Alan Hansen: A Jittery John Terry Could Hamper England's World Cup Hopes

Liverpool legend and television pundit Alan Hansen feels that Chelsea captain John Terry's recent out-of-sorts displays could cost England World Cup glory this summer.

The Chelsea skipper’s form has dipped after a turbulent season that has seen him lose the England captaincy and endure a very public clash with former team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Hansen told Daily Star Sunday: “By his standards he’s had an indifferent season.

“He has been on the deck more times than he has in the last four seasons put together.

“Terry has never been the quickest. He’s always been a brilliant positional player, brilliant in the air and very good on the ball.

“But this season he’s had one or two niggles.

“What happens with centre-backs is they got older and suddenly they lose that bit of pace they had. They tend to go to ground more.”

Despite his problems, Hansen thinks Capello will start with Terry against the United States in England’s first game on June 12.

Hansen added: “If he is fit and playing well, it enhances England’s chances of getting to the semi-final.

“Rio Ferdinand has also been injured. It’s a big risk to throw two rookies into the World Cup finals, who’ve never played alongside each other.

“That’s where the manager earns his money.

“He’s got to have a look at Michael Dawson.

“But I imagine he’ll be inclined to play Ferdinand and Terry all the course.

"If you’ve got a concern about them would you take Ledley King who can potentially get injured?

“There will always be a problem with the goalkeeper. I don’t think there’s one who stands out.

“Joe Hart’s had a great season but he’s a kid.

“Would you as a centre-back want to play with a kid? No.

“Paul Robinson has had a fantastic season. Will Capello pick him? Probably not.

“And Robert Green and David James are not playing for strong sides.

“They’ve been picking the ball out of the net consistently all season.”

Roman Abramovich Blundered By Letting José Mourinho Leave Chelsea

José Mourinho proved himself at Porto, won two titles at Chelsea and is on the verge of a second Champions League final

Ten years ago this month Chelsea took a 3-1 lead to the Camp Nou in the knockout stages of the Champions League, only to have their European ambitions put into firm perspective by five Barcelona goals before a crowd of 100,000, even if they did take the second leg into extra time.

At that time Barcelona were the third best team in Spain, at least on the evidence offered by Valencia knocking them out in the next round and going on to contest the final with Real Madrid. As they have since improved to the tune of accumulating two European Cups, three La Liga titles and unofficial status as the planet's favourite team, Internazionale's 3-1 advantage from the first leg of this year's semi-final does not quite entitle the Italians to begin booking hotels in Madrid.

Yet Inter can approach Wednesday's away leg with confidence. They have the hottest property in management in charge of their team, something Chelsea in 2000 had to wait another four years for Roman Abramovich to bring about. If it is true that Abramovich's main priority has always been to win the Champions League then he should be disappointed with José Mourinho and with himself in equal measure. With the coach because, although he came close on a couple of occasions, Mourinho never managed to reach a European Cup final in his three years at Chelsea, despite a level of financial backing that was the envy of most of his rivals. With himself because the team Mourinho had moulded did reach the final in the season Abramovich prematurely called time on his turbulent coach, and would have done so again the following year but for the most erratic display of refereeing the competition has ever witnessed. It seems impossible to believe, in the light of the way Mourinho has transformed the perennial European underachievers he took over at San Siro, that a Champions League trophy would not now be sitting on Chelsea's shelf had Abramovich not chosen to waver from his original bold but beautifully simple plan.

It may not appear to have been all that bold of Chelsea to buy up the dashing young manager who had just won the Champions League with unfancied Porto, though in 2004, just before Mourinho cavalierly announced himself as the special one, it was not obvious he would be an instant success. His Uefa Cup win the previous season was chiefly recalled for a dull final against Celtic. Porto finished second behind Real Madrid in their Champions League group, though Mourinho did manage to get a good look at Didier Drogba when beating Marseille home and away. The defeat of Manchester United that pushed Mourinho unblinking into the spotlight owed everything to a Tim Howard fumble and a legitimate Paul Scholes goal that was incorrectly disallowed, while, thanks in part to excessive tinkering by Claudio Ranieri in Chelsea's semi-final first leg, Porto only had to beat the similarly unheralded Monaco in the eventual final.

The point is that Mourinho was not then the best coach in the business. He may certainly have been the sharpest, swankiest and most entertaining, but he still had something to prove in a bigger league with a bigger budget. By bringing Chelsea two league titles in his first two seasons he proved it, and Abramovich should have noted that and found a way of putting up with the background noise. Because if Inter hold on to their advantage and Mourinho takes a second team into a Champions League final, even the possibility of Louis van Gaal staking a similar claim to immortality the previous evening will not disguise the fact that Chelsea had the top man at the peak of his career and blundered by letting him go.

Mourinho's age alone makes him an attractive proposition for leading European clubs looking for longevity, not that many of them actually seem to be. At 47 Mourinho could easily enjoy another decade or longer at the top. When Chelsea got him he was three years younger than Sir Alex Ferguson when he joined Manchester United, and he rewarded them with instant success. Now it looks as though Mourinho could eventually succeed Ferguson at Old Trafford, and Chelsea would only have themselves to blame. They may have to plead with him to return to Stamford Bridge to avoid that embarrassment, although, given United's financial uncertainty and Manchester City's as yet unsecured Champions League status, a stay at Real Madrid still appears a stronger possibility. Successful or not, Mourinho could not have made it any plainer that he does not feel at home in Italy.

So the scene is set for football's showiest character to make more showy history. Should Inter conquer Barcelona and whoever they meet in Madrid, two sizeable ifs, Mourinho will not be the first coach to win the European Cup with two different clubs. Ernst Happel and Ottmar Hitzfeld have done that. Mourinho might, just might, become the first manager to win a second Champions League medal with a second club and walk away without a second glance.

Premier League Preview: Chelsea vs. Stoke City

Chelsea could be off the top spot in the Premier League by the time their game against Stoke City kicks off, a fact that should sharpen the mind against an opponent that has caused them problems in the past.

Carlo Ancelotti might have said that he will not watch Manchester United's match with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday — preferring instead to go to the cinema to watch Clash of the Titans — but surely he will tear himself away from the petty disputes of the Greek gods long enough to see whether Sir Alex Ferguson's side take their chance to go two points clear and create some real drama in a title race that looks destined to go right to the death.

Ancelotti's side have already faced Stoke twice this season, and both times they have won. But neither have been easy games — the league fixture at the Britannia Stadium needed a last minute Florent Malouda strike to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 win, while the FA Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge last month saw Chelsea run out 2-0 winners in an efficient if not exhilarating performance.

What is more, the Blues go into the game off the back of a disappointing defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. With John Terry suspended for Sunday's clash, after a sending off in that defeat, and Didier Drogba clearly struggling with a hernia injury that is only getting more problematic, Ancelotti has his fair share of selection headaches ahead of the game.

With the likely knowledge that only three points will do, the pressure will certainly be on Chelsea to get a result.

Stoke, on the other hand, are one of the few sides lucky enough to have few worries as the season comes to a close. Comfortably clear of the relegation zone, the Potters also have no hope of sneaking European qualification. But Tony Pulis is not a manager to rest on his laurels, and has already implored his side to surpass last season's 45-point tally (they currently have 43). With that in mind, he will surely set his side to go out there to at least grab a point and derail the Blues' title challenge.

FORM GUIDE

Chelsea

Apr 17: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Apr 13: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Apr 10: Aston Villa 0-3 Chelsea (FA Cup)
Apr 3: Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea (Premier League)
Mar 27: Chelsea 7-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)

Stoke City

Apr 17: Stoke City 1-2 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
Apr 11: Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 Stoke City (Premier League)
Apr 3: Stoke City 2-0 Hull City (Premier League)
Mar 27: West Ham United 0-1 Stoke City (Premier League)
Mar 20: Stoke City 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti revealed on Friday that Ashley Cole is fit to start, as is Branislav Ivanovic — who will likely slot in the centre of defence for the suspended John Terry. Ricardo Carvalho is still injured however, as is Michael Essien.

John Obi Mikel is considered a doubt for the game after coming off injured against Spurs, and will probably miss out giving Michael Ballack or Juliano Belletti a chance to step in.

Didier Drogba has been struggling this week with a hernia injury that may require surgery, and Ancelotti will make a late decision on whether or not the Ivorian will start.

Last starting XI (vs. Tottenham): Cech; Ferreira, Alex, Terry, Zhirkov; Mikel, Deco, Lampard, Cole, Malouda; Drogba.

Stoke City

Defender Ryan Shawcross is back in the squad for the first time since picking up an ankle injury in February. Other than that striker Mamady Sidibe is the only major injury doubt for Pulis, the former Gillingham man is struggling with a groin problem.

Last starting XI (vs. Bolton): Sorensen; Higginbotham, Huth, Faye, Collins; Whelan, Lawrence, Whitehead, Tuncay, Delap; Kitson.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti's priority will be in ensuring his attackers break down what is a stubborn and resilient Stoke backline, and in that respect Florent Malouda will be crucial. The French international has been in scintillating form in recent months, proving the difference for his side in a number of games.

With Didier Drogba struggling with a hernia and Nicolas Anelka curiously inconsistent of late — not to mention with Ashley Cole potentially back to support him — Malouda will be tasked with creating Chelsea's best opportunities down the left flank.

Stoke City

Coming up against his former club, Robert Huth will be out to catch the eye once again. The German has become a key asset to Tony Pulis, giving his defence some stability and enviable quality for a mid-table side.

Huth, who also spent time at Middlesbrough, finally seems to be delivering on his vast potential and will be vital as the visitors aim to keep a clean sheet. German manager Joachim Low will be in attendance at Stamford Bridge, giving Huth an extra incentive to perform as he hopes to advance his outside chances of a World Cup summons.

Drogba Wants Strong Support

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has called on the fans to give them a final title push as Manchester United piled the pressure back on the Blues with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham at Old Trafford.

The win put United back on top of the Barclays Premier League by two points but Chelsea will go back to the summit by a single point if they can overcome Stoke at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Chelsea's players have spent much of the week getting over their 2-1 reverse by Tottenham last weekend but they have the best home record in the top flight with only five points dropped from 17 games.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have won all three matches since the Manchester City reverse with 12 goals scored and two conceded and Drogba knows how important the home fans can be.

"You never know what can happen, games are difficult now," said Drogba. "Some teams are trying to save lives but some teams are playing for little and can enjoy themselves, and sometimes then you play better.

"It is going to be difficult, but it is up to us. We need the fans to be really behind us, to be even better than against Bolton in the last game.

"Sunday is the kind of game that we are going to have until the end of the season so we need them to be patient and to really shout and sing and be supportive, that is the only way to win it.

"I remember the games when we were champions, like against Charlton the game after we won it in 2005, and against Manchester United the next year. The atmosphere was amazing. These are the kinds of atmosphere from the Chelsea supporters when it matters, and now it matters. It is important for them to be there and help us to achieve it."

Following the setback against Spurs, Drogba believes the squad have done all they can on the training pitch to get back on track.

"As always we work hard in the week," he said. "Sometimes it is not only because you work hard that you win at the end of the week but we will do everything in our powers to arrive there with fresh legs.

"The motivation has to be high because there are only three league games to go and three wins and we are there."

In-form winger Florent Malouda is adamant there is no panic within the dressing room as they approach their must-win game with City.

"The manager was really upset after the game at Tottenham and we as players were disappointed with that performance because when you are thinking about winning the league, that is not the kind of performance that you want to do," said Malouda.

"You have to analyse what went wrong but we had two days off and we had to clean out our heads and then come back with a different attitude.

"The manager is always the same, he is staying cool and in control, and you think in a positive way and remind everybody that we are still one point in front. It is in our hands. Manchester United would like to be in our position and we must never forget that."

Meanwhile Ghana midfielder Michael Essien, 27, has admitted he faces a race to be fit in time for the World Cup finals after ruling himself out of Chelsea's season.

The Ghanaian midfielder, missing since December, failed to play in the majority of the African Nations Cup in January after sustaining a meniscus tear in training.

"Unfortunately I don't think I will be making a repeat of last season and may not be returning for the last few games and the FA Cup Final," he admitted. "As far as Chelsea goes I think my season is finished.

"I'm not too sure about the World Cup just yet. I will just have to wait and see what happens and take it day by day.

"Unfortunately you can't control when injuries will happen, but knowing the World Cup is on the horizon is certainly an incentive to keep working. But, I also have to keep an eye on the bigger picture.

"The most important thing now is to get myself back to full fitness. If I can make it in time for the World Cup then great, but if not I still have my whole career ahead of me and that is more important than anything.

"The last thing I want to do is rush back too soon and cause further problems down the line."

Ancelotti Hints At Summer Chelsea Changes

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has dropped a strong hint that some current members of his first-team squad will be shown the exit door at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Ancelotti has already confidently declared that Joe Cole will be extending his contract which expires at the end of the season.

However, the futures of fellow soon to be out-of-contract trio Michael Ballack, Paulo Ferreira and Juliano Belletti are far less certain.

Ancelotti also insists that any success or failure for his Premier League title and FA Cup chasing Blues this season will have no impact on his summer thinking.

"We are involved in very important competitions and we will take the decision after that," said the Italian.

"We have time because the season will finish May 15, and we will start in July, so we have May and June to take decisions about players without contracts. It does not depend on winning the league.

"The only sure thing is that next year there will be five players from the academy in the squad because they deserve to be.

"Some players maybe will move, because we want to give strength to our academy, we have very good young players and it is the time to put them in the squad for next year, they are able to stay in the Chelsea squad."

Low Set For Ballack Chat

Germany head coach Joachim Low has confirmed he is taking in Chelsea's clash with Stoke to assess Michael Ballack's form.

The vastly-experienced midfielder, who is closing on a century of caps for his country, is certain to be part of Germany's World Cup finals squad this summer.

Low insists the London trip is not unexpected and out of the blue and that he plans on holding talks with the former Bayern Munich man after the match.

Ballack has played in the last three European championships, the 2002 and 2006 World Cups along with captaining his country to the Euro 2008 final.

"We have had this visit planned for a while now," he told the German Football Association's (DFB) official website.

"After the game, we want to have a very relaxed chat with Michael."

Carlo Ancelotti Admits Letting Manchester United Win The Premier League Would Be His Failure

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes he will have failed if his side does not beat Manchester United to the Premier League title this season.

In fact, the wily Italian insisted he'll go to the cinema instead of watching his title rivals face Tottenham Hotspur.

“We have to win the league to make it a successful season,” Ancelotti told the Times.

“At this point of the season we have to win. I am excited because it’s a very important moment of the season, maybe the most important.

“Pressure is the engine of life. You have to cope with the pressure, the stress.

"That’s why, rather than watching the games, it’d be better to go to the cinema.

“We are not interested in Manchester United’s result. There are some fantastic films on: maybe Clash of the Titans,” he joked.

The Italian did concede his players are feeling the pressure but believes that is normal.

“The players feel the pressure now because Chelsea are very close to winning the title for the first time in four years," he added.

"But this is normal. It’s better to have this than to stay ten points behind and not have anything to play for.”

Blues Pull Plug On Torres Bid

Chelsea have seemingly ruled themselves out of the running to sign Liverpool's Fernando Torres after manager Carlo Ancelotti announced a significant shift towards youth in the club's transfer policy.

Instead of competing with Manchester City in a bidding war for Torres, Chelsea will instead promote five academy players into their first-team squad next season as they look to lower the average age of the team.

The new policy was first discussed following the Champions League defeat to Inter Milan and was ratified following a meeting with Blues owner Roman Abramovich last Monday.

"Next season there will be five academy players in the squad," Ancelotti said. "Some players will maybe move on. It's not because we don't have the money, it's because we want to give strength to our academy. We have very good young players and this is the time to put them in the squad for next year."

Gael Kakuta, Fabio Borini, Jeffrey Bruma, Patrick van Aanholt and Nemanja Matic will step up to the first team.

Asked whether the club's supporters would be unhappy to miss out on Torres, or additional big name signings, Ancelotti said: "They'll be happy if Chelsea win the title and the FA Cup. After that, I think they will see some new players in the future."

Cole Focused Only On Football - Ancelotti

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti insists England left-back Ashley Cole is mentally prepared to return to first-team action following months of injury and personal turmoil.

The 29-year-old has recovered from the broken ankle he sustained against Everton back in February but his marriage to wife Cheryl remains in trouble following lurid headlines linking him to a string of other women.

Cole is expected to make a playing return against Stoke on Sunday as Chelsea prepare for another massive weekend in the title race, and Ancelotti said: "I think that he is focused, 100%, on playing football. Nothing else."

He added: "I think he passed a bad moment because the injury was very serious. But he has had time to recover very well, not only physically but also with a good mentality. Now he's fit 100%."

Chelsea will be without suspended captain John Terry and injured midfielder John Obi Mikel against Tony Pulis' side.

Ancelotti believes his players are ready to finish the job and become Premier League champions by winning their remaining three games.

"I've always said we have a very good squad, not only technically but with a good mentality," added the Italian.

"Sometimes we've lost some games but I think that now we have all the quality to finish the season well - technically and physically, but also mentally.

"The players are fresh. They don't have a problem. We looked a bit tired against Tottenham, but it was not a physical problem. We've trained very hard this week.

"The players are fit. When I say this, I am objective."

Essien Explains

Missing since December and a major doubt for the remainder of the campaign, Michael Essien has explained what has prevented his progress over the last few weeks.

The Ghanaian midfielder also admits he is unsure whether he will make the World Cup, having already missed the majority of the African Nations in January, the problem now being bruising rather than the meniscus tear he suffered on international duty.

'I started doing a little bit of running recently which was a big step forward but that led to some pain on the head of my fibula bone,' said the 27-year-old. 'A scan showed that I had some bruising there so I had to stop running and I am now taking it easy until the bruising dies down.

'It's a bit of a set back because up until then things had been going well and my actual knee is fine. It's just the bruising that's stopping me now.

'Unfortunately I don't think I will be making a repeat of last season and may not be returning for the last few games and the FA Cup Final,' he admitted. 'As far as Chelsea goes I think my season is finished.'

It is a tough blow for Essien, who has been restricted to 22 appearances this season but he still holds slim hopes of boarding the plane to South Africa.

'I'm not too sure about the World Cup just yet,' he said. 'I will just have to wait and see what happens and take it day by day. There are a couple of other players in my position - Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas spring to mind.

'Unfortunately you can't control when injuries will happen, but knowing the World Cup is on the horizon is certainly an incentive to keep working. But, I also have to keep an eye on the bigger picture.

'The most important thing now is to get myself back to full fitness. If I can make it in time for the World Cup then great, but if not I still have my whole career ahead of me and that is more important than anything. The last thing I want to do is rush back too soon and cause further problems down the line.'

Deco Issues Battle Cry

Deco has ordered his Chelsea team-mates to view the final rounds of the Barclays Premier League title race as a "war".

The challenge for Manchester United's crown will go down to the wire with Chelsea occupying top spot, one point ahead of their rivals.

Three matches remain, starting with Sunday's showdown with Stoke at Stamford Bridge and continuing at Liverpool before concluding at home against Wigan.

Deco insists Chelsea remain in pole position and has declared it is time to seize the opportunity.

"The first thing we need to know is that we are first," he told club website www.chelseafc.com.

"The last three games will be difficult and of course there is pressure in our minds because we need to win our games if Man Utd win theirs.

"It is a war and we need to be prepared, but if you said on the first day of the Premier League in August we would be one point clear with three games to go, two at home and one game away, we would all say 'okay, we'll sign'!

"This is okay. It would be better if we won or Man Utd lost on the weekend, but that didn't happen.

"Now our moment is here - we have three games and we need to play well and be together."

Chelsea's title hopes suffered a major setback with Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Tottenham.

Deco, whose return to the side in the past month has coincided with a run of five straight wins until last weekend, dismisses the significance of the result.

"We knew at 2-0 we could score. We tried and had chances but didn't score. It was frustrating but we need to carry on," he said.

"I don't think we played a bad game - we didn't have a lot of luck - and we need to recognise they played well."

Carlo Ancelotti: John Terry's Absence Is 'Not A Problem' For Chelsea

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is not sweating over the loss of club captain John Terry, because Branislav Ivanovic is back to provide cover.

Terry will miss Sunday's Premier League game with Stoke City after being sent-off in last weekend's disappointing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Ivanovic has been absent for a number of weeks after limping off in last month's draw with Blackburn Rovers, but Ancelotti believes the Serbian has returned to full fitness just in time to cover for the loss of the Blues' captain.

Ivanovic has played right-back for the majority of the season in the absence of Jose Bosingwa, but Ancelotti is a firm admirer of his ability in the centre — his natural position.

"John Terry is an important absence for us but now we have Ivanovic fit we can substitute him into the centre position very well because Ivanovic is a centre-back," Ancelotti told reporters.

"He played a lot of games as a right-back but he has the quality to be a centre-back, so for this we will not have a problem."

Ancelotti also revealed that left-back Ashley Cole is ready to return to the starting lineup. The England international has been out for almost two months after picking up an ankle injury against Everton, but after his substitute role last weekend is now approaching full fitness.

"Ashley has a realistic chance to start because he is fit and he wants to play," he said.

"He has the desire to play, because he was out for a long time and he has the will to play."

Didier Drogba: Home Comforts Can Give Chelsea Title Advantage

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes home advantage could be crucial as the Blues look to win their first Premier League title since 2006.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently one point ahead of Manchester United with three games left, the first of which is against 11th placed Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Chelsea have dropped just five points at home in their 17 league games to date, something the Ivorian believes should give them confidence ahead of Stoke's visit — but not arrogance.

"We have done well at home," Drogba told the club's official website.

"You never know what can happen, games are difficult now. Some teams are trying to save lives but some teams are playing for little and can enjoy themselves, and sometimes then you play better.

"It is going to be difficult — but it is up to us."

Drogba, the club's top scorer after a stellar individual campaign, believes that the crowd can have a big part to play in willing their team to victory, and has called upon them to deliver the atmosphere that has helped on big occasions in the past.

"We need the fans to be really behind us, to be even better than against Bolton [where they won 1-0] in the last game," he said.

"Sunday is the kind of game that we are going to have until the end of the season so we need them to be patient and to really shout and sing and be supportive, that is the only way to win it.

"I remember the games when we were champions, like against Charlton the game after we won it in 2005, and against Manchester United the next year. The atmosphere was amazing, and also on the Champions League nights against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

"These are the kind of atmosphere from the Chelsea supporters when it matters, and now it matters. It is important for them to be there and help us to achieve it."

Drogba's participation is unsure, however, thanks to a hernia injury. But his goals this season have seen the Ivorian come in at No.6 on the Castrol Rankings, making him the Premier League's third best forward behind Fernando Torres (5) and Wayne Rooney (3).

AC Milan Ready To Sell £43m Alexandre Pato To Chelsea

AC Milan are ready to sell star striker Alexandre Pato to Chelsea for £43 million, according to reports from Italy.

Corriere dello Sport are reporting that a new cost-cutting regime at San Siro means the young Brazilian is for sale, but only at the right price. The Rossoneri rejected a £39m bid from the Blues last summer, but the paper believes a slight increase on that offer this summer could see the 20-year-old heading for west London.

Pato has scored 14 goals in 28 games so far this season for Leonardo's side, but is still sweating on Brazil coach Dunga to see whether he'll be making the trip to South Africa for the World Cup in the summer.

If the move is finalised, the paper also reports that Mario Balotelli of rivals Inter will be targeted as a replacement for the 2007 European champions.

The Italian has long been out of favour with Nerazzurri fans, having only recently patched up a disagreement with manager Jose Mourinho, and has previously admitted to being a childhood AC fan.

Pato is the fourth highest ranked forward in Serie A, rated at No.137 in the Castrol Rankings. Only Luca Toni (59), Antonio Di Natale (43) and Alberto Gilardino (30) are rated higher.

Chelsea's Michael Mancienne Open To Staying At Wolverhampton Wanderers

Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne, currently on-loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers, would welcome the chance to stay in the midlands for another season.

The 22-year-old, who has recently excelled playing as a holding midfielder, joined Wolves for a spell last season, and has spent the entire current campaign with Mick McCarthy’s side.

It is currently unknown as to what Carlo Ancelotti has planned for Mancienne, but the England under-21 international is more than happy to stay at Molineux, playing for a Wolves side who are all but assured of another season in the top-flight.

"I want to do the best I can for Wolves to get them safe and then concentrate on where I'm going to be next season," Mancienne told the Express & Star.

"But if I was to come on loan again, Wolves would definitely be in my thoughts. I'm not 100 per cent sure what's happening next season - I've just got to take it as it comes.

"But I'm enjoying it here at Wolves - I get along with all the boys and we're all roughly the same age. There are no bad eggs in the camp."

And Mancienne, who has impressed during both loan spells at Molineux, so much so that Fabio Capello called him up to the full England squad whilst playing in the Championship last season, is ecstatic with his development at Wolves.

"I've definitely progressed as a player," he added. "Playing week-in, week-out has helped me mature as a player because I'm playing against top quality players in the Premier League - that can only be good for my game because it helps me learn."

Ancelotti To Snub Man United Match For Flicks

If Carlo Ancelotti was feeling any anxiety at reaching the final straight of the Premier League race with Sir Alex Ferguson's breath on his neck, he was determined not to show it on Friday.

The Italian coach said he would even find the time to go the cinema before his Chelsea team take on Stoke City on Sunday.

Looking cheerful and relaxed after a practice session at Chelsea's sun-drenched training ground the Italian coach joked he intended to watch Clash of the Titans on Saturday rather than Manchester United taking on Tottenham Hotspur with the chance of leap-frogging his side.

Chelsea enjoy an advantage of only one point with three games left but Ancelotti has long experience as both player and coach of tight championship races.

"I'm not worried because I know football very well. At the end of the season it is always like this. You have to reach your target," Ancelotti said.

"Pressure is the engine of life for me but it's important to maintain control of the stress so instead of staying in front of the television watching that game it's better to go to the cinema."

His task against Stoke City on Sunday, whether United win or lose will be to calm his increasingly anxious side.

"We have a great opportunity to win and so we have to stay calm and quiet. We have to prepare well, without emotion," Ancelotti said. "Of course it's difficult but we don't want to miss the chance."

The players, who failed to consolidate their advantage last week with a lacklustre 2-1 defeat at Tottenham during which captain John Terry was sent off, are feeling the strain more than their boss.

"I think the players feel the pressure now because they are very close to winning the title," the Italian, in his first season in England, said.

"For the last three years they have not won. But that's normal - it's better to be like this than to be 10 points behind and chasing nothing.

"I'm excited at the moment," the track-suited coach said relaxing back in his chair and showing no signs of the emotion. "Because it's the most important time of the season - there's a good atmosphere."

Carlo Ancelotti: Ghost Of Jose Mourinho Doesn't Haunt Me Or Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti does not believe that he and Chelsea are still living in the shadow of former manager Jose Mourinho, who left the club in 2007.

Blues midfielder Joe Cole said this week that the west London club needed to win their first major silverware since the Special One's acrimonious departure in order to finally put his ghost to rest, but Ancelotti doesn't agree.

The Italian has not always seen eye-to-eye with the Portuguese tactician, but despite losing to his Inter side in the Champions League this year does not feel he and the Blues are still in his shadow.

"I understand two things, ghost and Mourinho," Ancelotti told reporters.

"Maybe it's true if Joe Cole says this, but Mourinho is not my ghost.

"He's a very good coach. He's doing a fantastic job at Inter. He did a fantastic Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. But now it's a different story."

Cole was part of Mourinho's Chelsea squad when they last won the league title, in 2006. Now within reach of another success, Cole is hoping the squad can finally go on and win the trophy that has eluded them for three years.

"The fact we have not won the title since Mourinho is probably hanging over us," Cole said.

"We have only won one cup since then and been within the width of a post of winning the Champions League.

"We're hoping it's going to happen this season. We have put ourselves in a great position. Jose is a great manager but he is not the be all and end all for a football club, no one is. It's about the dynamics and how the club works.

"The most frustrating thing for us really is that we should be six or seven points clear."

Celebrating Earth Day With Recycling Success

Chelsea marks Earth Day by announcing we have achieved a 100 per cent rate for recycling waste at Stamford Bridge and the Cobham training ground.

By teaming up with Powerday, London's leading recycling company, even food and contaminated waste can now be processed at the North West London Materials Recycling Facility.

This now means that none of the waste from Stamford Bridge or Cobham goes to landfill.

New machinery at the site also means waste is turned into the fuel which will eventually be used to power the recycling plant itself, cutting down on electricity consumption.

The waste that is generated by the club, which includes drinks bottles, food and its packaging from matchdays as well as all office waste, is collected and taken to Powerday's Materials Recycling Facility only five miles from the stadium. The company is licensed to process 1.6 million tonnes a year there, that's eight per cent of London's waste.

Waste from the club is processed using cutting-edge technology including overband magnets, trommels, shredders, eddy currents and high-speed optical sorting equipment. At each stage in the process a different material is separated, ensuring as much as possible is suitable for recycling. Most of this material remains in the UK, going back into the manufacturing process. The remainder of the material is shredded into an even size to go as 'ready to use' fuel to generate energy from waste.

Chris Alexander, finance and operations director, welcomed the latest environmental initiative: 'We are delighted to be working with Powerday who share our view that we must do all we can to help reduce our impact on the environment. Our commitment to this is something we take extremely seriously.

'We have a number of initiatives to get our staff and fans aware of their own impact on the environment as well as installing energy efficient systems at both Stamford Bridge and Cobham, which is one of the most environmentally-friendly training grounds in the world.'

Powerday is a fellow member of the Green 500 and the London Mayor's Green Procurement Code. The company was a finalist for 'Recycling and Waste Management Business of the Year' in the 2009 National Recycling Awards.

Managing director of Powerday, Mick Crossan added: 'Powerday is proud of its association with Chelsea and commends the club's commitment to recycling. We are delighted to announce this new contract and look forward to continuing a relationship that benefits the club, Powerday and the environment.'

As a life-long Chelsea fan, Crossan is no stranger to the Bridge, and the club's Official Website couldn't resist asking Crossan his views on the season.

'Our season so far has been a real roller coaster and is going to remain a roller coaster until the last game against Wigan,' said Crossan. 'Chelsea are keeping us on the edge of our seats right until the very end.

'Ancelotti knows his stuff though; he's in control of his players and has Ray Wilkins at his side, who's Chelsea through-and-through.

'But it's all going to go down to the final game, which is fantastic for the neutrals but not so good for the fan's heart!'

Mikel Will Be Fit To Play For Nigeria At World Cup

The Nigeria Football Federation says midfielder John Obi Mikel should be fit for their World Cup warm-up match with Colombia in London on 30 May.

There had been doubts after the 23-year-old suffered ankle ligament damage at Tottenham last Saturday.

"Fortunately the damage does not limit his chances of playing at the World Cup as feared," NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told BBC Sport.

"He will be able to take a major part in training sessions," he added.

"Mikel and Chelsea confirmed that he suffered an injury setback, but he should recover quicker than thought."

He will however miss the rest of the season for Chelsea as they battle for the English Premier League title and the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, the NFF have revealed that the only confirmed friendly match for the Super Eagles before the World Cup will be against Colombia on 30 May in London.

They are still trying to organise a game with Latvia on 23 May as well as one three days later against either Iceland or Honduras.

"But the team is expected to begin an official training camp London from 21 May," Olajire added.

Nigeria are drawn in a World Cup group alongside Greece, Argentina and South Korea.

Deco: Chelsea Formation Change Was Not Players' Decision

Chelsea midfielder Deco has refuted suggestions that the decision to alter the team's formation recently was taken by the players.

The Brazilian-born Portuguese international has insisted that manager Carlo Ancelotti makes all such key decisions at Stamford Bridge and the choice to switch back to a 4-3-3 after experimenting with a diamond 4-4-2 as well as 4-2-3-1 this season was the Italian's alone.

"We did not talk about it, it was the coach's decision," Deco told the Blues' official website.

"I think the formation is just a way to play, it matters more about the characteristics of each player.

"You can say now we are playing 4-3-3, the beginning of the season we played 4-4-2, and of course it is a different way to start the game but it is adapted to the players.

"At one moment it may be better to play one way because of the characteristics of the players and the moment of the team, and now we have three games to win and that is it."

Meanwhile, Deco is also confident that Chelsea have enough experience to fight off the challenge of Manchester United and win the Premier League title this season.

"First thing we need, we need to know that we are first," he added.

"The last three games will be difficult and of course there is pressure in our minds because we need to win our games if Man U win theirs.

"It is a war, and we need to be prepared but, if you said on the first day of the Premier League in August we would be one point clear with three games to go, two at home and one game away, we would all say okay, I'll sign!

"This is okay, it could be better if we won or Man U lost, okay, but it didn't happen, and our moment is this - we have three games, two at home and one away - we need to play well and be together."

And Ancelotti's men have their fate in their own hands now, according to the playmaker.

"No one can say they don't think about this, but we just need to think about the next game," he said.

"We can do the mathematics but it just depends on us, if we win our three games we win the league.

"We don't need to think about the games of Man U, they need to think about our games, we just need to win on Sunday against Stoke and after we will wait another week and try again."

Didier Drogba: I'm Really Struggling With My Fitness

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has told Blues fans what they didn't want to hear - he is not in great shape.

The Ivorian has been struggling with a hernia problem for a number of weeks, culminating in playing in obvious discomfort in last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues are now just one point ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League table with three games to go, and Drogba admits it will be a struggle for him to be at his best over the vital last few games of the season.

“The season's long and I've had quite a few niggles and I'm starting to feel it a bit,” the striker said, according to the Ealing Gazette.

“I had a hernia operation six years ago but it's playing up again and causing me discomfort.

“I think maybe adrenaline has got me through matches, but you can't continue for long like that."

It had been reported that the 32-year-old would need an operation to solve the problem, although Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti recently said that any decision would be left to the player himself.

But with the World Cup coming up in the summer, Drogba is unsure when he will be able to fit any treatment in.

“I will see if I need an operation, but something needs to be done because I can't continue like this next season," he said.

“There's no question of having anything done now though, with the World Cup on the way.”

Injury Blow For Chelsea As John Obi Mikel Set For Spell On The Sidelines

John Obi Mikel is the latest player to add to Chelsea's injury concerns, with the club fearing he could miss the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old Nigerian limped off during the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday, and a scan on Tuesday revealed ankle ligament damage. Consequently, the club stated he is "a doubt" for Sunday's game against Stoke City.

Earlier in the week, Goal.com UK revealed that the club feared Michael Essien might not play for the club before the end of the season, having been out of action since January with knee ligament problems.

"Contrary to this morning's stories stating otherwise, Michael will definitely not be involved against Stoke on Sunday. He is unlikely to play again this season," the club confirmed.

After the defeat to Spurs, Carlo Ancelotti's side are just one point ahead of Manchester United in the Premier League with three games left in the season.

UK Poll Results: Readers Urge Chelsea To Sign Sergio Aguero From Atletico Madrid

lsea should sign Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid during the summer to bolster their strike force for a renewed challenge on the European stage, according to readers of Goal.com UK.

Having exclusively revealed earlier that the Blues have made Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Atleti's Aguero their top transfer targets for a summer splurge, we asked you to voice your opinion as to who would be best suited to wear the Blue jersey next term.

And a majority 27.54 per cent of readers believe that Aguero would make the best summer signing, perhaps owing to his young age coupled with international experience that could prove invaluable for the Blues' quest for the Champions League crown.

Meanwhile, 15.28 per cent go for Alexandre Pato, possibly in the belief that the young Brazilian could gel well with the squad, having already worked with manager Carlo Ancelotti at Milan.

The Stamford Bridge outfit's midfield-heavy squad meant that Ribery amassed only 14.42 per cent of the votes, with the recent red card against Olympique Lyonnais probably playing some part in his score.

14.01 per cent believe that if Liverpool misses out on Champions League qualification this term, Fernando Torres could swap the Red of Merseyside for the Blue of west London during the transfer window.

Valencia hotshot David Villa comes next in line, polling 10.53 per cent of the votes, with the score perhaps reflecting the need for younger blood in the Chelsea squad.

Only a handful of readers (4.18 per cent) believe Robinho would fit hand-in-glove into the Stamford Bridge set-up, following his trouble-filled times at Manchester City that culminated in a loan deal with Santos.

And 5.55 per cent of readers believe that the Blues would be better off signing someone else, while an optimistic 8.44 per cent opine that no signings are required - believing that there will not be a slip between the Cup and the lip next season.

The Ultimate Nightmare Scenario For Roman

Imagine you are Roman Abramovich waking up this morning. Wouldn’t we all love to, but anyway. You open the papers and see the face of the manager you sacked three years ago and the headlines screaming at you. I will reproduce one for his benefit one presuming Roman is not a reader of The Sun. “SPECIAL WON”.

Imagine what it would be like if on the day after the Champions League Final he woke up to similar headlines about Jose’. After having seen Claudio Ranieri winning Italian Serie A (his Roma are at the top of the table one point ahead of Inter), Avram Grant the FA Cup and Fergie and that despicable sidekick of his Gary Neville holding the Premier League. It doesn’t even bear thinking about for us fans, let alone for an owner who has bankrolled the club with millions of pounds of his own money.

The bookies certainly don’t think that is a likely scenario. We are still favourites for The Premiership and the FA Cup, Barcelona, despite yesterday’s result are favourites for the Champions League and given Ranieri’s track record in twenty five years of coaching, Roma will probably contrive to fluff their lines.

Still, stranger things have been known to happen in football and I am sure that Abramovich sometimes stops to ponder over his managerial appointments since he bought Chelsea.

Scolari barely deserves a mention except to wonder who thought appointing him as Chelsea manager was a good idea. Prior to Chelsea he had never managed a club in Europe, he barely spoke the language and never even learned to pronounce the name of the club properly. He won the World Cup some would say. Who wouldn’t with Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and a whole of world class players in your squad?

Claudio Ranieri was a dead man walking the minute the ink was dry on Roman’s contract to buy Chelsea. The miracle was that he lasted a whole season. Events conspired against Abramovich when it came to sacking Ranieri. He either had to sack Ranieri within a few days of his takeover or else stick with him for the whole season as all the best managers would have found a club by then. We were in the title hunt till February, so that worked in Ranieri’s favour. A couple of months after we lost to Arsenal in February, effectively ruling us out the running for the league, we beat the Gooners in the Champions League quarter final but even that was not enough to save Ranieri’s bacon. The deal with Mourinho was done on the day Chelsea played against Monaco in the first leg of the semi final. Which, I am sure you all painfully remember, Ranieri blew big time.

Grant’s appointment remains one of the big mysteries in Chelsea’s history. Why Grant? No track record to speak of, the charisma of a cloistered nun and absolutely nothing to suggest that he would ever be accepted by the players after Jose’. Still the lucky bugger got a three year contract but only lasted one. Under Grant we got to the Champions League Final and challenged United for the Premier League till the very end. Who should get the credit for that is still under debate. My sources tell me that the team was run by JT, Ballack, Drogba and to a lesser extent Frank Lampard. Given Grant’s record before he joined Chelsea I tend to believe it.

As for Jose’ Mourinho you just don’t know where to start. Before Jose’ there were three certainties in football – Arsene Wenger complaining about Chelsea’s new found riches, United getting loads of injury time whenever they need a goal and Chris Kamara saying “incredible Jeff” at least twenty times every time he is on Gillette Soccer Saturday.

Since Jose’ came onto the scene another certainty can be added to that list. Jose’ Mourinho wins trophies. In the last six seasons he has been in business Jose’ has won the league five times with three different teams in three countries. He has won cups galore (Portughese, FA Cup and Coppa Italia, Champions League and UEFA Cup). Quite simply he is a serial winner.

The question is, what if, God forbid, we don’t win the league this season? Jose’ is fed up to the nose in Italy. Is it possible that the thoughts that cross the mind of each and every Chelsea fan whenever we see Jose’ on the telly occur to Roman.

Paulo Ferreira: Winning The FA Cup But Not The Premier League Would Be An 'Anti Climax'

Winning the FA Cup will mean nothing if Chelsea doesn’t claim the Premier League title also, reckons Blues right-back Paulo Ferreira.

The Blues face Pompey at Wembley on May 15, but currently sitting top of the league, Ferreira would be disappointed if his side went into the clash not league champions.

“I think it would be an anti-climax in a way, because we are three years now without winning the league and of course we are not happy,” Ferreira said, according to the Ealing Gazette.

“A club like Chelsea should always try to win the league first and we want to do it this year. The last three years, Manchester United were better than us, but this season we have three games to win and it is in our hands.

“We don't want to think about going into the final game of the season at Wembley not being champions again. It happened before and we don't want that again because it's important to win titles – even if cups are also important.

“It's hard to win everything, but it was particularly disappointing not to win the Champions League this year."

The 31 year-old also believes such disappointments - being knocked out of the Champions League by Jose Mourinho's Inter - will spur Chelsea on to make sure they win the double.

“That will make us try even harder to make sure we go to the FA Cup final as champions.”

Ferreira has been enjoying a rare spell of games at right-back in the absence of the injured Jose Bosingwa and Branislav Ivanovic and has made 12 Premier League appearances so far this season.

Chelsea Should Sign Bastian Schweinsteiger This Summer

With another FA Cup final, three games remaining on the Premier League fixture list and one point between Chelsea and second placed Manchester United, it may be a little premature for the Blue’s management and players to think about summer transfers. Mercifully, as pundits and fans, we do not have to play Liverpool with the additional worry of the reigning champions snapping behind us, and can afford ourselves this idle speculation.

With an ageing but still potent team, Chelsea should only look to replace one member of the starting eleven – Michael Ballack. The German captain has played plenty this season, but has routinely looked average and tired when on the pitch. While he is still a fine midfielder, he should no longer claim a starting berth over Lampard, Essien or Mikel. The reasons for this are simple. He doesn’t bring the athletic dynamism of the Ghanian, the assists and goal return of the Englishman, or the youth and adequate defensive shielding of the Nigerian.

Essentially he is an old utility midfielder, a player who can be trusted to make the right pass but who can no longer run for ninety minutes, a player with an ego that demands stroking but increasingly, doesn’t deserve it.

But Chelsea have an excellent replacement ready should Bayern Munich prove to be willing bartering partners.

In Bastian Schweinsteiger, the Blues have a flexible player able to take on almost any role in the midfield position, much like his international Captain Ballack used to be able to provide.

“Schweini” could star as a direct replacement for Die Mannschaft captain in the central role, especially given his excellence in this position for his Bavarian club this campaign. He has displayed both the ability to spread the ball around and to work very hard to win the ball back for his side. But his abilities and uses are far greater than just being a hard working trooper, a man willing to run down opponents and lay off passes to the creative attacking types.

He can also function as a wide midfielder, and though lacking the pace and intricate dribbling associated with natural wingers like his teammate Arjen Robben, Schweinsteiger can put in enough accurate crosses to force any defense to adjust to this menace.
With Flourent Malouda, Ashley Cole and Yuri Zhirkov wreaking havoc on the left, Chelsea’s right has appeared tame. Branislav Ivanovic can be counted on for a couple of good crosses per game on top of his usual solid defending, but the right just does not have the same threat for the Blues that the opposite side carries. The right wingers in the Blues’ 4-3-3 – Anelka or Joe Cole or Solomon Kalou – are not as naturally suited to this role like Malouda is on the left and thus, the wide right attacks suffer.
Adding the German international to the right would improve Chelsea’s options in attack and force any opposition to consider how to contain both flanks equally. A tactical change to a 4-4-2 to include both Anelka as a pure striker and Schweinsteiger’s wide play would certainly give pause to anyone in Europe.

But, as mentioned earlier, Schweinsteiger has become one of Europe’s top central midfielders this season, and could therefore also fill in that role in Chelsea’s 4-3-3 or Ancelotti’s old favorite, the 4-4-2 diamond. With now constant injuries to Essien, Schweinsteiger could very well claim his place in the starting XI.

Additionally, he has shown for Germany that he can be a very good attacking player, although the presence of certain French and Dutch footballers on his club team seem to have prevented the repetition of his fairly impressive German goal return for Munich. Given more room to attack and fewer defensive responsibilities however, he should be able to knock in a goal every few games or so for the Blues.

Further, his relative youth means his performance would not dip so dramatically as both games and the seasons wear on. While not an explosive player, he certainly won’t visibly deteriorate during every ninety minute match. In the generally epic, tri-pronged (at least) campaigns Chelsea have involved themselves in over the past handful of seasons, the importance of players with sufficient energy come April and May should not be underestimated.

Lastly, his ego does not seem to reflect his quality on the pitch. While this might not seem to be so important, it could be argued that one of Chelsea’s biggest flaws of the past few seasons has come from the generally unpleasant attitude conveyed by some of their megalomaniacal stars. While this is by no means true for the entire squad, having another player who won’t add to this image can’t hurt.

While some might yearn for Sergio Aguero or Luis Suarez or some other player who can help add a cutting edge (although why another forward is needed is still a mystery to me), “Basti” is probably the player Chelsea need to become younger and more competitive in an area that needs instant repair.

The club should make the bid before the World Cup, as his price tag will shoot up come July if he repeats his excellent performances for Germany as he has done for most of his career. The chance to do so is now; come August, half of Europe may be splashing out on the midfield star.

Chelsea Resigned To Losing Michael Essien For Rest Of Season

Chelsea will be without Michael Essien for the remainder of the domestic season after the Ghanaian accepted his recovery from a knee injury would drag on beyond the FA Cup final against Portsmouth.

Essien has not featured for the league leaders since early December, when he tore a hamstring while scoring Chelsea's opening goal at Stamford Bridge in a Champions League group game against Apoel Nicosia. He was deemed fit enough to join up with his national squad at the Africa Cup of Nations, only to partially tear the medial ligament and damage the meniscus in his left knee while training during the tournament in Angola.

The Premier League club had initially anticipated a six-week absence – some of which was spent rehabilitating alongside Ashley Cole in the south of France – and, only two weeks ago, Carlo Ancelotti had suggested he was hopeful the 27-year‑old would be available to return to the first team for the potentially critical league game at Liverpool on 2 May.

Yet that optimism has been tempered by a series of minor complications and setbacks to delay his recovery, with the joint still prone to swell up after any strenuous work. The club's medical staff continue to monitor his progress and are confident he will be fit enough to play in the summer's World Cup finals in South Africa – where Ghana could meet England in the first knockout phase – but there is little hope of him contributing on the pitch as Chelsea pursue the first Double in their history.

Essien is expected to confirm as much publicly before the weekend, with Chelsea now resigned to doing without him over the final three league games of the campaign – starting against Stoke City on Sunday – and the FA Cup showpiece against Portsmouth at Wembley. "We were hoping that Michael would have recovered before the final game of the season, but it now looks unlikely that he will feature for us again this season," confirmed a club spokesman.

The player remains optimistic that he will still be able to play in the summer tournament, in which his side must confront Serbia, Germany and Australia in Group D. The Ghana coach, Milovan Rajevac, is due to name his 23‑man squad in mid-May, to meet at a training camp in France on 24 May, prior to friendlies against Latvia, Holland and a third opponent to be confirmed. The game against the Latvians takes place on 5 June in Milton Keynes with the team travelling to Pretoria the following day.

His absence is a blow for Chelsea ahead of the run-in. The Londoners have long missed Essien's dynamism but Mikel John Obi, the only other recognised defensive midfielder in their squad, will be absent for Sunday's visit of Stoke City with his own knee ligament problem, suffered initially in a challenge from Bolton's Kevin Davies last week but aggravated against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

That will leave Ancelotti to play either Michael Ballack or Deco in the role in the hope that Mikel recovers his fitness in time for the games against Liverpool and Wigan Athletic. The Italian was encouraged at least that Didier Drogba played a full part in training at Cobham today as the players returned from two days off following their defeat at Spurs.

The Ivorian has been suffering from a hernia problem but will only decide at the end of the domestic season whether or not to undergo keyhole surgery on the injury before the World Cup finals.

Chelsea Put Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero And Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery On Summer Shopping List

Chelsea are closely monitoring Sergio Aguero and Franck Ribery as they plan their summer recruitment, Goal.com UK has learned. Sources close to the club say the pair head a list of prospective buys as the Blues prepare for a busy summer of transfer activity.

Aguero was quoted in the English media yesterday lavishing praise on the London club, calling them "great" and stressing his enthusiasm for the prospect of life in the English capital. His national team coach - and father-in-law - Diego Maradona has previously been expressed a desire to see 'Kun' follow in his footsteps by heading to Italy, with Jose Mourinho's Inter also interested; but the striker seems to feel his pace and technique will be better suited to the Premier League.

The Argentinian international is coming to the end of his fourth season in the Spanish capital and has long since become frustrated with the club's chaotic infrastructure. Though Quique Sanchez Flores' side are still in the hunt for silverware, with the Copa del Rey final to come and a Europa League semi-final with Liverpool on the horizon, they are languishing in 10th place in their domestic championship and for next season, a return to the Europa League is the best they can hope for. Atleti are heavily in debt and will need to sell at least one big name to fill the financial void left by the lack of Champions League football, so it is likely Chelsea will have room to negotiate a bargain, having privately let it be known that they are not keen to pay anywhere near Aguero's €60 million buy-out clause.

After moving to Spain in 2006, having just turned 18, Aguero endured a tough first season in La Liga before hitting 19 league goals in his sophomore year to propel Atleti into the Champions League - a notable achievement, and one that even club legend Fernando Torres was unable to manage.

Now 21, Kun's arrival at Stamford Bridge would provide a major fillip to a frontline reliant on the fine form of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, who are 32 and 31, respectively.

Meanwhile Ribery's future is even more up for discussion, with the winger approaching the final year of his contract in Munich. President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has not ruled out the possibility of keeping the Frenchman, but with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as Chelsea, closely monitoring the situation; it looks like they will have their work cut out to keep him.

The 27-year-old has started only seven Bundesliga games in the current campaign, having been stymied by a series of niggling injuries, but is returning to peak form as Bayern chase a Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League treble. The player himself has suggested a decision on his future is imminent, though his connection with the current prostitution scandal involving the French national team makes an announcement in the next few weeks unlikely.

Ribery's signing would add creativity and dynamism to a Chelsea midfield in which Joe Cole is still uncertain of his future, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.

Drogba In Running For Semi-Final Award

The part Didier Drogba played in Chelsea beating Aston Villa to reach the FA Cup Final has earned our top scorer a nomination for the competition's Player of the Round.

Drogba broke the deadlock at Wembley when he turned in John Terry's volley and won Man of the Match on the day for his overall contribution to the 3-0 win.

He is one of five players up for the award with the winner to be decided by votes from supporters via the FA's website.

The other nominees are Aaron Mokoena, David James and Ricardo Rocha of our Final opponents Portsmouth, and Tottenham's Gareth Bale.

Essien Fears World Cup Absence

Michael Essien fears he may not be fit enough to play at this summer's World Cup after resigning himself to the fact he will not return for Chelsea this season.

The Blues admitted the Ghana midfielder was unlikely to make a late return for their bid to claim the domestic double after injuries have prevented him from appearing for the west Londoners since December.

Essien had hoped to return for this Sunday's home match with Stoke, but after complications in his rehabilitation from a knee injury the 27-year-old fears he may not even be ready to lead his country to South Africa.

Asked if he thought he would be fit for the World Cup, Essien said: "As at now I don't know. I am just taking it day by day and if I can make it I will.

"If not then I will have sit at home and support the team like every Ghanaian.

"Until I know how the injury improves in the coming days and weeks, it will be difficult to say whether I will make the World Cup or not."

Essien suffered the knee injury while on national team duty at the African Nations Cup in January as Ghana went on to lose in the final to Egypt.

The midfielder is central to Ghana's hopes in South Africa, but with their first game against Serbia on June 13 he is reluctant to play unless fully fit.

"Yes it will be (disappointing to miss out) but the World Cup is the best and most difficult football tournament in the world and I would rather be there fully fit," he added on his official website www.michaelessiengh.com.

"We will just have to wait and see."

Essien had originally hoped to be back in action in time for Chelsea's home Champions League leg against Inter Milan.

But his knee continued to swell up and the player underwent four lots of surgery inside a fortnight.

He began a running programme as a part of his rehabilitation last week, but suffered discomfort in his knee which further slowed his recovery and resigned him to sitting out the remainder of the season.

"I will not make the Stoke game and to be honest it is possible my season for Chelsea may be over," he added.

"It is still down to the medical team but it looks more unlikely that I will play for Chelsea again this season.

"I have been dreaming about coming back and helping the team win a trophy or two like last season but sometimes dreams don't always come true.

"I am supporting the other guys in different ways at the training ground and I have every confidence that they will deliver."

He added: "The medical team are doing a brilliant job and I can't thank them enough.

"I started running last week but had to stop because of slight pains I was feeling in my leg. It is a minor setback which I could do without but that is part of the game we play.

"It has ups and downs and one has to stay focused."

Lampard Backs Terry To Bounce Back

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has backed team-mate and club captain John Terry after he was sent off in last weekend's Premier League defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

The England central defender lost his cool and, after a couple of rash challenges, he was given his marching orders as referee Phil Dowd dished out two yellow cards.

Terry's season has been somewhat turbulent after he was stripped of the England captaincy in light of his off-field spat with Wayne Bridge in February but Lampard believes he is a strong enough person to bounce back.

Speaking to reporters, Lampard said: "JT wants to win and he's a fantastic captain.

"For the first yellow I thought he got a slight touch on the ball, but when he went into that second tackle, you knew the minute the tackle went in he was going to get sent off.

"When you're playing in such circumstances sometimes these things happen."

The free-scoring midfield man, who scored the Blues' consolation in the 2-1 defeat at White Hart Lane, also admitted that Paul Scholes' last-gasp winning header for Manchester United at Manchester City was a bitter pill to swallow as they lead the Red Devils at the top of the Premier League by just a single point.

"What happened on Saturday was disappointing, especially with Manchester United's result," he added.

"When they scored in the last minute it was hard. If they had drawn the game it would have left us in a very healthy position but now it's tighter."

Chelsea Face Losing Big-Name Stars For Nothing In The Summer As Roman Abramovich Puts Contract Talks On Hold

Chelsea could soon see some major names exit Stamford Bridge as owner Roman Abramovich has suspended all contract negotiations until the summer, according to a report from The Times.

Joe Cole, Deco and Michael Ballack must all apparently prove that they warrant new contracts by helping Carlo Ancelotti win silverware this season.

Abramovich is reportedly angry about the club's spiraling wage bill, as well as still furious at the manner of the Blues' Champions League exit at the hands of Jose Mourinho's Inter.

The Russian has therefore apparently decided to send a strong message that failure will not be tolerated - and Ballack, Cole and Deco could all leave on free transfers in the close season.

Nicolas Anelka's situation is less pressing as he has a further year on his current contract, but his negotiations could also be affected.

Chelsea's wage bill has reportedly grown to a Premier League record of £146.2 million and Abramovich is determined to rein in spending on salaries.

Ballack has apparently rejected the offer of a one-year deal as he wants to prolong his career until Euro 2012. His request for a compromise whereby a second year is triggered by making 30 appearances next season has not been considered by Chelsea.

Cole's talks have stalled over money, apparently, with the England midfielder unhappy not to be offered a pay rise that would have taken his wages to £100,000 a week. Chelsea offered a more modest £85,000, though Cole was also understood to have been unhappy at his prospects of playing regular first team football with Ancelotti in charge.

Deco has not been offered a new deal of any kind, but the 32-year-old has previously stated that he would be interested in a move back to Brazil.

Anelka is reportedly happy with his offer of a new three-year contract, but there will be no further negotiations for him until after the FA Cup final.

Essien Losing Fitness Race

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien looks set to miss the remainder of the season after failing to recover from a knee injury sustained in the African Cup of Nations.

The Ghana enforcer has not represented the Blues at all this year after previously tearing his hamstring in the home UEFA Champions League meeting with Apoel Nicosia back in December.

And a Chelsea spokesman confirmed the 27-year-old is losing the race to play any part in the crunch stage of the campaign.

The Blues head into the business end of the Premier League season one point clear of second-placed Manchester United with three games to play.

And Essien, who has suffered some complications in his rehabilitation, looks set to miss all league fixtures and the FA Cup final against Portsmouth on 15th May.

"Michael Essien will not be in the squad for the weekend's game against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge," said a club spokesman.

"The Ghanaian's participation in the remainder of the campaign is now in doubt, with only four games to play including the FA Cup Final on May 15."

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is also sweating on the fitness of John Obi Mikel after he reaggravated an old injury against Tottenham last weekend.

The Nigerian missed training on Tuesday afternoon in order to undergo scans on his left knee and ankle.

There was better news for Chelsea fans at Cobham though as star striker Didier Drogba took full part in the latest session.

The Ivory Coast frontman has been struggling with ongoing hernia problems but looks set to start for the Blues in Sunday's Premier League fixture against Stoke at Stamford Bridge.

Aguero In English Admission

Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero has, for the first time, conceded that he would relish the chance of joining Chelsea.

The Argentine forward is very loyal to Atletico, who paid more than €20million (£17.5m) for him when he was just 18 years old.

But now Aguero is ready to quit Madrid, with Chelsea seemingly at the top of his list of potential destinations.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is ready to open the purse strings to boss Carlo Ancelotti this summer and a substantial part of their war chest could be spent on Aguero.

"Chelsea are a great club. They have become one of the most feared in Europe over recent years," he told the Daily Express.

"I look at players like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard and they have been, and still are, the best players in their positions in the world.

"I could really learn from players like that, there is no doubt."

Aguero, who will be at the World Cup finals this summer and is Diego Maradona's son-in-law, insists he would have no qualms about living in England.

"London would be a really amazing city to live in as well, myself and my wife could be really happy there," he said.

"Carlos Tevez is doing really well at Manchester City but, for me, it is about joining a club who are ready to challenge for honours. City are not ready yet."

Inter Milan are also thought to be very keen on the 21-year-old, but Aguero says England is the place to be.

"Inter are a great club, but it is agreed that, over the last five years, the Premier League has been the strongest," he concluded.

Ribery Closer To Chelsea Than Ever

Franck Ribery is signing for Chelsea this week.

Lets get the obvious out of the way first before you all start running to your computers and ordering his shirt online -- He's not signing for Chelsea.

The British papers continue to do their job by relating world events to the public and they also are still enjoying their little side-hobby of making out Chelsea are the least professional club on the planet.

For the last two years, Chelsea have been one of a number of teams interested in the services of the Frenchman who is currently plying his trade at Bayern Munich.

Madrid, Barca, United, Inter, Milan and even Man City since last season have all expressed interests in the winger.

So while the Chelsea rumours died down since January 31st, it seems we've had bids turned down already and we've gone and lost interest, the papers determine that Franck has the perfect social lifestyle that would fit in well in London.

For those that have missed the story, including the Tabloid Editors, a 17-year-old girl found in a legal brothel in Paris is stating that a certain footballer abused her sexually.

Franck is not the player in question you'll be partly relieved to know although it still hasn't stopped the papers running with the idea that he's as bad a Ashley, JT and Mutu and would be perfect at Chelsea.

Ribery has been asked to give evidence as the case against the player continues. Allegedly the unnamed player claims to have thought she was 18.

In my opinion, this unnamed player sounds more like a British team player than Ribery and we should go ahead and sign him up instead!!!

Didier Drogba To Make Groin Injury Decision As Chelsea Chase Title

Carlo Ancelotti insists he will allow Didier Drogba to make the decision on whether he is fit enough to play in Chelsea’s remaining games this season.

The talismanic striker tweaked his groin at the start of the second-half of Saturday’s defeat at Tottenham and wanted to come off, but Ancelotti had already made three changes – two of them at the interval.

Drogba had to play on through the pain barrier for the remainder of the game and was clearly struggling as Harry Redknapp’s side powered to a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane.

The defeat left the Blues just one point clear of rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.

But if they win their remaining three games, two at home to Stoke and Wigan with a trip to Liverpool sandwiched in between, the Stamford Bridge club will still be champions for the first time since 2006.

However, the 32-year-old Ivory Coast star is unlikely to want to carry the injury into the World Cup finals in South Africa this summer and is almost certain to undergo surgery.

But the big dilemma facing the club and Drogba, who has scored 32 goals this season, is when that operation will be carried out.

‘It’s his decision,’ said Ancelotti. ‘He doesn’t have a big problem. It’s more about controlling the situation.

‘He’ll take a decision at the end of the season, whether he has surgery or not. It’s not sure he’ll have surgery.’

One player who could be drafted in if is out for the last three games of Chelsea’s run-in is his Ivorian team-mate Salomon Kalou, who admits he is in awe of his countryman.

‘He has an amazing scoring record for Chelsea and as a player it is a level I want to reach but I am trying to get in the team regularly,’ Kalou said.

‘Every time I have the chance to work with him I listen to what he has to say he is like a big brother – he is very important to me.

‘When you talk about strikers, Didier is one of the best and I want to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from him.’

Calciopoli Trial Adjourned After Ancelotti Couldn't Fly To Hearing

The sixth hearing into the Calciopoli scandal in Naples has been adjourned until Tuesday, April 27, after Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti and others failed to show because of the European flying restrictions in place.

Judge Casoria closed proceedings following a brief hearing that lasted less than an hour in which plans for the next session were outlined.

She expects to see Ancelotti next week, and has also summoned both Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini and Carabinieri inspector Salvagno, who was part of the investigating team into the 2006 trial.

It should be stressed that both Ancelotti and Mancini will only be present in court as witnesses to give evidence in relation to their time as coaches of Milan and Inter, respectively. Neither is accused of any wrong-doing.

Pierluigi Pairetto's legal team were expected to deposit further phonecall transcripts, but they were unable to. Casoria established that in a hearing slated for May 4, the court will appoint Roberto Porta, the man tasked with transcribing all the 74 calls presented last week by Luciano Moggi's legal team, and the further 20 calls that will be deposited by Pairetto's lawyers.

Casoria confirmed that the calls presented last week, and the further 20 that Pairetto will hand over, are to be considered a definitive list.

Also, attorney Giuseppe Narducci is keen to obtain an interview Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini gave to a local radio station, in which he is alleged to have admitted to requesting a specific referee.

As those at the hearing left, Moggi was surrounded outside the court building by journalists and around 50 Juventus fans.

The former Juventus director again took a swipe at the club's current leadership.

"Ask Juventus why they are not defending themselves, and why is it just me who is defending them?" he told Sky News Italia.

The case continues.

Mayor Backing Chelsea's Search For Asian Star

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has called on young Asian players to sign up for Chelsea's Search for an Asian Star event.

The lack of Asian players within affiliated football and the fact only seven players current play at a professional level has inspired Chelsea to create a groundbreaking scheme to identify talented players from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan backgrounds.

The Mayor is fully behind the initiative: 'We may still be awaiting our first British Asian footballing superstar - but it is certainly not due to a lack of talent,' said Johnson.

'By focusing on developing the game amongst London's Asian communities, Chelsea FC are not only taking us a step closer to finding this superstar, they are also reinforcing the message that football - and sport in general - is for everyone. Just pull on your boots and get involved!'

Last season 350 players underwent a series of tests and practice matches in the Under 11, 12 and 13 age groups. The three winners were offered a week training and playing with Chelsea's Academy with two of the players going on to sign for professional clubs.

This season Chelsea has increased the number of age groups meaning that six players from U8 to U13 will win the chance to join the Chelsea Academy this summer.

Scouts and coaches from grass roots and professional clubs will also be invited along for the three-day event taking place at Cobham during May Bank Holiday and the Football Association will also be on hand to help players and their parents find clubs in their local area.

Back On Track After Tottenham

The squad was back in for training on Tuesday afternoon, after an extra day off following defeat at Spurs on Saturday.

Didier Drogba was fully involved in the session despite his ongoing hernia problems, but absent was Michael Essien, who contrary to media reports will not be in the squad for the weekend's game against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.

The Ghanaian's participation in the remainder of the campaign is now in doubt, with only four games to play including the FA Cup Final on May 15, while Carlo Ancelotti reiterated at the weekend that any decision on an operation for Drogba will be taken by the player himself.

Also missing from Ancelotti's session on Tuesday was John Mikel Obi, who had been at Cobham earlier in the day before leaving for scans on his left knee and ankle, having reaggravated the injury picked up by a Kevin Davies tackle in the Bolton game at Reebok Stadium.

Those that were left completed a short, sharp hour-long programme, the type discussed by Michael Ballack before Saturday's match.

Raising The Banner

Regulars at Stamford Bridge may have noticed an increase in banners around the ground this season and been wondering where they've come from.

Meanwhile, fans watching from home, who have never had the opportunity to visit our west London ground may have seen the new banners appearing on their television screens.

In fact, it's a phenomenon most Blues will have noticed this campaign and the club's Official Website felt it was time to shed some light.

The banners belong to supporters' clubs, a system that gathers fellow fans in their local areas together, allowing them to support the Blues with like-minded people.

And it's pulled in groups of fans from all over the globe, including Dromore, Cyprus, Malta, Sweden, New York and even the United Arab Emirates and Bermuda

There are also banners from home-grown fans, with supporters' clubs originating from Swindon, Lincolnshire and Hastings all having banners on show at the Bridge.

'Opening a supporters club allows fans to meet like minded people in their area and socialise with them,' says David Mills, secretary of the Hastings Supporters' Club, which currently boasts around 170 members, 'it gives you the opportunity to socialise and travel to matches together.'

'We feel appreciated by the football club and in return get the benefits and supporters' clubs are definitely important to the fans these days.'

Striving to add to Stamford Bridge's atmosphere, this season the club has persuaded more supporters' clubs to create their own banners and offered to store them between each home game.

But fans in a supporters' club also bring an atmosphere with them to the Bridge from home, as many travel to games in one big group.

'Supporters' clubs give fans the opportunity to celebrate or commiserate together,' explains Mills.

'On a matchday we perform our pre-match rituals together in big groups, which definitely makes the day more enjoyable.'

The Hastings Supporters' Club's banner hangs proudly in the West Stand, and can be seen on the right side if you're looking from the dugouts.

It's a welcome addition which was created this season, although many die-hard fans may have already seen some representation from Hastings Blues in the Champions League.

'We have a large Hastings Blues flag that is often seen all over Europe but having a banner at Stamford Bridge was a good change for home games,' adds Mills.

'It lets other fans know there is a local supporters' club available if they wish to sign up for next year.'

With the 2009/10 campaign now drawing to a close, Chelsea is keen to see the creation of further official supporters' clubs and their banners before next season.

Initiation of supporters' clubs may take some work, as fans have to organise between themselves the set up of the club, which tier they may choose (they range from bronze to gold memberships) as well as arranging travel arrangements and tickets.

But it's not just about ordering tickets or going to games; many clubs arrange social events and trips. 'My advice to fans looking to set up a supporters' club is that it will take a lot of hard work and effort,' says Mills, 'especially if your club grows to a good size but it's worth it to have a club affiliated with Chelsea.'

The Blues will open affiliation for new supporters' clubs this May, but click here for more information if you can't wait that long.

'We're really hoping to see more banners around the stadium next season,' said Graham Smith, head of ticketing and supporters' liaison at Chelsea.

'And we want to see more supporters' clubs being established as well, it really makes a massive difference to fans across the world, it gives them somewhere to share their love of the club.'

Mills adds: 'Obviously not everyone can afford to attend matches as often as they'd like so to be involved with a club that arranges televised matchdays and more is definitely a benefit as they still feel as though they are involved with Chelsea.

'A group of our members just ran the local half marathon in aid of charity all kitted out in Hastings Blues Chelsea shirts, this got a lot of support around the circuit from fellow Chelsea fans.

'Various other functions include Christmas parties, quiz nights, trips to Star on a Stool and golf days.

'Also, on a matchday, we perform our pre-match rituals together in big groups, which definitely makes the day more enjoyable,' reports Mills.