Sir Alex Ferguson Condemns Officials After Manchester United Lose To Chelsea

Sir Alex Ferguson criticised the match officials after Manchester United's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea, which put Carlo Ancelotti's side two points clear at the top of the table. Joe Cole put the visitors ahead but it was Didier Drogba's goal 11 minutes from time that angered Ferguson, with replays showing the striker was offside.

"What I can't understand is the linesman's directly in front of it. He has no one near him and he gets it wrong," Ferguson said. "A game of that magnitude, you really need quality officials and we didn't get them on Saturday. It was a poor, poor performance."

The referee Mike Dean has been in the spotlight this week after Blackburn's Martin Olsson admitted he deliberately went down in the area at Burnley because of Dean's reputation for giving penalties. United had two penalty appeals turned down today while Chelsea looked to have a good shout when Gary Neville barged Nicolas Anelka.

Asked whether Dean had been affected by the comments, Ferguson said: "I don't know about that but when I saw Mike Dean I did worry, I must admit."

Chelsea lead United by two points with five games to go, and Ferguson said they are firm favourites. "Five games left, they're two points ahead and four goals better than us – they're in the driving seat," he said. "Chelsea are favourites now, there's no question. I'm certain we'll respond but we could win the next five games and not win it."

While United had a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich in midweek, Chelsea were able to prepare solely for this game following their elimination by Internazionale in the last round. Both managers felt that proved a crucial factor.

"The first half we looked leggy, it took us too long to get going and Chelsea were by far the better team," Ferguson said. "The second half we did well, we were unfortunate not to get something from the game. We dominated it in the second period but we just didn't get there."

Reaction: Nothing Is Decided Yet

Carlo Ancelotti's side were undoubtedly brilliant on Saturday as we beat Manchester United on their home soil but the Italian was keen to point out nothing has been decided with regards to the title race yet.

Although the three points takes us back to the top of the League, Ancelotti knows anything can happen and wanted to make it clear the race is not yet won.

'Nothing was decided in this game,' insisted Ancelotti.

'It was an important week for us because we were away to a very strong team. But now we must stay focused and maintain composure. It [the win] is very important for our confidence but nothing is decided yet.'

Chelsea have been on fire in our recent clashes, scoring 14 goals in three games since drawing 1-1 away to Blackburn, a game that followed our exit from the Champions League.

'We had a very good reaction against Portsmouth and Villa, we drew against Blackburn and came back and played well.

'We played well in the first half on Saturday, Manchester United wanted to put pressure on our midfield but we have built a very good reaction after that defeat to Inter.'

It seems every cloud may truly have a silver lining as the end of our European campaign allowed us a whole week to prepare solely for today's fixture.

'We didn't have a match during the week so we had the possibility to maintain a good condition and improve our condition and play for this game.

'Our aim was to keep the intensity. We had the possibility to play with a high tempo and we did this very well. We maintained good pressure in midfield and we didn't give Manchester the possibility to play how they wanted.'

Following the result, the opposition manager was forced to admit Chelsea are best placed to win the Barclays Premier League.

'Chelsea are favourites now, there's no question about that,' said Alex Ferguson.

'There are five games left, they're two points ahead and have four goals in goal difference against us, they are in the right position.

'We could win the next five games and still not win the League, it's simple as that,' added Ferguson. In fact Chelsea are three goals better off than the second-placed team.

Saturday’s team was unchanged from that which faced Villa last weekend, with Didier Drogba once again taking up a position on the substitute bench.

Having only trained twice this week, Ancelotti knew Drogba would benefit from a rest but always planned to introduce the winning goalscorer deep into the second half.

'He was not 100 per cent but I knew he was very important for this game,' admitted Ancelotti. 'I preferred to play him at the end of the match when he would be fresh and he did well.

'It is not important to start the game. It is important to play in the game and play well.

'Nicolas [Anelka] played 60 minutes, Didier 30 minutes. Maybe next time Didier can play 60 minute and Nicolas 30 because they are both fantastic strikers.'

Another man who commanded attention during the fixture was Joe Cole, who netted his second league goal of the season in front of the Man United fans.

It was a Cristiano Ronaldo-like back heel that put the Blues ahead as Cole proved his critics wrong.

'He worked very hard against Evra, he scored a goal and this goal was the key to opening up the game.

'He did very well. He is fit and he only has to improve his confidence. This goal for him is very important because he also played very well against Aston Villa.'

Finally, with calls for offside reverberating around Old Trafford after Drogba's winning strike, Ancelotti understandably avoided commenting of the official's performance.

'Offside is when the linesman's flags goes up and also penalties come from when the referee whistles,' reported the Italian.

'But I don't want to comment on these decisions. I am happy we pressed without the ball and kept possession and controlled the first half. The second half was difficult but I am happy.'

Ancelotti Happy To Be Favourites

Carlo Ancelotti is happy to label his Chelsea side favourites for the title after their 2-1 win at Manchester United.

Chelsea put themselves in pole position in the race for the championship with an impressive success over the defending champions at Old Trafford.

Ancelotti was delighted with his side's performance and he has called on his players to keep their focus as they look to maintain their lead at the top for the final five games of the campaign.

"We kept a high intensity in the first half. We had good control of the game," Ancelotti told Sky Sports 1.

"We trained very well during the week because we didn't have a Champions League match. You lose a lot of energy.

"We played very well in the first half. It's a very important victory for us and a very important performance. To win here is not easy, we did a good job."

Regarding his team's title chances, Ancelotti added: "We are favourites, it's normal, we are back at the top of the league.

"There are five games left and we have to stay focused. We are happy but nothing is decided so we must stay calm and focused on our game.

"(It's been a) good reaction after the defeat against Inter. My players are strong."

Ancelotti admitted it was a tough decision to leave out top scorer Didier Drogba as he kept faith with the side that thumped Aston Villa 7-1 last weekend.

"It was very tough to take out Didier but he understood because he trained not 100% during the week," continued Ancelotti, who saw Drogba score the decisive goal after replacing Nicolas Anelka in the second half.

"I preferred to put him on during the match and he did very well because he was fresh and he scored a fantastic goal."

Malouda Stays Grounded

Florent Malouda insists Chelsea are not taking anything for granted after moving to the top of the table with the win over Manchester United.

Chelsea surged two points clear at the summit to move into pole position in the race for the title with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

Malouda, who was named man of the match, helped set up Joe Cole's opener and gave United full-back Gary Neville a torrid time throughout the game.

The Frenchman admits there is still a lot of hard work ahead for his side if they are to take the championship back to Stamford Bridge.

"It is going to be very difficult," Malouda told Sky Sports 1 when asked about his side's title chances.

"If we play the way we played today, we have a big possibility but it's going to be very, very hard.

"We wanted to be on top of the league after this game. It was hard but I think we played really well and for us it means a lot after the bad week [when Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League] we had.

"We had to react and we reacted in the best way."

Malouda felt United were not at their best and believes their midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich took a lot out of the reigning champions.

He added: "Champions League matches take up a lot of energy and that is why we started the game so quick.

"We knew that if we played with a high intensity they could have some problems."

Malouda: I Love England And I Always Wanted To Play For Chelsea

Florent Malouda has revealed how he planned to play for Chelsea long before his arrival in 2007.

The French winger is enjoying his best form since his arrival from Olympique Lyon.

Malouda told the Daily Mail: "When I came here my family was ready.

"I’d been coming for two years. I’d seen my friends Didier Drogba and Michael Essien come here. So I knew where I was coming.

"When I was at Lyon, I was looking at Chelsea winning trophies and the players were so happy. I went to Didier’s house and saw his pictures of the trophies and his family celebrating at Stamford Bridge. I wanted that.

"I wanted to be in those pictures with my family, celebrating on the pitch with the trophy. That’s why I play football.

"It was my choice to come to Chelsea. They were so competitive in the Champions League and I said, 'That’s where I want to be'.

"I bought my house in London. I chose to bring my children to a British school. It was what we wanted. After that, I couldn’t say, 'I don’t feel good in England'. But this was the picture people were seeing of me. That has changed because my performances improved."

Failure To Sign Rooney 'Hurts' Abramovich

It still hurts Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich that in the summer of 2004 he was persuaded, primarily by the then chief executive Peter Kenyon that Wayne Rooney was temperamentally flawed and, therefore, Chelsea should not bid for him.

It was probably already a done deal that Rooney would quit Everton for Manchester United -- although Abramovich was said to be annoyed when he then saw the teenager plunder a hat-trick on his Champions League debut against Fenerbahce.

Much of the build-up to Saturday's monumental meeting between United and Chelsea at Old Trafford has centred on Rooney's absence but Carlo Ancelotti offered a different perspective on the champions during the past eight months.

"This season, I think, United play differently in respect of the past," the Chelsea manager said. "Last year, they had Cristiano Ronaldo as a striker and they play differently now and have improved a lot."

Improved a lot? That was a bold statement. Few regard the departure of Ronaldo as an enhancement to this United squad although, as when Ruud van Nistelrooy was sold to Real Madrid, allowing the Portuguese to flourish, there has been a liberation for certain players: primarily, but not only, Rooney.

"This year, Rooney did a fantastic job with the wingers," Ancelotti said, praising Ryan Giggs, Nani and Antonio Valencia. "A lot of matches were tactically very good. Against Milan, tactically they played very well. They don't give a lot of chances to concede. They are very compact as a team and prefer to defend well and counter. They're able to do this because the wingers are very fast," he said.

What Ancelotti likes about United, above all, is that they have an "identity", which is what he has obsessively stated he wants to create at Chelsea. That takes time, a commodity that Abramovich has not permitted previous coaches. Despite all the denials, if Ancelotti does not -- at the very least -- run United to the wire in the league and win the FA Cup then the pressure will grow.

It makes it all the more admirable that, in the face of this command to win, Ancelotti has stuck to an attacking approach -- although that is also something that Abramovich has insisted upon. Chelsea have scored more, 82 times in the league already this season in 32 matches, and conceded more than ever before in the Abramovich era. It is not, perhaps, what you might expect from a coach schooled in catenaccio.

"In Italy the team that won Serie A was not the team that scored most but the one that conceded fewest," Ancelotti said. "But here we are in England. Scoring goals is important. If you want to win you have to score.

"We want to play our football. Our football is to attack and keep control of the game. It's the most difficult game to do this. United want to do the same because they are at home. This is a fight and I think that will decide the match."

So is he atypical to his homeland? "I don't consider myself an attacking coach," Ancelotti said. "I am Italian and the fortune of Italian football is defensive. I like defence. I like balance. I am a balanced coach. I do like to hurt the opposition.

"My aim is to attack and play football but first is balance. I don't like to concede goals or counter-attacks. The easiest way to score is on the counter. If you attack badly, you can concede to counter-attacks."

Today Ancelotti will have to get that balance right. Although he would settle for a draw, a victory would strike a deep psychological blow to United and wrestle the advantage. And so Ancelotti will start with Didier Drogba and probably Nicolas Anelka, despite racking up 12 goals in the past two league games with only one or other of the strikers playing.

"They give quality, strength, and experience," Ancelotti said while conceding they have not necessarily clicked in tandem in recent games.

"I will try to put out the team with the best players, with more quality. Drogba and Anelka have more quality and I think they did very well together."

Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda have also been impressive, with the former gaining special praise from Ancelotti -- "a very dangerous midfielder" -- who has surprised the Italian with his "timing".

Timing is everything and so to today's game. It could not be more ideally set, Rooney's injury apart, and what will be Ancelotti's message to his team? "I have experience of this game," he said in reference to his CV for the big occasions. "You have to do your best to show your quality, put it on the pitch and show personality and courage. I hope to see this."

And so, even without Rooney, does the rest of the world.

My Week At Work: Nicolas Anelka

He may not watch much football away from Chelsea, but Nicolas Anelka has been enjoying his time while he is here, especially if he is near the constantly-battling John Mikel Obi and Salomon Kalou.

The best goal I have seen this week…
There were a few to choose from in our match with Aston Villa, I don't watch much football. I think maybe it is Florent Malouda's goal, from Yury Zhirkov's cross with the pass from Deco.

The best save I have seen this week…
I don't know, I have heard of some good saves but I did not see any.

The best training…
I think it was Wednesday playing four against four in the morning, little games, so it was sharp and intense.

The worst training…
It was Thursday. Two days before the game you do not do a lot, we can't do too much so we save the energy.

Funniest moment of the week…
That will be something with Kalou and Obi Mikel because they are always fighting each other in training or the changing room, something will have happened for sure!

My favourite sound this week…
Snoop Dogg, another favourite, from his new album.

Best food this week…
Thai food at a restaurant, one of my favourites.

Best entertainment...
Watching my son eating. He is always taking everything and putting it to his mouth but it goes everywhere.

The news story that stands out…
The president of France, Sarkozy meeting with Obama in America is big news.

And a special mention goes to…
I think maybe it is Frank because he scored four goals last weekend against Aston Villa.

Match Preview: Manchester United vs. Chelsea

In the Premier League, it simply doesn't get much bigger than this. Manchester United host Chelsea as first and second place do battle, with the winner taking a step closer to realising the dream of once again claiming English football's top honours.

It hasn't been a dream week so far for Sir Alex Ferguson, though. After Wayne Rooney gave United an early lead against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, they went on to lose the game courtesy of a late strike from Ivica Olic.

To make matters a lot worse, Rooney limped off with an ankle ligament injury, just days before the crucial meeting with the Blues on Saturday. The England striker now faces three weeks out and will miss the return leg with Bayern, as well as a handful of key fixtures in the title run-in, possibly including the Manchester derby.

It's not all doom and gloom for Ferguson: the Red Devils will still fancy their chances of progressing in Europe, are top of the league after a five-game unbeaten run and, as usual, are proving to be a formidable prospect at Old Trafford. If the reigning champions can get the better of Chelsea on Saturday, the title is theirs to lose.

How Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti must be wishing he faced the task of negotiating a quarter-final second leg in the Champions League. The Italian failed to realise club owner Roman Abramovich's European dream as his side were beaten by Inter in the round of 16, leaving Ancelotti under pressure to deliver the Premier League title - or at the very least the FA Cup - this season.

A groggy 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers followed the defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho's men, but the Blues have been rampant since. Their last two games - away at Portsmouth and at home to Aston Villa - have resulted in 5-0 and 7-1 victories, respectively, with Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda firing on all cylinders.

Such results have given Chelsea the edge over United on goal difference, which could still prove vital come May, but a win at Old Trafford on Saturday is vital if Ancelotti's charges want their title fate to be in their own hands.

FORM GUIDE

Man United

Bayern Munich 2-1 Man United (Champions League)
Bolton 0-4 Man United (Premier League)
Man United 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Man United 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Man United 4-0 AC Milan (Champions League)

Chelsea

Chelsea 7-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
Portsmouth 0-5 Chelsea (Premier League)
Blackburn 1-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Chelsea 0-1 Inter (Champions League)
Chelsea 4-1 West Ham (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Man United

Wayne Rooney will not get the chance to fire his side into a lead at the top of the table after suffering minor ankle ligament damage against Bayern Munich on Tuesday; the striker faces around two to three weeks out.

Rooney is United’s only new injury concern, though Michael Owen, Wes Brown, Anderson and John O’Shea remain unavailable, with O'Shea set to return to full fitness imminently after recovering from a long-term thigh problem.

Another long-term absentee, midfielder Owen Hargreaves, is also set to return soon; indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson has even suggested that either Hargreaves or O'Shea could make the bench for the Chelsea clash.

Chelsea

There is better news on the striker front for Chelsea, as Didier Drogba has recovered from the knock that saw him miss the 7-1 thrashing of Aston Villa and is almost certain to start at Old Trafford after sitting out two training sessions.

Ancelotti has his regular list of long-term absentees hampering his team selection; Michael Essien, Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa are all still unavailable, while Branislav Ivanovic is sidelined with a knee problem.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Man United

It has been well documented that, in the absence of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov may find himself leading the line alone on Saturday and must take centre stage. The Bulgarian, whose languid style is in contrast to the England international's more energetic approach, is yet to capture the imaginations of the United faithful in the same way he did at previous club Tottenham Hotspur, but a match-winning performance against Chelsea would certainly go some way to launching the striker into iconic status.

Chelsea

The availability of Didier Drogba is obviously a massive plus for Chelsea and he will surely play a significant part in Saturday's early kick-off, but the continued exceptional form of Florent Malouda makes the midfielder a potent threat to United's back four. The Frenchman has scored 13 goals in all competitions this season - 11 of them in the Premier League - and, whether battling Rafael or Gary Neville, Malouda will be confident of making an impact on proceedings.

Sir Alex Ferguson Praises Carlo Ancelotti's Progress At Chelsea

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the job Carlo Ancelotti has done at Chelsea this season.

The two sides meet in a potential Premier League title decider at Old Trafford on Saturday, with United holding a slender one point advantage in the table.

There had been suggestions in some quarters that Ancelotti would lose his job if Chelsea fail to win the title, especially after the Blues were knocked out of the Champions League by Inter last month, but Ferguson believes such speculation is unfair.

"There has been no failure on Carlo Ancelotti's part at all," Ferguson said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"He has done the job well.

"He is a man of great experience. He has won two European Cups as a coach and was a great player.

"You are talking about a pretty high competition level; in Europe and everything, and at this moment in time Chelsea are only a point behind us and they are in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

"The disappointment would be being knocked out in Europe. But it was a really strong performance from Inter Milan to knock them out.

"Overall, I think he has done a good job."

Lampard The Key For Carlo

Carlo Ancelotti believes midfielder Frank Lampard could play a key role when Chelsea tackle title rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Lampard found the net four times in last weekend's 7-1 drubbing of Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge and has now scored at least 20 goals in each of his last six seasons.

The Blues travel to the home of their title rivals one point adrift with each club having five more games to play after they go head-to-head this weekend.

Ancelotti, who took charge of Chelsea in the summer, revealed he did not fully appreciate the England international's talents until his arrival in West London.

"Lampard is a very dangerous midfielder," said Ancelotti. "It is difficult to block him because he is a very dynamic player and he gets into the box at the right moment.

"He is a midfielder who scores 20 goals every season and he is unique in that respect. I was surprised by him. I knew him but not with the timing into the box and that is his most important quality.

"We can use this quality to beat United but it is not enough to use just Lampard. We have other qualities and want to use them all."

Chelsea have bagged an impressive 12 goals in their last two games as they preceded their romp against Villa with a five-goal showing against Portsmouth to claim a narrow advantage over the Red Devils in the goal difference and goals scored stakes.

Despite having watched his side rack up 82 goals in their 32 Premier League outings this season, the Italian tactician insists he always attempts to remain true to the principles of his homeland.

"I don't consider myself an attacking coach," he added. "I am Italian and the fortune of Italian football is defensively. I like balance. I am a balanced coach.

"This is our aim, to attack and play football, but the first thing is to maintain balance because I don't like to concede a goal.

"The easy way to score is a counter-attack. In Italy the team that won Serie A was not the team that scored more goals, it was the team that conceded the least."

Mikel Out For Revenge At Old Trafford

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi insists the Blues must take revenge on Manchester United for two recent heavy defeats at Old Trafford.

Chelsea are just one point behind United at the top of the Premier League but they have suffered some embarrassingly one-sided defeats at Old Trafford in the past two seasons - beaten 3-0 and 2-0 on their last two league visits to the champions.

But Chelsea, who have smashed 12 goals in their last two games against Portsmouth and Aston Villa, go into the top-of-the-table clash full of confidence.

Their confidence is in stark contrast to United, who lost the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night and who will be without top scorer Wayne Rooney for up to a month because of minor ankle ligament damage.
Mikel is adamant Chelsea can secure their first win at Manchester United since 2005 and heap more misery on United's bid for a league and European double.

"It's about time we went up there and won again because we can do it." said Mikel. "We can go there, play good football and win the game.

"It depends on how we come out to play and fight because it's going to be really difficult but we're ready for it. Hopefully this time it will go our way.

"We have made it clear that we need to win every match and every game we play is a big one but because of where we are in the league, it looks like we're going to have to win it.

"We have got a very difficult schedule for the rest of the season and it has come to the stage where every point is very important but we have to think about Saturday for now."

Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti admits that Rooney's absence could allow his side to seize the title initiative from United.

The United striker has scored 35 goals in all competitions, 26 of them in the Premier League, and his absence at Old Trafford has already given Chelsea a massive incentive.

"Everyone knows how Wayne Rooney is important for this team, he is a fantastic player," said Ancelotti. "He has had a fantastic season but his injury could be an advantage for us.

"He is one of the best in the world right now. He is very professional and his image is very good for football. I like this kind of player. I was sorry for him. But I think without Rooney, for us, it is better.

"We want to play our football and we want to keep control of the game but it will be difficult. Man Utd want to do the same, they play at home and they will want to keep control of the game. This is the fight.

"Maybe sometimes a team can give more 100 per cent when an important player is out. We have to pay attention to this.

"Saturday is a very important game because we play a fantastic team who are top of the league now but I have always said the title will be decided at the end of the season.

"We want to do our best. The destiny after the game will be with the winners, but nothing will be decided.

"If we are able to win, it is better for us. A draw is not a bad result because there are a lot of games and everyone of them is very important.

"But it is very difficult to win at Old Trafford. It is a fantastic stadium for me also, not only for Sir Alex. I won the Champions League there in 2003 and that is the best memory for me in my career."

Drogba May Need Surgery At End Of Season: Ancelotti

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba could need surgery before the World Cup to cure a long-term groin problem.

Drogba was rested for last weekend's 7-1 win over Aston Villa because he has been suffering from the injury for some time and Ancelotti admits he could need a minor operation before playing for his country in South Africa.

Despite playing through the pain barrier at times, Drogba has still scored 30 goals this season and the 32-year-old will led Chelsea's attack in their crucial clash at Premier League leaders Manchester United on Saturday.

The Blues can go two points clear of United with a win at Old Trafford.

"Drogba has been living with this problem for three or four months but it is not a big problem," Ancelotti said.

"Sometimes he has problems after the game but during the week he doesn't have any difficulty.

"He will not need surgery now and if he needs to have an operation at the end of the season he will be ready in seven days because it will be a very little surgery - but I don't know if he will need to have that surgery.

"He was a little bit tired before the last game against Aston Villa so I didn't want to take the risk to put him on the pitch but now he is fit and he has to play."

Ancelotti Hungry For Title

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted his hunger to land the Premier League title ahead of Saturday's crucial showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Blues travel to the home of the league leaders and defending champions trailing Sir Alex Ferguson's men by just one point with six games of the season remaining.

Saturday's encounter is certain to have a pivotal impact on the destination of the title, while Arsenal remain in contention just three points further back from Chelsea.

The Blues have recovered well from the disappointment of their Champions League exit at the hands of former boss Jose Mourinho and his Inter Milan side, scoring 12 goals in their last two games against Portsmouth and Aston Villa.

The Red Devils will also be missing their attacking talisman Wayne Rooney for the coming weeks after the England international suffered minor ligament damage in the midweek defeat to Bayern Munich.

Ancelotti, who will have his own star striker Didier Drogba available after a knee problem, is determined to wrestle top spot back from their opponents having headed the pack for long spells this season.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Italian said: "It will be an important game.

"I think that this game won't decide the winner, but the team that wins the game will have a good chance to win the title.

"I am working to bring the Premier League here to Stamford Bridge.

"We are hungry to win because Chelsea has been very close for three years and now is the time to win.

"I am not satisfied because we are in second place in the table. We were in first place for eight months and now we are in second. We have a chance in the next game to move back into first place."

Despite the weight of expectation placed on his shoulders to bring success to Stamford Bridge, which increased following their European exit, Ancelotti remains relatively relaxed with the Premier League and FA Cup still in his sights.

He added: "I think we deserve to win something. We had a bad performance in the Champions League, this was not good.

"But in the Premier League we have done a good job until now. Now we have to try to win.

"The pressure is normal, it is a good thing. Pressure is life. When you have adrenaline in your body you have to be happy because adrenaline is a good thing."

Deco: Balancing Act

Back in the team and back in form, Deco is hoping we can go back on top at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Portuguese midfielder has been a key figure in our last two matches, both enterprising displays against Portsmouth and Aston Villa, and is now aiming to damage Manchester United's title hopes with victory on their own patch.

'I think we need to play in the same way, try to keep the ball, to pass the ball and be a danger when we attack,' he said. 'They are a better team than Portsmouth or Aston Villa but we can win.

'It will also be important to defend well, to take up good positions and be balanced. Manchester United are strong in the counter-attack and have good players, but we just need to go there and don't think about what they do. We know what we need to do.'

Deco's return to the starting line-up has coincided with the side scoring 12 goals in two games, tearing both Pompey and Villa to shreds in the process, and the playmaker admitted he is 'feeling better and playing better', after a seven-week absence from first team duties.

Now with six Barclays Premier League games to go, he is hoping to influence where the title ends up, and appreciates the importance of Saturday’s game cannot be overemphasised.

'I don't know if we need to win the game,' he told the Official Chelsea Website. 'Of course if we do then it just depends on us winning our games and we win the Premier League, if we lose it is difficult but if we draw everything is still open.

'I believe we have a chance to win and we will go there to win, not to draw, but the bad result would be to lose. If you win or draw everything is to play for, you cannot say anything is finished because we have difficult games but we would be in a good position.'

Ashley Cole Back From Broken Ankle Before End Of Season

England defender Ashley Cole will be "ready for the World Cup", according to his boss at Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti.

"The England staff are in contact with our medical staff and in 15 days Ashley will be back with the squad," he said.

Cole's rehabilitation from surgery has progressed better than expected after he broke his ankle in Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by Everton on 10 February.

The left-back is expected to be available for Chelsea's last three Premier League games of the season.

He was expected to be ruled out for three months but he has beaten that target and should have had some first-team action under his belt by the time Fabio Capello picks his initial 35-man squad for South Africa on 12 May.

England kick off their World Cup campaign against the United States in Rustenburg on Saturday 12 June.

The announcement coincides with a similarly positive bulletin on key Manchester United and England player Wayne Rooney. The striker's club manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on Friday he expected to have Rooney back in his squad in "two to three weeks".

While the tremendous goal-scoring form of Rooney this season makes him a key component for England in June's World Cup, a fully-fit Cole is also expected to be a definite pick by Capello in South Africa.

Chelsea, whose resources in defence are stretched with Branislav Ivanovic and Jose Bosingwa also injured, will have to cope without Cole for the Premier League trips to Manchester United, Bolton and Tottenham, plus the FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa.
But Cole could return on 25 April when Chelsea take on Stoke at Stamford Bridge, before finishing off their season against Liverpool and Wigan.

Midweek Rest Gives Blues The Advantage In Heavyweight Bout With Manchester United

All week, Sky Sports have been relentlessly promoting a clash taking place in Manchester this weekend that could well define the two contenders' professional future.

No question about it, David Haye versus John Ruiz at the MEN Arena promises to be an intriguing boxing bout. But come Saturday, there will be only one battle that is really worthy of the interest of the majority of sports fans. And it will take place at Old Trafford.

In the Red corner, weighed down by three consecutive league titles and the 2008 Champions League trophy, is Manchester United.

In the Blue corner, weighed down by insecurity and self-doubt having failed to win the league since 2006 and falling short in that 2008 Champions League final, is Chelsea.

On offer — as long as there is a knockout victor, at least — is a potentially decisive advantage in the ever-shortening race to the Premier League title. And if the preparation for such events is anything to go by, Carlo Ancelotti’s side could be poised to secure a dramatic victory in front of a hostile crowd at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.

Enjoying an uninterrupted week of recuperation and training after demolishing Aston Villa 7-1 at the weekend, the Blues have been able to sit back and cackle — although perhaps slightly reservedly, considering their own shortcomings against Inter Milan — as it slowly went wrong for their title rivals in Europe.

Arsenal, already off the pace in their table after their draw against Birmingham City at the weekend, drew with Barcelona but lost captain Cesc Fabregas for the foreseeable future in the process.

More importantly, United, amidst being given a taste of their own medicine by Bayern Munich, suffered the one crisis they were hoping to avoid above all else — an injury to Wayne Rooney.

The striker, with 34 goals to his name so far this season, has been diagnosed with minor ankle ligament damage and early estimates suggest he will miss between two and four weeks of action.

That means he will definitely be absent for Saturday’s early kick-off against the Blues, and could well sit out a sizeable portion of his side’s other five remaining league games.

Without him United seem to have a clear lack of a goalscoring threat to call upon. Dimitar Berbatov (12 league goals to his name this season, just one more than the number of own goals United have been able to call upon), will lead the line at the weekend, but he will do well to occupy both John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

Not that United will admit they are concerned.

“In games Wayne has missed recently, we've scored some goals. Dimitar has come in and done ever so well,” defender Rio Ferdinand said after Tuesday’s defeat to Bayner Munich, echoing the views of a number of his team-mates.

“Rooney is a great player and has been very influential in our season so far but we know we have players who can come in and deliver.

“We don't like losing. You've got to take things on the chin and get on with it. On Saturday we'll see a better, brighter team.”

Chelsea, however, have their own worries over their leading scorer. Drogba might be four goals shy of Rooney’s current record, but he has been equally important to his side throughout the current campaign. Struggling with a number of slight ailments, he is rated as a doubt for the big game. Although, considering how well Ancelotti’s side coped without him last week (and throughout January when he was at the African Cup of Nations), perhaps the 32-year-old’s absence would actually be a blessing in disguise.
Whatever the case, perhaps it would be fitting if these two sides would face off without their most potent weapons. Then we can find out which squad comprises the better team — rather than simply which one is blessed with the most talented talisman.

In that respect, the game is too close to call. United's midfield is unarguably a more well-oiled machine at the minute than Chelsea's, while defensively both sides have been forced into unwanted rotation in recent weeks due to injuries. With their forward lines both weakened, individual battles might take on extra significance.

Florent Malouda, for example, will be salivating at the prospect of taking on Gary Neville down United’s right. The Frenchman will have seen the torturous time his international team-mate Franck Ribery gave the veteran defender at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, and considering his current form (four goals in the last two games) will be confident of putting on a similar display.

Even if Sir Alex opts for young Rafael instead, the inexperienced Brazilian will have a job dealing with someone who is playing as well as anyone in the Premier League right now.

But on the other hand, Antonio Valencia did not start in midweek and, especially after being tactically very effective in the last game between the two sides, might cause Chelsea's stand-in left-back Yury Zhirkov a number of problems with his strong running and ever-improving crossing ability.

How will midfielder Darren Fletcher cope with the late runs of Frank Lampard. Will John Obi Mikel be able to stop Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs from playing in their team-mates around the edge of the Chelsea box? On such encounters the game might well be decided.

In front of 75,000-plus supportive fans, United will be buoyed by their record this season which has seen them drop only five points from a possible 48 on home soil (losing to Villa, drawing with Sunderland — although they did also lose to Leeds United in the FA Cup). But Chelsea will take confidence from the 1-0 win they secured when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge in November.

"The fans at Old Trafford are always great in the big games, so they’ll hopefully help us over the line," Darren Fletcher told FourFourTwo magazine recently.

"It does give you a slight advantage but this is top Chelsea side we’re talking about. They’re capable of coming to Old Trafford and winning.”

What is more, following their four previous away trips in Europe this season United have only subsequently managed to win once — following a victory in Turkey against Besiktas with a last-minute 4-3 victory against rivals Manchester City. Every other game they lost — with Villa (at home), Liverpool and Everton the grateful benefactors.

Whatever the case, perhaps it would be fitting if these two sides would face off without their most potent weapons. Then we can find out which squad comprises the better team — rather than simply which one is blessed with the most talented talisman.

In that respect, the game is too close to call. United's midfield is unarguably a more well-oiled machine at the minute than Chelsea's, while defensively both sides have been forced into unwanted rotation in recent weeks due to injuries. With their forward lines both weakened, individual battles might take on extra significance.

Florent Malouda, for example, will be salivating at the prospect of taking on Gary Neville down United’s right. The Frenchman will have seen the torturous time his international team-mate Franck Ribery gave the veteran defender at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, and considering his current form (four goals in the last two games) will be confident of putting on a similar display.

Even if Sir Alex opts for young Rafael instead, the inexperienced Brazilian will have a job dealing with someone who is playing as well as anyone in the Premier League right now.

But on the other hand, Antonio Valencia did not start in midweek and, especially after being tactically very effective in the last game between the two sides, might cause Chelsea's stand-in left-back Yury Zhirkov a number of problems with his strong running and ever-improving crossing ability.

How will midfielder Darren Fletcher cope with the late runs of Frank Lampard. Will John Obi Mikel be able to stop Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs from playing in their team-mates around the edge of the Chelsea box? On such encounters the game might well be decided.

In front of 75,000-plus supportive fans, United will be buoyed by their record this season which has seen them drop only five points from a possible 48 on home soil (losing to Villa, drawing with Sunderland — although they did also lose to Leeds United in the FA Cup). But Chelsea will take confidence from the 1-0 win they secured when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge in November.

"The fans at Old Trafford are always great in the big games, so they’ll hopefully help us over the line," Darren Fletcher told FourFourTwo magazine recently.

"It does give you a slight advantage but this is top Chelsea side we’re talking about. They’re capable of coming to Old Trafford and winning.”

What is more, following their four previous away trips in Europe this season United have only subsequently managed to win once — following a victory in Turkey against Besiktas with a last-minute 4-3 victory against rivals Manchester City. Every other game they lost — with Villa (at home), Liverpool and Everton the grateful benefactors.

Ancelotti: A Good Moment To Play United

With Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas dominating the sports news the last two days, it could be easy to believe the injury wheel of fortune has turned in Chelsea's favour. Carlo Ancelotti dismisses the idea.

The loss of Manchester United and Arsenal's most revered players, for however long, has made Chelsea the favourites to take the league championship title according to some observers but as we prepare for a top of the table clash at Old Trafford, no-one at Cobham is taking comfort from the other teams' medical problems.

'Every team has a lot of injuries at the moment,' argues Ancelotti, 'and I would like that Manchester United could use Rooney and Fabregas could play for Arsenal if I could have my injured players ready to play.

'I want to remind everyone that we have out Michael Essien, Ashley Cole, Jose Bosingwa, Branislav Ivanovic and also Ricardo Carvalho, so I don't know if we can claim advantage from injuries.'

Happily one injury problem the Chelsea manager doesn't have is Didier Drogba despite the player missing training on Tuesday and Wednesday. The cause was an accidental kick on the knee by Yury Zhirkov during one of the sessions.

'Drogba trained very well on Thursday and is fit to play,' Ancelotti reports.

'I think he will start against Manchester United. The other strikers did a fantastic job against Aston Villa but Drogba is a very important player for us.'

The back four will remain the same as the Villa game - Paulo Ferreira, Alex, John Terry and Zhirkov. The only player returning to the squad following injury is Juliano Belletti. He is back from Brazil where he underwent treatment on a knee problem and is fully recovered.

Ancelotti has expressed doubt over Michael Essien playing again for Chelsea this season. The midfielder is on the way back from knee surgery.

John Terry Urges Chelsea To Face Manchester United With No Fear

John Terry says his Chelsea side must approach Saturday's meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford with no fear and use the momentum gained in recent weeks to take a potentially crucial lead in the title race.

Chelsea travel to Manchester this weekend one point behind the leaders United with six games to play. Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be without Wayne Rooney, but Carlo Ancelotti today suggested that Didier Drogba could return to the Chelsea line-up after injury.

"There is so much on the game on Saturday and the way we have played the last couple of games, we have to take that momentum and that same gameplan into this match," said Terry. "We have to approach the game with no fear and we must go into it playing our own game. It is a tough place to go and the way we got beaten there and the way we played there last year was not good enough."

The Chelsea captain said that the experience of last season's visit to Old Trafford – when they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 – would be a motivation. "We go there not only with confidence from the last few games but still hurting from that defeat, and that will spur us on," he said.

Grin It To Win Against Drogba

Florent Malouda has told Manchester United how to halt Didier Drogba: Make him laugh.

The Blues midfielder revealed the trick was the best way to put off his Chelsea pal in training.

Malouda said: "I know him very well and can give him a lot of trouble. You need to be clever with him. It's best to destabilise him.

"Sometimes I make him laugh so he loses focus. That's the best way to defend against him."

But Malouda - whose team goes to Old Trafford on Saturday in a table-top clash - warned that Drogba had a hunger to excel.

He said: "People dream about things - Didier dreams about goals and scores the goals he dreams about."

Carlo Ancelotti Doesn't Expect Manchester United To Struggle Without Injured Wayne Rooney

Carlo Ancelotti has warned his Chelsea players not to expect an easy ride against Manchester United on Saturday, even if the Red Devils are without star striker Wayne Rooney.

The 24-year-old limped off against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek, and is expected to be out for up to a month with strained ankle ligaments.

While he will miss Saturday's game, Ancelotti expects United to respond positively to the loss of their leading scorer.

"We know how Rooney is important for this team, he is a fantastic player, he is having a fantastic season and this injury could be an advantage for us," Ancelotti acknowledged in his press conference ahead of the game.

"But maybe sometimes a team can give more than 100 per cent when a very important player is out, and so we have to pay attention to this — because I think Manchester United has the experience and the players to support the absence of Wayne Rooney."

However, Ancelotti revealed that Chelsea will be able to call on the services of their top scorer, Didier Drogba, who will be fit to start after missing training earlier in the week with a knee injury.

Eriksson Checks On His Elephants

Newly appointed Ivory Coast coach Sven Goran Eriksson was at Cobham on Thursday, but not only to meet Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou.

The Swede, England's manager between 2001 and 2006 also caught up with Carlo Ancelotti who he knew well from his time in Italy, and met Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, John Terry and Joe Cole, who all wore the three lions under his guidance.

'Carlo Ancelotti, I know very well,' said the 62-year-old. 'He is a good friend, we were opponents as coaches in Italy but before that he was my captain in Roma for three years, so I know him very well, he is a very nice man.

'It is nice to see this training facility, it is absolutely fantastic, I was here before at Cobham when there were cabins, but now it is like a five-star hotel,' he added.

Of course the main reason for Eriksson's visit was to meet his new captain, just days after being appointed to lead Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

'My first impressions are excellent,' he confirmed. 'Both Chelsea players seem to be very good human beings, which is important, and the quality they have, Kalou is very talented and Drogba is on the top, top, top level in the world today and has been so for years.

'For sure it is a very talented football team, with a lot of good football players. What I want to do is go as far as possible in the tournament and I will travel around to see more or less all of the players and find out what we need, to have their opinions about things. Then around the 20th, 22nd May, we come together to work, it is a very short period together.'

With experience of two such tournaments already, he knows he has a tough task in guiding Les Elephants through the notorious 'Group of Death', against the two sides that eliminated him as England manager.

'Well, of course, we are in the most difficult group of all,' he acknowledged, 'but I think it is difficult even for Brazil and Portugal. Also everybody who talks about the group forgets about North Korea, who are very similar to South Korea, and have they have the same style, they can run all day that is for sure.'

It will certainly be interesting to see how Eriksson gets on in South Africa, but having Drogba and Kalou on board will do him no harm at all.

Marcel Desailly Criticises Chelsea Before Manchester United Trip

Marcel Desailly has offered a scathing assessment of Chelsea's chances of regaining the Premier League title this season before Saturday's trip to Manchester United, with the club's former centre-half claiming "five players have to leave the club" in the summer.

The former France star spent six years at Stamford Bridge, joining them after winning the 1998 World Cup. He made 222 league appearances, before leaving in 2004, a year before José Mourinho secured the club's first league title in 50 years. He pinpointed United's consistency in midfield as potentially crucial as Sir Alex Ferguson's side pursue a fourth consecutive league championship success, with Chelsea still suffering from the loss of Michael Essien's dynamism in the centre.

"It looks like the [Chelsea] midfield have not really delivered protection to the defence," Desailly said. "The defensive block have had some problems this year. That is why they are not four, five or six points ahead because they have lost many points on free-kicks and just generally losing their concentration. Previously the midfield was absolutely amazing.

"Even if they weren't winning the Premier League, it was holding the team. The midfield was really playing well. Now Joe Cole is not expressing himself as he wanted, [Michael] Ballack has disappeared the last two months, [Jon Obi] Mikel is playing his best but the team misses Essien. So this is why the defence is suffering."

With those failings in mind, Desailly predicted a summer of change in south-west London. "First they need to get rid of four or five guys who are not Chelsea players," he told the Premier League's website. "I think five players have to leave the club. After that it depends on the finances. People are talking about [the Bayern Munich winger Franck] Ribéry but Ribéry is a problem because they have [Florent] Malouda on the left. I'm not sure if they will spend again.

"When you look at the two teams, United have a small advantage on the consistency they are showing in the midfield. Absolutely amazing. Players like [Darren] Fletcher, Nani coming back at a high level and [Antonio] Valencia have made a contribution. Let's not even talk about [Ryan] Giggs. Right the way back to [Edwin] van der Sar, it's a real team, a group. That's why I believe that Manchester United today have more energy than Chelsea."

Di Maria Dismisses Move To England

Benfica ace Angel Di Maria has played down talk of a possible move to England.

Di Maria is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe after catching the eye for club and country over the last year.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been linked with the flying winger along with a host of other top European clubs.

"I am not interested in the rumours - in England they look through everything with a magnifying glass but I don't have to worry about it," said Di Maria.

"At the moment I am only interested in Benfica and I think we can win anywhere in Europe."

No Coincidence: Frank Lampard’s Return to Form Coincides With Chelsea’s

As Frank Lampard goes, Chelsea goes; an adage that has served the west Londoners well over the past decade, as Lampard’s form rarely takes prolonged dips. But for the month of February and first half of March, the engine that has driven Chelsea to such great successes was showing a few leaks.

Season after season, the Chelsea attack has gone through their number 8. For all his lack of pizazz or flash, Frank Lampard has been Chelsea’s (and arguably the Premier League’s) most consistent player for the past seven years. Pundits and fans alike were looking for answers as to why Chelsea had lost their edge in recent weeks. Certainly there are a multitude of reasons one could find: John Terry’s errant performances in the wake of the Wayne Bridge scandal, the plethora of defensive injuries hurting the side, or Carlo Ancelotti simply being outcoached. While these developments have definitely affected the team greatly, it is the fact that Lampard looked bizarrely lost in games that sent Chelsea into a skid.

As the attack centered more on Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba, Lampard seemed unable to make an impact on games, or even find what space to occupy as attacks developed. It seemed as if games would drift by without a mention of his name. He was not finding that five yards of space between the opponents’ midfield and defense where he could launch his deadly long shots, from which he has scored so many goals over the years. Perhaps the timing was off with his teammates, but it seemed his late runs into the box were never found, nor was he able to set himself up in midfield, survey the field and pick out a rushing fullback down the flank or a diagonal run from a forward he could send through. These are the cornerstones of Lampard’s game, and for about a six-week spell his form perilously fell from grace. And not coincidentally, so did Chelsea’s.

Despite Drogba and Malouda playing lights out, something was missing from the Chelsea attack, making them much too reliant on Drogba’s strength and Malouda’s flare. Indeed, the spaces that Lampard should have been occupying were being taken over by Malouda, and as fast as the Frenchman’s star was rising, Lampard’s was falling. Aside from his brace in the humbling 4-2 defeat versus Manchester City, the Chelsea legend went 10 games in February and early March without scoring and getting only one assist, which are telling statistics. Why? Over that span Chelsea dropped 10 EPL points over eight matches and got knocked out of the Champions League. Indeed, in his outings against Internazionale and his former mentor Jose Mourinho, Lampard never even showed up and had zero impact over the two matches.

This stretch was enough to make a soccer fan think. It seemed too long a blip to be just temporary. Is he just not fitting in Ancelotti’s system? Are his best days behind him and has Ancelotti given the reins of attack over to Malouda and Drogba? Then again, it is Frank Lampard we are talking about. Surely he will bounce back. Right?

‘Bounce back’ would be an injustice to describe Lampard’s last two matches. Whatever happened between his tepid performance against Blackburn (which saw Manchester United go top of the table) and his dominant showing three days later against lowly Pompey only Frank knows. Against Portsmouth, he was back to his old self: pinpoint longballs, shooting on sight and always testing the keeper, finding Drogba over the top or on the ground, and making timely runs which were now being rewarded. For 90 minutes he was the man of the match despite not scoring, and to see him so frustrated at not getting a goal showed he knew his game was back. Rather than look lost, he looked hungry. And he got his just rewards with a 90th minute goal.

Then, we all saw the destruction against a good Aston Villa side. Plundering home four goals still didn’t speak to the impact he had on the match. Lampard was simply everywhere, and could have had five were it not for his selfless lay-off to Malouda for Chelsea’s fifth in the 7-1 demolition.

Five goals for Lampard and twelve for Chelsea in the last two matches will surely intimidate the unflappable Alex Ferguson. It seems that as Frank Lampard has hit his stride so has Chelsea, setting up the English game of the year this Saturday: Manchester United v Chelsea at Old Trafford to quite possibly decide the title. Enough to give any soccer fan goosebumps.

Desailly: Managing The Midfield

Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly believes the midfield battle will be crucial when we step out at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

We head into the game one point behind our opponents Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League, knowing an away win would strike a huge psychological blow to the hosts.

Desailly, no stranger to high pressure matches during his time with Chelsea between 1998 and 2004, believes gaining the upper hand will prove decisive, given United's counter-attacking style.

'For me it is the Chelsea midfield that needs to press and handle Manchester United,' he assesses. 'United counter-attack and so it is a team matter, spirit will make the difference, I am not sure just one guy can make the difference.

'We have an Italian coach who is very clever tactically, he understands the game and that he needs to win, but you have to be very careful because Manchester United is a team that does not really play, they let the opponent get confidence, then counter-attack and make the difference. That means Chelsea have to have two players in midfield who stay all the time in position.'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suggested our Champions League exit may damage the club's hopes on the domestic front also, but Desailly believes it allows the side to focus on its main challenge.

'I am happy because the players can now focus,' he told the Official Chelsea Website. 'Having the Champions League is something extra in your season, Manchester United is playing for both, physically, psychologically, it is hard, Chelsea have one target - it will not give extra energy, but they know what is left for them and they can concentrate, which is vital.'

Having been reluctant to point to key individuals in this clash, Desailly did have praise for the recent form of his compatriot Florent Malouda, who has scored four times in his last two games, and looks a certain starter in the north west.

'It is so nice to see him smiling, playing well and scoring,' said the World Cup winner. 'It is great to see how confidently he is playing. A couple of years ago people didn't want him to stay, but the club have done well giving him a new contract and he is at peace, that's why he is performing.'

Desailly, Chelsea legend and judge for 'Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes', is calling on football fans around the globe to record their matchday experience during our match, and all other Barclays Premier League fixtures this weekend.

'I am very pleased how people have shared their experiences of the matchday experience so far, people from all over the world, Japan, Australia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, it's amazing to see the impact of the Barclays Premier League,' he said. 'I hope after this weekend we receive even more from fans around the world.'

Mancienne Waits On Decision

Michael Mancienne has indicated that he does not want to hold talks with Wolves regarding his future until after the season has finished.

The on-loan Chelsea defender has spent the campaign at Molineux in order to increase his experience and has impressed while with Mick McCarthy's men.

McCarthy has indicated that he wants discussions with Mancienne before the end of his deal in the summer and he also plans to build a dialogue with Chelsea on the subject.

But Mancienne, who spent time with Wolves as they gained promotion from the Championship last season, wants to concentrate on ensuring his current club stay in the Premier League after collecting a vital eight points from the last four games.

The 22-year-old said: "I'm not even thinking about it (my future) to be honest.

"All I'm concentrating on is these last six games for Wolves. As to what happens after that we'll have to see."

Mancienne has started or come on as a substitute in 25 league games this season and in recent matches has operated in a central midfield role.

He said: "I have played in this position before, but I'm learning about it more and more every time I play it.

"I am happy playing anywhere I'm put, but I do enjoy the midfield role."

Chelsea Set For Mass Exodus To Fund £32m Premier League Duo Swoop?

Chelsea are reportedly set for a summer clearout ahead of ambitious moves for two Premier League stars. Carlo Ancelotti is ready to bid farewell to four first team squad members to help fund the deals as Roman Abramovich is not overly keen on bankrolling the club’s transfer budget from his seemingly thinning wallet.

The Russian billionaire apparently lost a large chunk of his fortune in the global recession and is more than willing to invest in new additions to the Stamford Bridge side but would also like to see the club’s wage bill trimmed before doing so.

Joe Cole is still yet to sign a new contract and could be on his way to Man United, Deco has already made it clear he would like to be allowed to make a move to Brazil with Fluninese the most likely destination for the former Barcelona man. John Obi Mikel is also struggling to get first team action and could be deemed surplus to requirements likewise perennial sub Salomon Kalou.

The players Ancelotti hopes to lure to west London are Everton pair Steven Pienaar and Jack Rodwell. David Moyes is sure to try to block any such Goodison Park raid but may find it hard to prevent either player from having their heads turned by the prospect of such a move.

Highly rated youngster Rodwell is also being targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson who apparently sees the England Under-21 international as an ideal long term replacement for veteran Paul Scholes. South African playmaker Steven Pienaar has performed wonderfully this season and could well be ready to make a move back into the type of Champions League action he enjoyed whilst at Ajax.

The two are valued together at around 32m and should Chelsea be able to fund such a move by losing high earners such as Deco from their wage bill as well as getting decent sums for other peripheral figures then perhaps these deals could become a reality, albeit a reality the Toffees boss will fight tooth and nail to prevent.

Abramovich To Answer Berezovsky Coercion Claims In Court

Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich must answer allegations that he used coercive tactics to force former business partner Boris Berezovsky to sell his assets at an undervalued market price, the High Court ruled today.

Addleshaw Goddard partner Mark Hastings instructed One Essex Court’s Laurence Rabinowitz QC for Berezovsky.

Skadden Arps Meagher & Flom partner Paul Mitchard QC instructed Brick Courts’ Andrew Popplewell QC to apply to the High Court for strike out on behalf of Abramovich.

The ruling will pave the way for a major High Court showdown between the two oligarchs to take place over the 12-week long Michaelmas term next year.

In July 2005 Berezovksy announced his intention to sue Abramovich through London’s High Court for breach of trust, breach of trust and breach of fiduciary claims.

It was another two years before he personally served the writ on Abramovich during a scuffle in Sloane Sqaure.

At the heart of Berezovsky’s claim is the allegation that Abramovich coerced him into selling his 21.5 per cent stake in Russian oil company Sibneft for a significantly reduced price.

Popplewell told Mr Justice Colman that Berezovsky’s claim lacked detail: “We want to know where the oral threats were made so that witnesses could be called.”

He continued: “This is a case that cries out for a summary judgment or strike out.”

Colman J rejected the argument: “I am satisfied that it is impossible to say that this claim has no real prospect of success…

“Weak as some of BB’s case certainly appear the complexity and multiplicity of issues makes this exactly the kind of claim which is unsuitable for applications under CPR3.4.”

Permission to appeal was refused.

Scouting Report – Chelsea’s Young Duo Leading The Way In Holland

Whilst Chelsea may need some surgery in the summer to replace aging legs, they can take some heart from two of their youngster who are sitting top of the Eredivisie.

Chelsea stars Miroslav Stoch and Slobodan Rajkovic are currently on loan at Steve McClaren’s FC Twente and Miroslav Stoch in particular is receiving rave reviews for his performances. FC Twente are at the top of Eredivisie four points clear of rivals Ajax and five points clear of PSV Eindhoven. Steve McClaren is slowly rebuilding his reputation over in Holland after the shambles of England’s Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

After selling a host of the club’s top players, Steve McClaren turned to Chelsea to loan winger Miroslav Stoch and centre back Slobodan Rajkovic. Both deals have turned out well not only for FC Twente, but Chelsea as well. Much has been written of Chelsea’s squad after the Champions League exit against Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan. Aging legs and a team that once was all conquering being past it has been thrown around far too casually for my liking. Chelsea’s demolishing of Aston Villa 7-1 was a good reply to those critics. With players of the ability of Stoch and Rajkovic coming through the ranks, they should have no problem.

Miroslav Stoch has been something of a sensation this season. 8 goals in 27 league appearances from midfield is a great return. Having made some sporadic late substitute appearances for Chelsea last season, the 20 yr old Slovakian was allowed to join up with Steve McClaren for the season at FC Twente. Stoch is quick, versatile and has a sensational cross. Upon a most likely return to Chelsea in the summer, he would most certainly offer some pace and youth to the West London side’s ranks. The winger is already a full Slovakia international with ten caps to his name and one goal. With PSV Eindhoven keen to gain his signature, Chelsea is believed to be pulling the stops out to offer the talented youngster a long term deal.

Slobodan Rajkovic may not be setting alight the Eredivisie like his team mate, but he is rebuilding his career very well at FC Twente. The 21 year old Yugoslavian was signed by Chelsea in 2005 for £4.4 million from OFK Beograd. A world record at the time for a defender under 18 years of age. He has not made a single first team appearance for Chelsea as of yet. Having spent a year on loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven, Rajkovic has been on loan at FC Twente for the past 2 years. On September 4th 2008, the Belgrade born centre back was banned by FIFA for a year after allegedly spitting at a referee during the Beijing Olympics. On appeal this was lifted to just international fixtures.

Having appeared thirteen times this season for Steve McClaren’s men he is slowly establishing himself in the team. Known for his towering height and strength, Rajkovic is a tough customer to get past at the back. It looks likely he will be given another year out on loan to hone his skills. He already has 5 caps to his name for the Serbia national side and is most certainly one to watch.

What is clear is that it’s not all doom and gloom at Stamford Bridge as has been reported recently. With players such as Gael Kakuta coming through along with Miroslav Stoch and Slobodan Rajkovic making waves in Eredivisie. The future looks bright for Chelsea.

Brazilian Club Target Chelsea Star

Chelsea veteran Deco is a summer target for Brazilian club Fluminese.

Portugal star Deco, 32, has another season left on his contract at Stamford Bridge but the Brazilian club are trying to sign him on the cheap.

Flamingo and Corinthians are also interested in the Brazilian-born midfielder who is tempted by one last contract back in his native country.

Deco's agent Acaz Felleger has confirmed that Fluminese have been in contact and says the decision is now up to Chelsea.

Felleger said: "Contact has been made but there has been nothing formal yet. We have had other propositions from Brazil but we will wait until the end of the season so Deco can concentrate on football.

"The decision rests with Chelsea but maybe they will allow him to go as one day he would like to return to Brazil to be close to his family."

Fluminese vice-president Alcides Antunes said: "We have spoken but it won't be easy because of financial reasons. Fluminese wants reinforcements but we also have other options."

Deco joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2007 for £8m but has struggled to make a big impact and has only been a bit-part player.

Deco, who gained a Portuguese passport through ancestry and has since been a huge World Cup star, made a rare start for Chelsea against Aston Villa on Saturday but the Premier League side are unlikely to offer him a new deal.

Chelsea Consider Move For £13m Premier League Playmaker

Steven Pienaar is apparently considering his options at Goodison Park ahead of this summer’s World Cup in his homeland and that news has sparked interest from London outfit Chelsea. The talented playmaker, valued around £13m, has been in good form this season but is apparently keen to secure Champions League football and may feel in order to do so he must seek a move away from the Toffees.

Carlo Ancelotti is looking at making a move for the Everton man and could well make an offer the 28 year old would find hard to refuse. The former Ajax man would surely be tempted by a move to a club who could offer him a shot at the Premier League title as well as guaranteed Champions League football. However he may be less keen on the possibility of not getting regular starts at Stamford Bridge given the wealth of talent on offer, strength in depth that results in the likes of Joe Cole having to warm the bench.

David Moyes will of course fight tooth and nail to prevent one of his prized assets from leaving the club but as evidenced by the moves away from Everton of the likes of Wayne Rooney and Joleon Lescott, he may find it hard to stop a move to London where he could well be offered the kind of financial package the Merseyside club can not afford to offer.

Chelsea Target Hamsik To Begin Napoli Contract Talks

Star midfielder Marek Hamsik is expected to discuss his contract situation with Napoli at the end of next month.

The 22-year-old has verbally agreed to extend his existing deal and all that's missing is his signature. Napoli have been in the process of tying down their stars over the last couple of months and Hamsik is the biggest prize.

Italian daily, Corriere dello Sport believes that given Hamsik is one of the most promising youngsters in Europe, his buy-out clause would be over €40m.

Hamsik has been a consistent performer in Serie A over the past several years and has scored 10 goals in 31 games so far this season and was seen as subject to a possible summer bidding war between Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan and his former club Chelsea. It had been rumoured that Hamsik will be part of a Chelsea summer spending spree to replace several members of the Blues' aging squad.

However, Hamsik's apparent desire to stay with Napoli means that a big move to Chelsea or anywhere else is unlikely to happen in the short-term.

Hamsik was recently voted Slovakian player of the year for 2009 and is expected to star for his country during this summer's World Cup.

Frank Arnesen Wants To Bring Marco van Basten To Chelsea

Reports in Holland today claim that Chelsea’s Director of Football Frank Arnesen would like to bring Marco van Basten to the club.

The former coach of Holland and Ajax is reportedly high on Arnesen’s list of possible replacements for Carlo Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti is under increasing pressure after Chelsea were dumped out the Champions League by Inter Milan in the last 16 knockout round.

Van Basten is also currently being linked with a return to AC Milan to replace Leonardo who is under pressure after the Rossoneri have fallen away in Serie A of late.

The 45-year-old is currently out of work after he resigned as Ajax coach in May 2009.

Chelsea Stars On Average £3.5M Salary

Chelsea players are on an average salary of £3.5 million.

Figures published by a major US sports website shows Roman Abramovich has turned his squad into the fourth richest group of sportsmen in the world.

The Blues stand just below Real Madrid and Barcelona as the highest payers in world football.

But all three are dwarfed by New York Yankees' baseball team.

Their players pocket £4.6m a year each or almost £90,000 a week.

NBA basketball stars make up the rest of the top 10 list for 2008.

The figures, revealed by sportingintelligence.com, are for first-team players.

Site editor Nick Harris said: "The findings will come as a surprise to anyone who thinks the Premier League is the best paid division in world sport because it's far from it."

Terry: Goals Flowing Thanks To Formation Adjustment

The goals are flowing for Chelsea thanks to a formation adjustment, says skipper John Terry.

For the earlier Portsmouth match and again against Villa, Carlo Ancelotti opted for an altered formation that operated close to a 4-3-3 with Florent Malouda and either Joe Cole, Daniel Sturridge or Salomon Kalou pushing forward down the flanks. His captain recognised the benefit.

"The formation suits us probably a little bit better with the two widemen," Terry told Chelsea TV.

"Over the years we have had a lot of success with that. We stretch teams, especially at home, which is good because teams do come to the Bridge and sit tight.

"Even Villa did that in the first half [on Saturday]. They were playing with two wide men and with [John] Carew up the top on his own which restricted our full-backs going forward. It was always going to be difficult but we had seen Villa in recent weeks tiring in the later stages of games.

"They pressed us well but thankfully we scored through Lamps' penalty just before half time and the way we started both halves was key."

Lampard Highlights Deco Influence In Chelsea Scoring Spree

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says the return of Deco has had a big say in their recent goal scoring form.

The Blues have struck 12 goals in the last two games.

"Deco has come back into the side and he played well at Portsmouth," Lampard told chelseafc.com.

"He offers some culture and some great passing, and Joe Cole was lively.

Of course Didier Drogba has been a great player this season by some distance, but we respect what Nicolas Anelka does as well and the manager's choice was proved right on Saturday."

Malouda Playing At His Best Since Chelsea Arrival

Florent Malouda admits he's delighted with his form for Chelsea this season.

Four goals in the 5-0 and 7-1 routs of Portsmouth and Aston Villa respectively has taken his total to 13 for the season, which is already his best-ever tally for the club. Perhaps more significantly is the 15 assists provided for his team-mates and now he is highly respected by the crowd.

He said: “I'm pleased but the season is not finished. I'm looking to score more goals because we have some big games coming up. We know that goal difference will be important.

“Every game now is a final. If you don't get the points from the game you have to play, you lose your position in the table. We are ready for this, we have worked very hard since the start of the season to be there.

“Of course we would prefer to be on top of the League but we are still in a good position because we have to play Manchester United.

“The win against Villa was the best performance since I have been here. When we had the ball we had a lot of movement and everybody enjoyed themselves. We're trying to make history. It's been a tough season for us but we must focus because we still have big games and we will see where we are at the end of the season.”

Chelsea Will Not Appeal Against Didier Drogba's Two-Match UEFA Ban

Chelsea will waive a potential appeal and accept the two-match ban imposed on Didier Drogba by Uefa following his dismissal in the Champions League knockout defeat to Internazionale at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivory Coast forward was sent off by Wolfgang Stark, the German referee, for stamping on Thiago Motta's ankle three minutes from full time as Chelsea slipped out of Europe, a violent conduct offence that carries a two-match suspension. He will miss the opening two group games in next season's competition, for which the team appear certain to qualify.

Chelsea can officially challenge the decision within three days of receiving Uefa's written reasoning, though they will instead accept the punishment as there had been fears that the offence would prompt a four-match suspension. Drogba had been warned as to his future conduct, banned for four games (later reduced to three) with a further two-match ban suspended after being found guilty of making "offensive comments" towards the referee Tom Henning Ovrebo following last season's semi-final elimination against Barcelona.

European football's governing body opted against activating that suspended punishment and, instead, extended Drogba's probationary period by two years to July 2013 as the offence against Motta was deemed to be very different from his outburst against Ovrebo. "The suspension applies to the next two Uefa club competition matches for which Drogba would be eligible," a Uefa spokesman said.

The player has drawn Uefa sanction after Chelsea's elimination in each of the past three seasons – he was sent off in the 2008 final in Moscow – but insisted his stamp on Motta had been accidental, with Chelsea frustrated by Inter's impressive display at Stamford Bridge as they prevailed 3-1 on aggregate in the last-16 tie.

"The referee was a bit hard on me for this red card," Drogba said at the time. "I stepped on his tendon but it was not intentional and I was more focused on the cross and the ball. I'm going to try to make it better. The last three years have all been unhappy endings, so I hope next season the Champions League will be mine."

Drogba Two-Match UEFA Ban

Didier Drogba has been given a two-match suspension from European competition as a result of being sent off in Chelsea's Champions League match versus Inter.

A Uefa statement reads:

Chelsea FC striker Didier Drogba has been suspended by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body for two European club competition matches after being sent off in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg against FC Internazionale Milano in London on 16 March.

The suspension applies to the next two club competition matches for which Drogba would be eligible. The player's existing period of probation, which began on 15 July 2009 and was originally intended to run for two years, has also been extended to 15 July 2013. An appeal may be lodged within three days of the sending of the reasoned decision.

Reserves Report: Chelsea 1 - 0 Portsmouth

Chelsea reserves returned to winning ways with a 1-0 league victory over Portsmouth at Cobham on Monday night.

Gael Kakuta scored the only goal of the game after 15 minutes, but Chelsea could and perhaps should have added more after dominating long periods of the game.

Without a number of his younger players due to the youth team's trip to Dallas, coach Steve Holland was still able to name a strong starting line-up, with seven of the 11 having played first team football for Chelsea.

The side included Carlo Ancelotti's latest debutant, Patrick van Aanholt, and the manager and his backroom staff were there to observe the second string start brightly, Kakuta and Fabio Borini both denied by instinctive defending and goalkeeping in the opening exchanges.

Also present was captain Sam Hutchinson, who had completed 45 minutes against Fulham a week earlier. He would play an hour tonight.

He also played a major part in the goal. Playing at centre-half, he threaded a ball through the Portsmouth defence for Kakuta, who kept his composure, controlled and volleyed beyond goalkeeper Jon Stewart.

Despite the driving wind and rain Chelsea were passing the ball well, using the greasy surface to their advantage as the visitors were reduced to chasing spritely shadows.

Nemanja Matic was fouled five yards outside the away area on 24 minutes, Jeffrey Bruma's curling free-kick bouncing just in front of the goalkeeper before he turned it around the post.

Daniel Sturridge, who had again been causing problems, was replaced just after the half-hour by first year scholar Philipp Prosenik, recently recovered from a long-term knee injury.

From right-back, Bruma was causing Portsmouth infinite problems with his attacking play, while Matic was having joy in a more advanced midfield role afforded him by the disciplined Liam Bridcutt in the anchor role.

In contrast Portsmouth were hardly able to venture into the Chelsea half, such was the Blues' total control of the game. Steve Holland's only grievance would have been his side's wastefulness in front of goal, Prosenik, Jacob Mellis and Van Aanholt all guilty of not working the keeper hard enough after smart build-up play.

Pompey's first threat came with two minutes remaining in the first half, Nadir Cifti heading a corner wide after Nana Ofori-Twumasi had headed behind.

Just before the break Mellis excellently danced through the defence before his shot was parried away, and then from the follow up Borini's cross cum shot flashed across goal.

On 53 minutes Kakuta was denied by some alert goalkeeping as Stewart dived at the playmaker's feet to prevent a second goal after more impressive work down the Chelsea right.

On the hour Hutchinson and Van Aanholt were replaced by Chris Jones and schoolboy Reece Loudon, as Bruma moved inside to centre-half and Jones took up right-back duties.

The name may sound familiar; Jones is actually one of the club's fitness coaches, covering the absence of the Academy for one night only. He has experience at Blue Square Premier level.

With 20 minutes remaining Cifti drove a low free-kick narrowly wide and then Matt Richie curled one on to the bar, Jan Sebek's dive enthusiastic but well beaten.

At the other end Kakuta's stepovers and pass put Borini in but the Italian's left-footed shot was a little tame.

There would be no more goals, and so Chelsea earned another three points and a clean sheet with a solid all-round display, one or two players no doubt impressing Ancelotti, who departed with around three-quarters of the game gone.

Didier Drogba Dubs Sven Goran-Eriksson's Appointment As Ivory Coast manager As 'A Wish Come True'

Didier Drogba is delighted at the news Sven-Goran Eriksson will lead the Ivory Coast to the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

The striker has been in prolific form for club and country this season, and is fully confident that the former England and Mexico manager has the pedigree to help the Elephants reach the latter stages of the summer tournament.

"There is no doubt Sven will succeed. This is someone who knows the game inside out," Drogba told Football365.co.za.

"I have every belief in his ability to take us far and even exceed the targets set for him by the Federation.

"With the little I saw of him while he was in England and what I have heard, read and watched about, I think Sven has come at the right time."

With the appointment coming just over a month after former manager Vahid Halilhodzic was dismissed, Drogba is pleased that someone, let alone a big name like Eriksson, has finally been appointed.

"This is like a wish come true for me and most of my colleagues," he said.

"For weeks and months we have been pondering over going to the World Cup without a coach but what we feared most has taken a different twist.

"Now I don't have to wake up every morning and think about the future of my team without a coach.

"Surely all things will work in line for us with Eriksson in charge.

"As a seasoned coach, he definitely knows how to pull in those surprises when least expected. We have a solid team and that alone solves half of his problem."

With the likes of Salomon Kalou, Emmanuel Eboue and the Toure brothers - Kolo and Yaya - to call upon, Drogba believes Eriksson's squad can become the first African winners of the World Cup and on Africa soil.

"The only problem he will face maybe will be the selection of a winning eleven out of a team full of talents," the Chelsea man said.

"We are going to South Africa to win big. This is not something I am saying alone. It is the general feeling when you talk to the other boys in our team."

Four years ago, the country failed to escape from the group stages after being hotly tipped to progress to at least the semi-finals. But Drogba believes that with Eriksson's expertise that will not happen again.

"Our performance in Germany was not up to what we set out to achieve," he said.

"We have to improve and play much better if we want the other teams to take us serious. This is not a tournament you can go and play just anyhow.

"It has to be better this time round and I hope Sven provides us with that spirit and direction."