Inter are going to very generously offer Adriano in exchange.

Oh lucky, lucky Chelsea.

Inter get a fit again Didier Drogba and we get an indifferent Adriano who can’t keep off the sauce. Anyone buying this yet? No me neither.

Maybe if the press boys communicated a little better though, The Mirror could have saved the others some column inches, because according to them, Drogba has clearly stated:

“I have spoken with Scolari and he knows that I want to play. I am only thinking about Chelsea at the moment. At the end of the season I will talk to the club about my future but I have a contract with Chelsea. Not for a moment have I thought I will leave in January. My dream is to win the title and fight for trophies this season in Europe and in England.”

So maybe they’ll have to give up trying with this one til the summer?

Are Chelsea Really Hunting For Bargains?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 07:00:17 -0500

Okay, I know Chelsea keep saying they’re not spending in January but the press are having a laugh now surely?

Last transfer window it was silly money for Robinho and a sneaky bid for Berbatov, with the usual Kaka rumour thrown in for good measure but come January, according to the press, Scolari’s setting his sights slightly lower.

This time round we’re being told Scolari’s preferred choice of Kenwyne Jones could be out of his reach at £9million, so the Chelsea boss could opt for either Emile Heskey or Kevin Davies with their lower £3million price tags suiting his budget a little better.

The fact that neither of them are anywhere near as prolific in front of goal as we need is irrelevant as far as the press are concerned because they’re cheap.

Anyway, as if to back this up, a Chelsea "insider" is quoted as saying:

“All three are similar players who would give Chelsea a totally different option and that’s something we desperately need. Okay, they might not score a lot of goals themselves but they are all a handful and can create havoc in any defence. The fact is, the days of big spending are over...and they won’t be back for a while.”

Surely even the tea ladies could come up with something a bit better than this "insider"?

New Striker for Chelsea or Not?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 06:30:52 -0500

Despite Didier Drogba’s return from both injury and suspension and Chelsea’s insistence that there’ll be no money made available for Scolari in January, rumours linking us with strikers show no signs of dying down.

With Drogba barely getting as far as the bench so far this season and Kalou doing nothing of note, Scolari’s had to rely on Anelka for the most part. Clearly if Anelka had been injured we’d have been in some serious trouble, so it’s not that surprising we’ve been linked with everyone from Michael Owen to Thierry Henry already.

So who’s next on the list?

Well, it could be Zaki according to the latest rumours although Steve Bruce is adamant this isn’t the case, insisting "It is Chelsea this week, Real Madrid last week, Liverpool the week before, Manchester City before that. I think the whole thing needs to be addressed really. He is ours for the rest of the season."

Far more amusing though was Gareth Southgate’s reaction to the rumours that Turkish international striker Tuncay could be heading to Stamford Bridge for £8million. Because with slightly less feet stamping and a little more humour, he suggests "I was quite amused at the figure they put on his head because the club that were linked pay double that for full-backs".

That’ll be another no then?

Chelsea vs West Ham: Preview

TheChelseaBlog.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:30:16 -0500

This afternoon sees the return of Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea take on West Ham.

Obviously a lot has been made of their return and although they’ll undoubtedly receive the warmest of welcomes, I hope they don’t go away too happy as we look for our seventh successive win against West Ham in the Premier League.

Of the returning heroes, Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins said: "Gianfranco has legendary status as a player, and Steve was a coach and player here for more than 20 years.

"I sincerely hope they get the applause they merit when they step out into that dug-out. It will be lovely to see them both. They have been wonderful servants to the club, and it will be nice to have them back.

"Franco is held in great esteem by our supporters, as is Clarkey, so it will only be fitting they get a rapturous round of applause when they come out on Sunday."

Gianfranco meanwhile said: "We will play in a very, very good atmosphere at a fantastic stadium so I am looking forward to it and I believe Steve is also. I hope that the crowd will give us a good reception.

"We were very committed to the Chelsea cause when we were there, but now we have made a different choice. We are starting a new career somewhere else and they have to respect that as much as we respected them when we were players. We are very happy to have been part of Chelsea’s history.

"It was an honour for me and Clarkey and now we are starting again. Hopefully everybody will understand this."

On the injury front, Luiz Felipe Scolari is still without the services of Michael Essien (knee), Ricardo Carvalho (knee) and Franco Di Santo (hamstring), whilst Florent Malouda (hamstring) is a doubt.

Didier Drogba is available again after serving his suspension, so the Chelsea manager has some decisions to make up front for a change.

For Zola; Kieron Dyer (broken leg) and Dean Ashton (ankle) miss out, with Lee Bowyer doubtful with a hip injury. Matthew Etherington, Freddie Sears, and Jack Collison are all fit to play.

KEY PLAYERS

CHELSEA

Didier Drogba: If he features for Chelsea today, Drogba should be working his arse off to catch up Anelka’s 15 club goals so far this season.

WEST HAM

Scott Parker: I’d expect to see a few tough tackles flying in from the former Chelsea man who could do a bit of damage if our midfield aren’t lively enough.

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA

Chelsea have lost just one game in seven going into this, keeping six clean sheets and conceding just two goals. However, we’ve won only one game from three at home in the league since our defeat to Liverpool. Having said that, Chelsea still have the strongest attack and defence in the league, and go into this game in 2nd place.

WEST HAM

West Ham have won just one game in ten in the league and haven’t scored in six of their last nine. They’re also on the longest current run in the Premier League (10) since scoring more than a single goal in a game. West Ham go into this game 16th in the league.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea go into this game looking for their sixth win from seven home games against West Ham having done the double over them last season. In fact, West Ham haven’t taken a point off us since the 2002-03 season, whilst we’ve put 24 goals past them in nine games in the top-flight. Going into this game, Chelsea have twice as many points, twice as many goals and have conceded a quarter of their opponents tally.

Home And Away

League (inc PL): Chelsea 31 wins, West Ham 34 wins, Draws 15

Prem: Chelsea 14 wins, West Ham 9 wins, Draws 3

At Chelsea Only

League (inc PL): Chelsea 20 wins, West Ham 12 wins, Draws 8

Prem: Chelsea 8 wins, West Ham 4 wins, Draws 1

LAST SEASON

Chelsea 1-0 West Ham

Chelsea scorer: Joe Cole 76

1 December 2007.

Ref: Howard Webb

PREDICTION

Zola hasn’t exactly got West Ham playing free-flowing, exciting football away from home, pretty much the same as Scolari with Chelsea at home. The writing could be on the wall for a bore draw here.

TEAMS

CHELSEA (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Bosingwa, Belletti, Ferreira, Alex, Terry, Ivanovic, Bridge, A Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Mikel, Deco, J Cole, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka

WEST HAM (from): Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Etherington, Ilunga, Faubert, Boa Morte, Parker, Mullins, Behrami, Bellamy, Cole, Noble, Lastuvka, Tristan, Sears, Davenport, Collison, Di Michele, Bowyer

REFEREE

Mike Riley (Leeds)

Chelsea Not Making It Easy For Players To Leave

TheChelseaBlog.org — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:30:06 -0500

We keep hearing Chelsea won’t be spending any money in January although you’d have assumed Scolari might free up some funds by selling a player or two.

Then again maybe he won’t.

Because from what Ray Wilkins is saying, it sounds as if Chelsea won’t be making it easy for any of our players to go. In the wake of Alex suggesting he’s definitely a player looking for a move next month, Wilkins says:

“Nobody at the club has received a formal transfer request from Alex. But if anybody was to come in for any of our players in January, knowing the quality of player we have, it is going to cost them a lot of money. So if anybody is out there looking at some of our players for the January sale, then they are going to have to pay lots and lots of money.”

However, despite Alex allegedly telling Chelsea ‘a few days ago’ he wants to leave, Wilkins insists:

“You want players at the club who are totally committed, but (manager Luiz) Felipe (Scolari) has not sat on the fence at all. He has actually stated that if players don’t want to be at Chelsea then they will leave - but it will only be for a lot of money. I expect Alex to be here at the start of February. The way he has trained as well has not given me the impression he wants ‘off’ in January. He has been a major part of the side in the last couple of games and he has done very well for us.”

And with PSV Eindhoven confirming they’ve had an approach for a loan deal turned down for the centre-back, it looks as if Chelsea mean it.

Claudio Ranieri Doesn’t Fancy A Return To Chelsea

TheChelseaBlog.org — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:00:33 -0500

Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri doesn’t fancy playing his former club in the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Juve finished top of their group and Chelsea, as we know, finished second behind Roma which means a meeting between the two sides is a possibility.

However, despite Ranieri’s preference to avoid us if he can, he’s certainly not sentimental about a potential reunion. The former Chelsea manager says “The strongest would have to be Chelsea. But if we have to face them at some stage we might as well eliminate them at once.”

I’m sure Ranieri would be warmly welcomed if the draw sees us up against Juve but I’ve no doubt he’d be hoping to walk away from Stamford Bridge a happier man this time around.

Avram Grant Still Making A Fool Of Himself At Chelsea’s Expense

TheChelseaBlog.org — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:27 -0500

I made no secret of my dislike for Avram Grant when he was at Chelsea, as far as I was concerned he was just an under-qualified and over-promoted tramp temp. A charlatan. He knew sod all about managing anything but cones at Premier League level and his appointment was an embarrassment.

So, to read his recent comments about us hasn’t done him any favours in my book obviously.

Having been sacked after one of our most depressing seasons under his "management," the Average One has decided to slag off his former players stating:

“The level of performance at Chelsea is very high, the players perform at a high level and so are their salaries—but some of the players there have problems that you can’t find at a children’s team. Some of the players there have problems.”

Of course the players had a problem—their bloody inept "manager."

Anyway, in an effort to show us all how adept he was at man-management, Grant goes on:

“I didn’t really need Anelka last season and I told him so. He is a very good player, but needs to have more passion.”

Is he serious? I mean, I always said he was clueless, but telling a player like Anelka he isn’t needed would motivate him how exactly? Honestly, if Grant had even the s

mallest clue then the turnaround in Anelka’s form under Scolari would highlight the need for him not to try and brag about this.

And talking of bragging, in an embarrassing effort to talk himself up Grant informs us “I wanted to sign Franck Ribery and really wanted Kaka because I thought Chelsea should play a bit different.”

He’s hilarious, Well we all knew Chelsea needed to "play a bit different" mate but it was never going to happen under you was it?

Anyway, talking up how close he came to signing Kaka, he says “he is the best player in the world and I had negotiations with him.” Mhmmm, and then what Mr Average?

Because I don’t remember any world class players arriving during your reign. Well, I guess that’s because as Grunt Grant explains “it fell through.”

So anyway, the point of this vindictive little interview was? Oh yeah, he’s still looking for a job.

Time For Chelsea to Sell Salomon Kalou?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:32:50 -0500

I’ve read a few pieces slating Salomon Kalou lately and I have to admit, even after trying really hard to give him the benefit of the doubt and going as far as hoping I might end up eating a large wedge of humble pie by the end of this campaign, he just ain’t good enough.

He drives me totally insane.

I mean, he either looks a bit of a pussy when he’s brushed off the ball far too easily, or he’s overplaying every bloody ball and doing the SWP style "I can walk through players" routine until he runs headlong into a defender and collapses in a heap.

And whilst I’ve got nothing against him personally—I actually think he seems a really nice lad—watching him play makes me want to hurt him. His lack of effect on the pitch is just so frustrating. Surely 16 goals in 76 appearances has to at least hint to Scolari that Chelsea and Kalou are just not meant to be?

Now I know it’s not usually the done thing to sell players to our rivals, and if his form suddenly had the sort of up-turn Shauny’s did when he went back to City it’d be pretty harsh on us, but £11million—it’s got to be worth the risk surely?

John Obi Mikel Filling Makelele's Role?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:02 -0500

I’ve watched John Obi Mikel with a lot more interest this season – largely because Makelele has to be one of my favourite Chelsea players. Having raised the question of whether anyone would fill that role, seeing even the early signs of Mikel starting to do that has been great to watch.

Makelele was an absolute master in the holding role – hence the name, obviously – but he was doing it even before he came to Chelsea (albeit fairly late in his career). To see a 21-year old Mikel showing the first signs of growing into the role is pretty impressive.

His contribution to Chelsea this season is exactly the same way that Maka's was. This tends to be overlooked and that’s why I keep an eye out for it.

His mistakes are certainly highlighted and the minute he goes in a little enthusiastically, it’s only natural that tongues start clucking given his previous disciplinary record. But for the most part, he’s clearly trying to rein that side of his game in.

He certainly got a backlash after the Roma game, and maybe his mistakes warranted it. But it’s important to look at what he has done for Chelsea this season.

Filling Makelele’s boots is a big shoe to fill for anyone, but for a 21-year old to come in with nowhere near the same level of experience, and not only patrol the midfield enough to shield the defence but also to be in the right place at the right time to start counter attacks – and to do this consistently – is an even bigger ask.

And yet whilst everyone was busy focusing on what Didier Drogba brought to the game against Cluj, it was exactly this contribution from Mikel that was overlooked.

I genuinely thought we’d be buggered once Makelele left, so maybe I’m just more happy than most to see Mikel making such a decent job of it, although his contract negotiations would suggest otherwise.

I can’t help but wonder what will happen when Essien comes back though….

Admirers Forming a Queue for Chelsea Youngster?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:31:51 -0500

Portsmouth confirmed recently that come January, they’d be sending out of favour forward Ben Sahar back to Stamford Bridge. The 19-year-old hasn’t managed to feature for them this season during his six-month loan deal and he probably won’t be any more successful on his return to Chelsea, though he’s got his admirers in the Championship.

However, it seems the Championship won’t necessarily be his next destination because Sunday saw Sahar watching Utrecht’s 2-1 win over NEC, and manager Wim van Hanegem has confirmed the Eredivisie side’s interest in the Chelsea youngster.

Said the Utrecht boss: “We’re indeed interested in loaning Ben Sahar. We’ll send a scout to England next week to have a final look at him before we make a decision, though.”

As I’ve said before, if Sahar hasn’t been given a chance at Pompey, then he must know it’s a cert he won’t feature for Chelsea, which probably explains his presence at Utrecht Sunday.

Scolari Wants Drogba & Anelka: Will It Work?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:26 -0500

Following on from the earlier article which questioned Scolari’s comments about Drogba, I have to say I think the Chelsea's boss is being pretty shrewd here.

“Drogba is important but don’t forget we are second in the Champions League group and second in the Barclays Premier League because our top scorer is Nicolas Anelka," said Scolari. "Drogba is one of the best in the world but I need to think about Anelka. He is as important as Drogba.”

Now of course Scolari knows that on his day Drogba is one of the world’s best strikers and he knows he needs to make comments like that because Drogba needs to feel valued. What Scolari also knows though, is that Nicolas Anelka has exactly the same needs.

You see, Nicolas Anelka has been a different player for Chelsea this season and he’s done that because of the investment Scolari has made in him. I think Scolari’s made that investment because he knows how to manage ego’s – and let’s face it, when it comes to our two front men, that’s what it’s all about.

On the one hand we have Didier Drogba, who’s petulance and tantrums are well documented. Scolari clearly knew that when he took over that he’d have his work cut out when it came to handling him. Why else have all Drogba’s spells out been handled with such delicacy?

When others recovering from injury are back out on the field way before they look fit to play, why is it that Didier Drogba seems to have got himself a gentle phased-return to work? Because Scolari knows he needs to feel ‘special’ of course.

And yet, whilst on the one hand Scolari has to massage Drogba’s ego, he’s clearly aware he has to make sure this doesn’t push Anelka back into Le Sulk mode at the same time.

And he’s absolutely right to do so because whilst Drogba’s impact is evident in games like Tuesday’s against CFR Cluj, the fact is, Drogba needs to be in the mood to make that impact.

And whilst a combination of ambivalence and injury has kept the Ivorian on the sidelines for much of the season so far, it’s Nicolas Anelka is who Scolari’s had to rely on.

And to be fair, the Scolari/Anelka relationship has been a vital one in Drogba’s absence. With Kalou nowhere near capable of filling the role in Drogba’s absence, Scolari knew he had to make the best of what he had available.

So, he’s made sure he’s applauded Anelka at every opportunity and acknowledged his contributions to Chelsea's season, even in the wake of Drogba’s winner the other night was quite right.

You see, firstly, as much as Drogba needs to feel appreciated – and Scolari made sure he bigged him up a bit too – it’s no good boosting his ego to such a point that he thinks he doesn’t need to impress anymore.

Bearing in mind that Chelsea has relied on Anelka so far this season, and could end up going to him again if Drogba’s knee continues to be problematic, then Scolari knows there’s no point making him feel second best.

Scolari quite rightly picks up on this point.

“I have more options now he (Drogba) is fit," said Scolari. "But he didn’t have a pre-season build-up because of injury and when he came back he got injured again. Then he was suspended and now he is back again.”

So, rather than putting either striker’s nose out, Scolari suggests “After this, it is my job to put the two together.”

But will it work?

Chelsea Shock As Alex Requests Transfer

TheChelseaBlog.org — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0500

Bloody Hell.

There’s not many headlines I read about Chelsea that surprise me, but the headline I read last night suggesting Alex wants to leave was one of them.

Yeah ok, there’s been suggestions that Henk Ten Cate wanted to take him to Panathinaikos, but did anyone really take that seriously?

Well, the suggestion is that Alex isn’t happy with his lack of first-team involvement having made just 12 appearances so far this season, but the man’s been out injured hasn’t he? If he’d been available for selection, he’d have played more.

We’ve had both Terry and Carvalho out at one time or another and when fit, it’s been Alex who’s been called upon every time–and we’re not talking about one or two games are we? Carvalho’s barely been fit for f*** sake. What’s the problem?

Apparently, Brazil boss Dunga has told Alex he needs to play more games to be considered for his country’s 2010 World Cup team but if he’s basing that on the number of games Alex has featured in this season, then that’s a cop out.

I mean, we’ve played 16 games in the league for god sake and a handful of cup games. Christ, given our injuries so far this season, actually being fit enough to make 12 games is pretty good going for any Chelsea player these days.

Anyway, Alex is reported to have said, “I told Chelsea a few days ago that I wanted to leave. There are many options. But I have to think them through and see if Chelsea will let me leave in January.”

And I can only wonder if Scolari’s jaw dropped quite as much when he heard those words.

Scolari plays down Drogba impact – who is he kidding?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:54:43 -0500

I’m going to make this relatively brief today, because I have often commented on this blog that I consider Didier Drogba Chelsea’s most important player. This view hasn’t changed and I don’t want to bore you with the same views again.

However, something riled me slightly last night after the narrow victory over CFR Cluj in the Champions League. Earlier, Drogba had come of the bench and scored the goal which helped Chelsea stumble into the last 16 of the competition. The striker’s influence was there for all to see and he gave the team a new dimension, a new belief and a new impetuous.

Everyone in the ground knew that Drogba had made the difference. Chelsea were looking rather short on ideas until the Ivory Coast man came on.

However, speaking after the game, Luiz Felipe Scolari seemed to play down the impact that the striker had on the game. Despite the fact that Drogba played a huge part in securing Chelsea’s first home win since the beginning of November, Scolari couldn’t quite bring himself to heap to much praise on the player.

The Chelsea boss did describe Drogba as ‘one of the best in the world’, but this was merely a brief passing comment. Scolari’s focus was instead on ensuring that people knew that Nicolas Anelka is his main striker right now.

He said that ‘our scorer is Anelka’ and proceeded to remind everyone that his team haven’t done too badly considering Drogba has only played 11 times this season. This may well be the case, but I think it is fair to say that if Drogba didn’t play again this season, the football odds wouldn’t fancy Scolari’s men to conquer in Europe.

There may not be too much to read into Scolari’s comments, I just found it bizarre that he was being so defensive. We all know that Anelka has done well in recent weeks and we all know that Chelsea are a more threatening team at the highest level when Drogba is playing. Why not just admit that? Why is there the need to defend Anelka when praising Drogba?

Chelsea captain John Terry told it more like it is. He said that it was a ‘great boost’ to have Drogba back and that he is a ‘great dimension’ for the team. These are the views echoed by everyone—other than Scolari, whose opinion is likely to have the most impact on Drogba.

Chelsea can’t afford to lose Drogba during January, because he is irreplaceable in terms of the team’s ambitions this season. Something that makes Scolari’s nervy and defensive comments even more bizarre.

Thoughts?

By Thomas Rooney - A sports writer who blogs about football betting

The Case Against Didier Drogba

TheChelseaBlog.org — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:30:55 -0500

There’s no doubt about it, the subject of Didier Drogba is one that completely divides opinion at Chelsea. As already seen in the previous article, and to an extent, as he showed in last night’s game, he’s regarded by some as the one player capable of getting us a result—and possibly even turning our home form around.

Other supporters though—myself included—regard him as a right pain in the arse. A damaging influence, who’s brief but sulky appearances this season continue to suggest he couldn’t really care less about the club and is just biding his time for a better offer.

Not only does he seem to need constant adulation, but he demands that the game revolves around him. For me, his ego just needs a little too much rubbing and again last night’s game highlighted this.

Apparently satisfied by the excitement his warmup seemed to induce, he was then prepared to launch himself fully into the game for the first time this season. And it didn’t take him long to take over up front, reducing an unhappy looking Anelka into the almost redundant supporting striker role.

Fair play, it was a great take from the Ivorian for his goal, but when Anelka had the opportunity to play a pass at one stage and took it on himself without the desired outcome, the look on Drogba’s face while he stood hand on hips already suggests he isn’t thinking in terms of a partnership here.

Because ultimately, this striker has to believe the game revolves around him. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that all the strikers brought in to play alongside Drogba—Kezman, Shevchenko, Kalou, and Anelka—have failed to cut the mustard on the same pitch as Didier.

I guess for me though, the biggest problem is that Drogba hasn’t made up for the Champions League, and whilst some might point to it being his goals in the win over Liverpool that put us into the final in the first place, I still maintain there was little or no point working his arse off in the semifinal only to cock-up in such spectacular fashion when it mattered most.

And what about his dodgy knee and increasingly prolonged periods of time out injured these days? I mean, he’s 30 now and the fact is, since April last year, Drogba has missed twice as many games as he’s started.

Of course I fully expect his fan club to remind me that of the eight Premier League games we’ve played against United, Arsenal, and Liverpool without him, we’ve only won one and of the three he’s played in we’ve beaten both United and Arsenal and got a draw against Liverpool.

I accept the statistics suggest we’re just not the same team without him and yet he’s clearly no good to us if he can’t stay fit.

But then Drogba’s no good to us unless he sorts his attitude out either. His petulance on the pitch and persistent press coverage off it are damaging and recent rumours point to senior players getting a little bit tired of his self-obsession.

And yet he’s got the club over a barrel. Chelsea don’t have the strength in depth up front and for all Anelka’s goals this season, he still doesn’t have quite the presence of Drogba in and around the opposition’s defence.

And with a lack of funds available, not to mention suitable replacements in the January window even if the money was there, we’ll be relying on him at least until the summer—and he knows it.

The Case For Didier Drogba

TheChelseaBlog.org — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:15:38 -0500

On Sunday the legendary, and probably Chelsea’s best player of all time, will return to the Bridge.

However, as well as welcoming Zola back to Stamford Bridge, I will also welcome the return of Didier Drogba from his three-match ban. Anelka is in the form of his life and is very much top of the race for the golden boot with 13 goals, with second place being Robinho five goals behind.

You could argue the majority of Anelka’s goals seem to come away from home where we get more space and can hit teams on the break. While at home and in the big games Anelka goes missing for me especially when teams come to defend or get their tactics spot on.

We often run out of ideas and end up kicking the ball long. Now with Anelka at front this is not going to work. Anelka’s best attribute is not his physical presence it’s staying on the last man using his pace to get in behind.

As many of you would probably agree we need a plan B.

Drogba over the years has probably won the game single-handedly more than any over player. In 2005 the community shield against Arsenal, Drogba was too much for the Arsenal defence especially Senderos, scoring two goals.

We went on to win 2-1. In the 2005-'06 season, who could ever forget the 4-1 win at Anfield? Drogba played a part in every goal and was man of the match that game. Also another game against Liverpool this time a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge where Drogba scored a 25 yarder, taking it on his chest then turning and hitting it with his left foot.

Thirty-three goals in the 2006-'07 season making him the top scorer in the Premier League—the first player since Kerry Dixon to score 30 goals in a season for Chelsea. Another two goals against Arsenal in the league cup final and don’t tell me you have forgotten his winning goal against Man United in the FA Cup.

Didier defiantly performed for us in the big games and I could still go on about how many times he saved us in recent seasons.

This season he has yet to be fully fit and is just coming back from a three match ban. We do not need a new striker...if Didier can keep fit he can give us that plan B we so desperately need. Chelsea needs to hold onto Didier if we don’t...we will be losing a very special player.

carefreeluke is a member of TalkChelsea.net

CHELSEA 2-1 CFR Cluj: Another Forgettable Night In Europe

TheChelseaBlog.org — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:30:35 -0500

CHELSEA 2-1 CFR CLUJ

Well, Chelsea had been warned Cluj weren’t just coming to make up the numbers last night and so it turned out as they recorded a marginal 2-1 win to go through to the last 16 of the Champions League.

The first half was as dull as ditch water, with not much to write home about as Chelsea did the usual ‘huff and puff’ routine at home. I mean, they didn’t particularly look like they would lose but then again, with their attack looking about as effective as an umbrella in a hurricane, it wasn’t the most entertaining game we’ll ever see.

Any threat from Chelsea's left backs were smothered, the defence had more holes than a tramps vest and their midfield looked like they’d never met each other before the game.

To suggest that Joe Cole was the liveliest player and he’s probably not even match fit, is probably the best way to describe the first half. To be fair though, I thought Mikel had a decent game although even a rush of blood to the head for him didn’t help the nerves much.

Still, even with Kalou’s first half opener wiped out early in the second by a bloody good equaliser, the fact that it was now against the run of play was a good enough omen – well that and the fact Roma were beating Bordeaux. And just when I was ranting about Scolari’s persistent delay in substitutions, on came the Ivorian to save the day.

Drogba, who took his time lapping up the adulation before he threw himself head first into the game, made an immediate impact. Inspired by the substitution, Chelsea looked a lot more assured and never more so than after the winner was dispatched sublimely off Drogba’s foot and into the back of the net six minutes into his game.

Overall it was another forgettable game in the Champions League, but the needed win means we can breathe easy for now.

TEAM

Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, A Cole, Mikel (Bridge 87), Ballack, Deco, J Cole, (Belletti 74), Anelka, Kalou (Drogba 65)

Unused subs: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Stoch

Goals

Chelsea: Kalou 40, Drogba 71

CFR Cluj: Kone 56

John Terry: Putting Things in Perspective

TheChelseaBlog.org — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:30:32 -0500

I accept that TheChelseaBlog is often a little cynical, and there’s plenty of criticism where it’s considered to be due, but that’s not to say it’s always doom and gloom. Just to prove it, I’ll throw in a bit of praise here and there, which brings me to the subject of this article.

You see, I was having a look around the official site and came across a story about some servicemen from the Headley Court rehabilitation centre visiting Cobham. I think one of the reasons this stood out for me was John Terry’s involvement.

Like I said, I’m fairly quick to criticise and the Chelsea Captain has often been the subject of my rants for one reason or another. However, on this occasion, his close involvement with the Help the Heroes campaign, and his thoughts after the day at Cobham with them this week, deserve quite the opposite.

Terry, who’s previously visited the recovering soldiers, says “It’s something I’ve seen—that the guys fight for us as a country and it really opened my eyes. I respected them before, but seeing what they have been through, young guys with no legs, no arms, because they have been to war, is frightening to see. Them putting their life on the line for our country is unbelievable. It puts things in perspective. Some of them don’t get good pay offs, the insurance isn’t good for them so they’re not going to have money for the rest of their lives and that is a terrible thing, so I hope to raise awareness of that. If they do get injured, they need to be looked after because these are people fighting for our lives and future generations. They need to be put up there with the top people because they are our heroes.”

Spot on.

Is Scolari Feeling The Strain?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:30:07 -0500

I read a couple of articles yesterday about some things Scolari has been saying lately and I’m not sure now whether it’s him who’s confused or me.

You see, Ray Wilkins, who seems to be putting his foot in it a little more than usual lately, had hinted the Chelsea boss is finding life a lot tougher at Chelsea than he’d anticipated.

Ahead of our crucial Champions League game at home to CFR Cluj tonight, Luiz Felipe Scolari insists the game is not that big a deal, he stated: "This is not the most important game since I joined. This is one more game. It is important for our qualification for the next phase, but it is the same in other games. It is three points and we need to win."

As for any pressure he might be under, Scolari said: "Do you know how many people live in Brazil? It’s 180 million and I was in charge. You think here is pressure? It is zero pressure. Pressure was when I was coach of the national team because everyone in Brazil is the coach. If we lose, we lose.

"Maybe, it is possible. If I lose tomorrow and we are out of the Champions League I won’t feel good. This is life though, this is football."

So that’s clear enough—the man does not feel under pressure. But now for the confusing bit, because in another article Scolari said: "When we lose or draw I feel it more than the players. I sleep very well before the game but when we lose I find it impossible to sleep afterwards because of the feeling.

"Sometimes I talk to my wife, sometimes I go to sleep in the other room because I change my position and my wife can’t sleep. So I go there and watch TV until 3am in the morning with the feeling, "Who is wrong? Is it me that was wrong or the players?" It is difficult.

"I never relax even if we win the game because I need to think, “OK, we won this game but for the next game they will play differently, they will play another system. "We need to be in training tomorrow—who is injured and who is not?" I am thinking every day about the next day. It’s difficult for the coach when you have so much competition."

So is he feeling the strain or not? I still can’t quite work it out, but at least his wife gets the bed to herself.

Chelsea vs CFR Cluj: Preview

TheChelseaBlog.org — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:30:59 -0500

Chelsea haven’t exactly excelled themselves in the Champions League so far this season and haven’t managed to win away, so maybe it’s just as well we’re at home tonight. Then again, our home form doesn’t exactly inspire much confidence either so we could be in for a nervy time as Chelsea take on Cluj at Stamford Bridge.

Our 3-1 defeat in Rome and draws away to Bordeaux and Cluj, means a win is a must for us tonight in case the other game in the group conspires against us. Whilst Cluj can’t qualify, if they play for pride or park a bus on the pitch, we could be in serious trouble.

Michael Ballack certainly seems cautious going into this game, stating: "Normally at this stage we are qualified but we didn’t play well every game. We have the last game at home but we don’t have to speak so much about this. We have to win.

"Sometimes you can’t explain things and normally at home especially we are very strong. But in the last weeks with the first defeat for a long time, we lost a little bit of something and we couldn’t make the results that we wanted."

Cluj’s Yssouf Kone meanwhile is clear the Romanians won’t be bending over to accommodate a seeing to either, stating: "I heard that Scolari would go back to Brazil if they didn’t beat us. But if Chelsea don’t beat us tomorrow, he will really be in trouble.

"We will try our best tomorrow because it is really important for us to go back home with a result. Right now Chelsea are under the pressure, the biggest pressure in the group. Chelsea will have to work hard to beat us but it won’t be easy for them.

"We will be playing without any pressure. They have big players but we are not bad either. It will be worth more than just three points to us if we win."

Even with nothing to gain from the fixture, Cluj coach Maurizio Trombetta wouldn’t be surprised to see an upset tonight, he claimed: "Playing against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is enough motivation for us.

"Unfortunately for us we have no chance of going any further. But we were outsiders in Rome and won and so maybe with a little luck and concentration, we can to it again against Chelsea."

As for the Chelsea boss though, he’s having none of it, saying: "Is it unthinkable that Chelsea go out? Well, I don’t think any people in the world are thinking about this, but it is possible because we have given this opportunity to the other teams.

"Yes, I am disappointed because of what’s happened. But I don’t think about going out because I believe in these players and I believe we’ll reach the second round. Now I don’t know if it will be in first position or second position because it’s not in our hands, but it’s normal if we think about beating Cluj here in London.

"But we will need to play better in the second round than we have so far if we want to go on."

On the injury front for Chelsea, Michael Essien (knee), Juliano Belletti (ankle), Ricardo Carvalho (knee), and Franco Di Santo (hamstring) all remain out of contention. Florent Malouda is a doubt with a slight knock, although Joe Cole could be fit enough to return. Frank Lampard also misses out through suspension.

Chelsea

(from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Alex, Terry, Ivanovic, Deco, Mikel, Ballack, J Cole, A Cole, Bridge, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba, Stoch.

Luiz Felipe Scolari Questioning Roman Abramovich’s Plan for Chelsea?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:00:01 -0500

Luiz Felipe Scolari is reported to have made it clear he wants a couple of players although Peter Kenyon insists Chelsea plan to continue with the ‘Scrooge’ theme.

However, despite having previously appeared to shrug his shoulders over the availability of cash for transfers, we’re now being told Scolari has declared it’ll be another case of

‘Old Mother Hubbard’ at Stamford Bridge this season unless players are brought in.

At a supporters forum on Thursday night, Scolari is quoted as saying “I think the board know it, I know it and the fans know it. We need one or two more players to put in the team and if we get them then we are in good condition to win trophies at the end of the season and, if not, there might be problems. If we have two more players in the squad, we will have a good chance.”

Mind you, anyone who read the transcripts on the club’s site wouldn’t know he said that because this quote is mysteriously missing.

You see, it’s alleged Scolari’s opinion didn’t meet with his boss’ approval, so they met with the editor’s delete key instead and a club ‘spokesman’ is said to have offered the Daily Mail this explanation: “Transcripts can be edited for a variety of reasons. In this case it may have created unnecessary and misconstrued media speculation again about the transfer window, a subject the manager was always going to be asked to address in his Press conference on Friday.”

Meanwhile, Peter Kenyon continues with the party-line, saying “I don’t think we will be doing any business in the January transfer window because the type of players we are looking for are not available. Another reason is that we have still got some long-term injuries coming back and in January or February, Chelsea will have more player availability.”

Which is all well and good, Peter, assuming they’re all perfectly match-fit and we haven’t suffered any more disasters along the way. Nevertheless, Kenyon maintains we need to change our outlook of past seasons and not simply “throw bodies at the problem.” And I entirely agree but only because I think we should be throwing, young, talented bodies at it instead now.

Anyway, we won’t know what’s going to happen in the transfer window until January comes around, so this speculation will run and run. As for the speculation about Scolari’s ‘statement’, if he did actually say it, then it’s not exactly a sentiment I’d disagree with.

By the way, did any of the supporters at the forum actually hear Scolari say that?

Florent Malouda Fan Club Emerging?

TheChelseaBlog.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:30:20 -0500

Well, he might not be feeling particularly welcome at Chelsea right now, amid speculation of senior players slagging him off and supporters being...well, unsupportive, but it’s not all bad news for Florent Malouda who does at least have some admirers.

We already know Mourinho seems to have a bit of an eye for the Frenchman and now its seems, having failed to sign him in the summer, AS Roma fancy trying their luck again in the January transfer window.

Rumour has it Chelsea are willing to let him go and this would certainly free up a bit of cash if Scolari wants it, and with Malouda about as consistent as Didier Drogba’s commitment, maybe the time has come to let him go?

Ray Wilkins: No Chelsea Tantrums

TheChelseaBlog.org — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:00:41 -0500

Chelsea’s unbeaten home record was phenomenal and despite the fact it was ended in pretty unspectacular style, predictably against the worst possible side it could be, it had to come to an end sooner or later.

Like a fair few supporters, I’d come to see the home record as a bit of millstone in the end anyway. As good a record as it was, the fact is we were just drawing too many games at home and the points we dropped as a result ultimately cost us.

Mind you, if I’m honest, although I started to expect the record to go just about every home game, once it had gone, I didn’t expect quite the turn around in results we’ve had at the Bridge.

Still, we’re only a point off the top and we’re getting the results away from home, a pretty good run of them actually. Yet those poor results at home this season aren’t going away and of course, neither will the press. And so having spent the earlier part of this season building the new Chelsea boss up while he was flavour of the month they’re already flexing their literary muscles in preparation to knock him back down.

So, despite the fact we’ve just had another decent win away from home, the press seem to have dug up "claims" about Chelsea players being unhappy with Scolari’s laid-back approach to training and the predictability of their game. Although when it was put to Ray Wilkins that there could be some unrest creeping into the dressing room, he insisted :

“None whatsoever. If you are looking for an angle then that team might have fallen apart, but the spirit and application in the camp is absolutely different class. You cannot perform like that if there is dissension about.

"They have performed to a very high standard. Our away results have been absolutely first class. We’ve a superb away record. Overall we are delighted with where we are at the moment, just a point behind Liverpool, so as far as we are concerned we’re in a fantastic position.”

So, I guess it looks as if the press will just have to try a bit harder.

Luiz Felipe Scolari Tells Real Madrid Where to Go

TheChelseaBlog.org — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 07:30:21 -0500

With rumours circulating about a sudden increase in interest in Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien again, Luiz Felipe Scolari has made it clear the Ghanaian is going nowhere as far as Chelsea are concerned.

Mourinho’s Inter Milan have been interested in Essien since the summer and Sulley Muntari has expressed his desire to play with the Bison more recently.

However, Scolari insists “Inter, AC Milan and Real Madrid all want Essien but he is injured and he is at Chelsea. If I stay for three years I don’t want him out, I want him to stay with me. This is because he is a very good player who can play in five positions very well. He is young and dedicated. He is our player and I think he is happy here.”

Chelsea have clearly missed Essien’s presence this season and although the date of a return from his knee ligament injury is still unclear, Scolari is hopeful it’ll be sooner rather than later.

He stated that, “Michael Essien is good news for me everyday. He is recovering quicker than I thought. He comes here at 10:30 in the morning and doesn’t go until four in the afternoon.

"He tries to come back early. It is good for us. He is a fantastic example for other players. I don’t want to put pressure on him but I think we will have good news sooner than we expected.”

And with Essien having signed an improved contract with Chelsea in the summer, I think the message to Inter, AC Milan and in particular Real Madrid is clear: “on your bikes”.