Jose Mourinho Keen On A Chelsea Spree

Jose Mourinho was unveiled as Real Madrid boss on Monday – and refused to rule out a raid on Chelsea for Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard.

‘The Special One’ quit Inter Milan to sign a four-year contract at the Bernabeu and wants to make at least three new signings.

He has always wanted to be reunited with Lampard since their days together at Chelsea and now has the spending power to make a serious bid.

Cole’s future at Stamford Bridge is also in doubt after wife Cheryl filed for divorce. He is another player Mourinho admires.

The new Real boss did his best to play down talk of a swoop yesterday but could not resist throwing the names of both men into the mix.

Mourinho said: “It’s normal people ask about players such as Ashley Cole or Frank Lampard. They are former players of mine and I always have good relations with them.

“But I don’t like to talk about players because their prices will go up if I do! We need three or four players to give us flexibility in the way we might play, but I predict a quiet summer.

“We need small adjustments. We have clear profiles of the type of players we need and these are more important than names.”

Mourinho claims he wants to win everything with Real, and insists his first job will be to tame former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal winger was Madrid’s best player last season, but Mourinho warned him he will have to get to grips with a new team ethic from now on.

Mourinho said: “I understand that Ronaldo is an important player for Real and for the world of football, but my players must understand that the most important thing is the club.

“Cristiano likes to win, so if he likes to win it is not difficult to persuade him the most important thing is not the coach or the players but the club.

“If we all work as a group, we will get results. I like to give myself a challenge and this is a big one. I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability as a coach.

“I want this group to have an identity, to win everything.”

Mourinho won back-to-back titles and the Champions League with Inter, who got nearly £7m compensation from Real for him.

He added: “I don’t change my level of ambition or motivation. I gave everything to every club where I have been. I will do the same here. I don’t feel any kind of different pressure.

“I am a coach that improves day by day. I arrive with everything a coach can win at club football.”

“I don’t know if I was born to coach Real Madrid, but I was born to be a football coach. I am Jose Mourinho and I don’t change.

“I arrive with all my qualities and defects.

“My attraction to Real is due to its history, its frustrations in recent years and its expectations to win.

“It’s a unique club and I believe that not to coach Real leaves a void in a coach’s career.

“Luckily, I’ve had a beautiful career and it makes me proud to have come here.”

Ashley Cole: England Are Good Enough To Win The World Cup

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole believes that England are capable of winning the World Cup this summer in South Africa.

The 29-year-old and the rest of the Three Lions final World Cup squad will fly to Johannesburg on Tuesday and Cole is adamant that the team’s sole ambition in South Africa is to win the tournament and be crowned world champions for the second time.

"I think we can win it and that's what we're going there to do,” Cole told The Mirror.

"I'm not going to say we ARE going to win the World Cup but I am willing to say we're good enough to win it.

"If you look at players like Stevie G, Lamps, Rio and Rooney, we have some great players in that team.

"And so, if we all play well on the day and have a bit of luck, you never know."

Despite shaky victories in warm-up matches against Mexico and Japan, England is confident that they will be playing their best when they open their World Cup against the United States in Rustenburg on June 12.

In addition to USA, England are matched with Slovenia and Algeria in Group C, leaving the Three Lions as the heavy favourites to win the group.

With a possible quarter-final match-up against France, who struggled to a 1-1 draw against Tunisia on Sunday, Cole acknowledged that England gained a favourable draw, avoiding some of the top teams in the early stages.

"When the draw was made, I think there were a few teams we'd have liked to have missed - and we managed to miss them.

"What's important is that we're not over-confident and I don't think we are going to be going into the competition.

"But we feel that if we play as well as we can, to our capabilities, I don't think we'll have a problem at all."

The Chelsea star has been a mainstay for England at the last two World Cups and could break Bobby Moore and Terry Butcher’s record for finals appearances for a Three Lions defender if he appears in five games in South Africa.

Terry: Defensive Improvement Needed

John Terry believes tightening up a suspect defence is the key to England's World Cup hopes.

England have conceded set-piece goals to both Mexico and Japan during recent warm-up victories ahead of the tournament in South Africa.

Coach Fabio Capello has rotated his defenders during the two games with Terry, skipper Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Ledley King, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines and Glen Johnson all seeing game time.

That has led to a lack of stability which former captain Terry believes will be vital if England are to succeed in South Africa.

"The manager had stressed in the week that with the pace we have, the quality we have going forward, we're always going to create chances and score goals," said the Chelsea captain.

"It's up to us to keep it tight at the back. The goal we conceded against Mexico, and a couple of set-plays, are things we'll have to work on.

"But if we can keep it tight at the back, then we've got enough quality going forward which means we can always get a goal."

Terry and Ferdinand are set to start the tournament as Capello's first-choice central defensive partnership, with Cole and Johnson operating as attacking full-backs.

"It's been a while since we've played together as a back four," added Terry.

"Obviously I know Ashley and also Johnson from his Chelsea days, but myself and Rio have got a good understanding so when we slot in alongside each other, we know each other's game well enough."

Fabio Capello To Persist With Steven Gerrard And Frank Lampard Pairing

Fabio Capello is well aware the trouble past England managers have had trying to get Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard playing in tandem – but it will not stop him starting them in the centre of midfield for the World Cup opener against the USA.

The conundrum of how to get the best from England’s finest two attacking midfielders proved beyond Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren.

Capello discovered the answer, shifting the Liverpool captain to a role on the left which allowed him to drift in.

Yet he looks set to turn the clock back because of the ankle injury to Gareth Barry, a certain starter in the centre of midfield if fit.

‘I know the history,’ said Capello. ‘This is a big question for you always? Can’t play together? Probably both were too young. That was a joke. I hope that they can play together.’

Capello was impressed when the pair played together in the second half of Sunday’s 2-1 friendly win against Japan and the Italian added: ‘Good players can move positions.

'Frank and Steve are used to going forward because they have a holding player alongside them. If they play together, one will have to stay.’

Captain Rio Ferdinand also believes the pair can play alongside each other.

He said: ‘They both did it against Japan. It worked well and we looked very dangerous.’

Capello will receive the latest medical bulletin on Barry this morning.

He expects to be told the Manchester City man will be fit to train immediately after the USA game, meaning he will make his 23-man squad.

Deco Heading Out On A High

Deco is hoping his last World Cup will be one to remember for his adopted nation of Portugal, even if it means defeating his country of birth on the way.

The 32-year-old was born and bred in Brazil before switching to Portugal and Benfica in 1997, eventually taking up citizenship after impressing at Porto.

The man who picked him for Portugal, Luiz Felipe Scolari, was the same man who had ignored him while Brazil coach, and has since admitted his regret at never picking the diminutive playmaker.

Deco scored on his Portuguese debut in a friendly against the Brazilians, and now prepares to face them in a competitive environment for the first time, having been drawn together in Group G alongside Ivory Coast and North Korea.

'It is not hard to play against Brazil, but it is different,' the midfielder told the Official Chelsea Website. 'Of course they are my home country and it is special. This is the first time I have played them in the World Cup, but I have played before in friendlies.

'Most of my family are pushing for me, they are in Brazil, they live in Brazil, but they are pushing for me. But of course Brazil will be favourites against us.

'A country that has won the World Cup five times will always be the favourite.'

But what of his own side's chances in South Africa?

'We have a strong team with great players,' he explained, before commenting on the importance of one Cristiano Ronaldo to the side's chances. 'We have a player who is one of the best in the world, if not the very best. In relation to World Cup 2006 this team has more quality.'

Then, Portugal finished fourth after semi-final defeat to France, but is he sure this tournament will be his final international involvement, with qualifying for Euro 2012 only just around the corner?

'Yes it is my last tournament, definitely,' he smiled. 'It is because I need to have more time for my family. For me it will be the last World Cup and I hope to be remembered positively.

'I feel a certain nostalgia, I spent great years so far, made great friends, I was really well received. The [international] selection was where I felt at home, that encouraged me a lot. [After] almost eight years, I am very happy.'

Rooney Key To Manchester United's Bid For Joe Cole

Today's Manchester Evening News speculates that not only is Manchester United chasing Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, but that a World Cup link up with Wayne Rooney could be critical in securing a move to Old Trafford.

Cole is out of contract at Chelsea and has yet to agree a new deal, with the Stamford Bridge club reluctant to meet his wage demands. The 28-year-old has also found it difficult to hold down a regular first-team place in Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Cole is set to become a free agent and although it appears that Harry Redknapp is the favourite to sign the midfielder for Tottenham, the Manchester Evening News claims that Sir Alex Ferguson is "desperate" to bring him to Manchester United.

Apparently, Ferguson is particularly keen on utilizing Cole's versatility. He is able to play in central midfield, out wide, or just off a striker as he did yesterday with Wayne Rooney during England's 2-1 friendly win over Japan.

The Manchester Evening News speculates that should Cole and Manchester United striker Rooney form a good understanding during the World Cup, it will significantly boost the chances of Cole's arrival at Old Trafford.

The local newspaper also claims that Ferguson's unrivaled track record of winning trophies at Manchester United will be an advantage to attract Cole ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham.

Arsenal & Tottenham Hotspur Now Lead Race To Sign Chelsea Forward Joe Cole

Joe Cole is now wanted by Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur when his Chelsea contract expires in a few days' time, with interest from Manchester United having cooled, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The playmaker, expected to be named in Fabio Capello's final 23-man party for the World Cup later on Tuesday, has been linked with a clutch of England's top clubs this summer.

Chelsea are currently reportedly pursuing Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun, a player whose arrival would cast serious doubts over Cole's future at Stamford Bridge.

With no further overtures from the Blues regarding a new deal, it now appears that a move across London is on the cards for Cole, with the north of the capital looking his likely destination.

Chelsea Striker Franco Di Santo A Cut-Price Target For Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle is weighing up a bargain move for Chelsea outcast Franco Di Santo, according to reports.

The giant Argentinean striker spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers and is understood to be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. Despite only scoring one Premier League goal for their Lancashire rivals, Bolton are set to compete with Dutch champions FC Twente to secure his signature, say The People.

The former youth international has struggled to feature for Chelsea since joining from Chilean outfit Audax Italiano two years ago, making just eight scoreless league appearances.

With Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka ahead of him in the pecking order, along with youngsters Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge, first team chances would be severely limited again next season.

My Favourite Games: Petr Cech

Today we launch a new feature for the summer, where Chelsea players tell us about their favourite matches played in, and watched.

First up is number one, Petr Cech, who with the absence of World Cup action this summer will have the opportunity to take in plenty more games on TV.

The goalkeeper has hundreds to pick from for his favourite game ever played but the most enjoyable match he ever watched may have slipped many fans' minds, despite its nine goals and two red cards.

It was a meeting in 2001 between a team from the banks of the Mersey and a lesser-known Spanish side.

When Liverpool reached the Uefa Cup Final nine years ago, not many expected their opponents Alaves to compete against a side with such impressive credentials in Europe.

But the game that unfolded is one of the most memorable clashes in recent times and it took Liverpool until stoppage time, and a fifth goal, to seal victory after Alaves came back from being 2-0, 3-1 and 4-3 down to force extra-time.

That's when experience shone through for the eventual winners after Alaves had two men sent off and Liverpool's nerves held to net the winner, albeit indirectly, when Delfi Geli deflected a Gary McAllister corner into his own net.

'It is hard to choose my favourite game to watch because there were a few games I loved watching,' explained the shot-stopper, 'but one of them is definitely the Uefa Cup Final when Liverpool beat Alaves in 2001, it finished 5-4. It was such a great game.
'It must have been a great game to play in as well because the game was changing every minute, nine goals in a final is great.

'Nobody ever expected Alaves to be in the final of the Uefa Cup but they came so close and they really fought for the glory but it was one of those games. They scored four goals but it was not enough.'

Cech's favourite game to play in is another match which unfolded on the European stage and is a game that remains vivid in many Chelsea fans' minds.

Reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League is never easy, but in 2005 Chelsea overcame one of the biggest obstacles in club football when we hosted Barcelona at the Bridge.

At the time everyone, neutrals and fans alike, expected a phenomenal game of football but no one could have predicted the entertainment that unfolded.

Chelsea raced into a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from Eidur Gudjohnsen, Frank Lampard and Damien Duff but when Paulo Ferreira handled in the area, Barcelona were given the chance to pull one back.

Ronaldhino converted the spot-kick to make it 3-1 before a magical flick from the edge of the box by the Brazilian made it two for the visitors.

But a John Terry header 14 minutes from time sealed the win for Chelsea as we went on to the quarter-finals of the competition.

'My favourite game I ever played is definitely the Chelsea v Barcelona second leg in 2005, when we won 4-2 and made it through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League,' Cech explains.

'This was simply a great game to watch for everyone and it was a great game to play in and be involved in.

'For neutral fans and fans following the teams it was a brilliant game of football with a lot of chances, a lot of goals and a lot of great football and the atmosphere was outstanding.

'We were 3-0 up then it went to 3-2 before we got the winner, so it was full of emotions.

'The emotions of everyone on the pitch were changing constantly and we all worked so hard for the result. There were some fantastic goals also. It was just a very special game.'

Father Of John Terry Spared Jail For Drug Deal

The father of England and Chelsea defender John Terry was spared jail on Tuesday for supplying cocaine to an undercover reporter after a judge said he was a victim of entrapment.

Edward Terry, the 56-year-old father of the former England captain, admitted supplying 3.5 grammes of the drug to the journalist from the News of the World when he appeared before magistrates last month.

"Employees of a national newspaper decided to mount what was in effect a sting operation against Mr. Terry to ascertain whether he could or would supply class A drugs," prosecutor Paul Scothern told Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday.

The court heard the reporter, Dan Sanderson, had befriended Terry at a wine bar he frequented near his home in Essex, over a six-week period.

On November 5 last year, Sanderson, who was posing as a chauffeur, asked Terry where he could buy cocaine for his boss and his friend.

Terry said he could supply it and agreed a fee of 120 pounds while he also asked for 40 pounds for facilitating the deal. He left the bar and returned about 15 minutes later with the cocaine, the Press Association reported.

"Mr. Terry would not have acted in the way he did and committed this offence but for being enticed by the journalist who befriends Mr. Terry, meets with him on a couple of dozen occasions at the minimum, simply for a tabloid story," Terry's lawyer Neil Saunders said.

Terry was sentenced to a suspended prison term of six months and ordered to do 100 hours of community service.

"It is a very, very clear case of entrapment solely to create a newspaper story," said Judge Christopher Mitchell.

John Terry, 29, was stripped of the England captaincy in February following newspaper reports about his private life.

Arsenal Consider Signing Chelsea Playmaker Joe Cole

Arsenal has inquired about the possibility of signing Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole on a free transfer, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

The playmaker has also apparently been courted by Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur who, like current club Chelsea, have been dissuaded from offering Cole a deal by his reported £120,000-a-week wage demands.

But the Gunners are still interested, according to the report, as are Manchester United.

Cole, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of June, is expected to hold further talks this week with potential suitors.

Juventus Playmaker Diego Rejects Chelsea Link

Juventus midfielder Diego has distanced himself from recent reports claiming that he is a summer transfer target for Chelsea.

The Brazilian instead has insisted that he remains committed to Juventus, where he wants to help make amends for what was a disappointing season for the Serie-A giants.

“Me move away from Juventus? No, I won’t be going,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I made a choice a year ago, and I don’t change my ideas just because the season was bad. But the club must think the same, as if I stay without playing it is not a good investment for anyone."

The 25-year-old signed a five-year deal with Juventus last summer after moving from Werder Bremen in a deal worth just over £20 million (€24.5m).

Chelsea Target Shakhtar Donetsk Full-Back Darijo Srna

Chelsea has made Shakhtar Donetsk's Croatian international Darijo Srna a summer transfer target, according to reports.

The 28-year-old, who can play in midfield but is predominantly an attacking full-back, is apparently hoping to complete a switch before pre-season training starts at Stamford Bridge.

He is valued at around £14 million, but is in the final year of his contract with Shakhtar and so could be available for less. Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be in the hunt for the player.

"The deal is not done yet," Srna is reported as saying.

"I must get together with the Shakhtar president as we cannot discuss such matters over the phone."

Chelsea To Sign Benayoun To Replace Cole

Rumours are gathering pace that Chelsea will sign Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun this summer as a replacement for Joe Cole who will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge.

It has been reported that the Reds have already rejected a £4million bid from Chelsea for the Israel international and are believed to be holding out for £6million.

Talks with Cole's representative over a new deal are believed to have broken down and he has been linked with a summer switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

Cole has struggled to break into Carlo Ancelotti's first-team plans since recovering from serious injury.

Benayoun, who has also been linked with West Ham United and Spurs, said last week while on international duty: "Ancelotti wants me for next season and now everything depends on Liverpool.

"Chelsea will have to pay some £6million but, I believe that, in the end, I'll be moving there."

Thirty-year-old Benayoun has scored 29 goals in 81 starts and 53 substitute appearances for Rafa Benitez's team in the last three seasons.

Yaya Toure Favours Move To Chelsea

Want-away Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure is believed to favour a move to Chelsea this summer, despite interest from Manchester City and Arsenal.

The 27-year-old, who signed a new contract last season, is ready to quit the Camp Nou after failing to hold down a first-team place last season, according to the Daily Mail.

The Ivorian’s brother, Kolo, currently plays for Manchester City, but the robust defensive midfielder still appears to prefer a move to west London after already ruling himself out of any possible swap deal involving Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas going in the opposite direction.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola and outgoing president Joan Laporta insist Toure is a valued member of the playing staff, but the former Monaco player is not prepared to play second fiddle to Sergio Busquets and the attempted signing of Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal could limit his opportunities even further.

Guardiola would like to keep Toure at the Nou Camp, but because of the player’s preference for first-team football, Barcelona could let him leave if the suitable offer surfaces.

Chelsea was reported to have already had a £17 million bid for the player rejected by the Catalan giants.

Manchester City officials reportedly met with Toure at the end of last week and are said to have also discussed a £17m offer.

Paulo Ferreira: Portugal Can Do 'Something Beautiful' At The 2010 World Cup

Chelsea right back Paulo Ferreira has declared that Portugal can go all the way at the upcoming World Cup if they negotiate their so-called 'group of death'.

Carlos Quieroz's side has been drawn against Brazil, the Ivory Coast and North Korea in one of the toughest groups at the tournament. After struggling to qualify for the trip to South Africa, Portugal will receive a boost if they make it to the knockout stages.

Speaking to Chelsea's official website, Ferreira believed his nation can get to at least the semi-final stage at the competition if they concentrate on progressing beyond the opening round.

"People in Portugal are always asking what do you think when we reach the quarter-finals, can we reach the semi-finals?" Ferreira said.

"We have a good team, we have top players and we can do something beautiful in this competition but we have first to think about the group stage because sometimes when you put the expectation too high, the worst can happen.

"We need first to think about the group stage and then anything can happen."

Terry Big On Joe

John Terry is hoping club team-mate Joe Cole will be joining him on the plane to South Africa as Fabio Capello prepares to name his 23-man England squad for the World Cup.

Terry, along with fellow Chelsea men Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are sure to start England's first game of the finals against USA on June 12, but playmaker Joe is less assured of his place, despite an impressive second-half showing against Japan on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, Terry was full of praise for the 28-year-old, who missed the start of the 2009/10 campaign through injury.

'On a personal level with Joe he's been great for Chelsea towards the end of the season as well so I'm delighted to see him given the chance,' he said.

'He causes defenders all sorts of problems when he floats in between the midfield and the front men and can pick the passes - you've seen with the ball through to Ash as well, so he's made a big impact and we'll have to wait and see.'

Terry suffered a knock on his calf during the game in Austria, England's last friendly before heading out to South Africa.

Other Chelsea men still have plenty of action before the tournament kicks off however, with no fewer than eight friendlies still to come involving Stamford Bridge-based players. You will, of course, be able to keep up with their progress here on our special dedicated World Cup page.

Ballack: Nobody From Chelsea Has Talked To Me About A New Contract

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has rejected reports he is in contract talks with the club and is uncertain where he will be playing next season.

The injured German international midfielder's deal with the Blues runs out this summer and he has yet to be offered fresh terms. Despite being eager to extend his four-year stay, he has accepted Chelsea's decision to leave negotiations on hold.

Speaking to the News of the World, Ballack said: "I am not having talks with Chelsea right now. We spoke in February and March but they put everything on ice with every player and that is still the situation.

"It's not easy but I am just a player so I accept this. I respect the club and I want to carry on at this club.

"But at the moment nobody has talked to me."

Ballack made 32 Premier League appearances last season, proving an important cog as the club won the first league and cup double in its history.

Asian Star: Two More Impress

Two more winners were announced in our Asian Soccer Star search on Monday, completing the Cobham-based competition for another year.

Ahsanuallah Nawazi in the Under 12s and Yusuf Ali in the Under 13s both received an invitation to return to our Surrey training ground later in the summer for a week-long trial in the Chelsea Academy, and are pictured with Brendan Batson MBE and musician Jaz Dhami, who have both supported the campaign.

Also pictured is last year's Under 12 winner A'ameer Kstantin Murphy, who has earned a place in Leyton Orient's Academy as a result of his endeavours at Chelsea.

Ahsanuallah, a striker, likens himself to Wayne Rooney due to his fast play and lack of height. He attributed today's success to a pair of borrowed socks, which will now become his lucky pair.

Yusuf, a midfielder, was delighted to emerge victorious on a day when a number approaching 200 hopefuls took part in the trials.

'I am shocked, I didn't know I was going to win it,' he said. 'There were some other really good players but people were telling me I was going to win.

'I'm a skilful player and good at dribbling and passing,' he said , before admitting to being an Arsenal fan.

Former Arsenal, Cambridge and West Brom defender Brendan Batson was taking in the action in his role as an ambassador for the FA, for whom he is aiming to help raise the numbers of ethnic minorities involved in football, particularly the coaching side. He believes Chelsea's campaign is a superb idea.

'This is a really good initiative, and I know other clubs are looking at doing the same. I think it sends out a great message to the Asian community that football wants to invite them into the game.

'Talent is a limited resource and clubs are scouting worldwide looking for talent, so there should be no reason why if lads start playing young enough that they can't break through. It is a real mystery why we haven't seen in the Asian community what has happened before with black players.

'I came to England as a nine-year-old and had never played it, it just so happened I fell in with a group of lads who played football and was lucky enough to have a half-decent career in the professional game.'

He identified the importance of starting to play young enough as a potential barrier.

'I do a lot of stuff with the FA to find the barriers preventing Asian youth from getting through. There are some issues to address and football has to be mindful of that,' he said.

'One of the big problems is maybe not starting to play young enough, they say you need 10,000 hours to reach the top of any profession, whether it's sport or the arts or anything, so unless you start at a young age, you are falling behind your peers.

'At a club like Chelsea the standard is very high, and these sorts of things can only help. It is good to see so many parents here because at a young age kids need parental support.'

So after a long weekend of footballing tests and matches, the competition draws to a close for another year, but has hopefully once again created a pathway for Asian youngsters to get into the game.

The six lucky winners from the three days will return over the summer, and we will have news when it arrives of how they fare.

Internationals: Clifford Nets Again

Conor Clifford scored the winner for the second time in as many games for Republic of Ireland's Under 19s on Monday.

The Chelsea youth team captain, who also netted the winning goal in the FA Youth Cup at the beginning of the month, ended it with a penalty against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Ukraine this afternoon.

The midfielder, who also skippers his international side, scored the game's only goal against the hosts of this Uefa European Under-19 Championship qualifier on Saturday, and this penalty also proved decisive, though Ireland did not qualify for the finals in France.

That was because England earned a 1-1 draw against Ukraine to claim top spot in the group, thanks to a late equalizer from Tottenham's Dean Parrett. Chelsea man Jacob Mellis was an unused sub.

England Players Can Be Proud Thanks To Fabio Capello - Frank Lampard

England midfielder Frank Lampard has maintained that manager Fabio Capello is the cause behind the Three Lions' renewed self-belief.

The confidence among players in the national team had hit a new low following the failure to qualify for the European Championships in 2008 under Steve McClaren.

However, the former Real Madrid boss' appointment has galvanised the Three Lions squad and after a stellar World Cup qualifying campaign, confidence is now sky-high going to South Africa.

A more solid looking team recently registered a 3-1 victory over Mexico at Wembley and now the Chelsea goal-ace believes they are heading to football's biggest event with their heads held high.

"We are going into this World Cup with a very good mindset, especially when you compare where we are to where we were," Lampard told the Daily Mirror.

"There was a time when we played for England when we didn't believe we could beat anybody, almost. Now there is a real belief when we run out on to the pitch.

"We were a group of individuals who were not doing what we were capable of doing but he [Fabio Capello] brought us into line from the start."

England are in Group C, and will play USA, Algeria and Slovenia in the hope of booking a place in the knockout stage of the showpiece event in South Africa.

No Tension Between England Pair Rio Ferdinand And John Terry

England captain Rio Ferdinand has revealed there will be no hard feelings from his defensive partner John Terry should he lift the World Cup this summer.

Former Three Lions striker Ian Wright indicated in his column for The Sun that there would be tension between ex-skipper Terry and Ferdinand, if the Manchester United man steered England to glory in South Africa.

Yet Ferdinand is adamant being part of the side to win football’s biggest prize for 44-years would make up for any disappointment the Chelsea captain may harbour.

"That is not a source of tension. When you win the World Cup, I don't care who actually lifts the World Cup," Ferdinand told reporters at a press conference ahead of Sunday's match with Japan.

"As long as I get to say I've got a medal around my neck that says I've lifted the World Cup, then great.

"If Wrighty [Ian Wright] feels he'd feel like that, which is down to him. I am sure JT [John Terry] wouldn't care who lifted the World Cup.

“I wouldn't care because you would go down in history as one of the best teams, one of the best players who has played for your country.

"The players who won it [the World Cup] in 1966 are still being wheeled out to do appearances because it is such a big thing and means so much to this country."

Terry was stripped of the captain's armband by manager Fabio Capello when news of his off-field antics were revealed.

Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand was handed the responsibility, although he confessed it was a burden he was happy to shoulder.

"I feel comfortable as captain. I'm one of the experienced lads, I've been in the squad for years," he added.

"All the young lads know me and all the senior lads have grown up with me.

"If there is something to be said in the changing room I've never been afraid to speak my mind on anything, anywhere. It is the same as being captain.

"I don't really behave differently. You get more people coming to you saying 'Can you ask about this?' or 'What you think about this?', but I don't look upon it as a pressure.

"It is part of the job and you've got to deal with it.

"I do like the responsibility. It is nice. Everyone wants to grow up wanting to be the captain of their club.

"This is England and there is no prouder accolade than to be captain of your country. But it won't mean as much if we weren't to win anything."

Manchester United And Chelsea Monitoring Atletico Madrid Stopper David De Gea

Manchester United and Chelsea are both tracking the development of Atletico Madrid’s emerging shot-stopper David de Gea, according to reports from the English press.

The Daily Mirror comments that the 19-year old, who was an integral figure in Los Colchoneros’ Europa League triumph, is being watched by the Premier League giants, who are preparing an offer to prise him from the Vicente Calderon.

It is understood that the La Liga side would command a fee in the region of €30m for De Gea, who was selected for Spain coach Vicente del Bosque’s provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup in South Africa.

Both English sides have received glowing scouting reports on the young goalkeeper, who burst onto the scene this season, displacing Sergio Asenjo as Atletico Madrid’s first choice midway through the campaign.

However, a stumbling block may be the excessive transfer fee, which may prompt both sides to search for alternative targets as they build for next season.

Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar recently signed a one-year contract extension, while Petr Cech remains Chelsea’s number one.

Buck - No Real Deal For Lampard

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck insists there is 'no chance' Jose Mourinho will take Frank Lampard to Real Madrid.

Former Blues boss Mourinho is reportedly targeting 31-year-old Lampard as a potential signing when he takes over at the Bernabeu next week.

Star midfielder Lampard enjoyed a good relationship with the Portuguese boss during his time at Stamford Bridge, but Buck is adamant the England international is 'going nowhere'.

"Lampard is a great player," Buck told the Daily Star Sunday.

"But you can't possibly imagine Frank Lampard wearing anything other than the Chelsea shirt."

Jose Mourinho May Offer Kaka In Exchange For Frank Lampard And Ashley Cole

Chelsea face a fight to keep their Double-winning team together this week as former manager Jose Mourinho intensifies his efforts to recruit Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole for Real Madrid.

Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes, who is negotiating transfers for the Spanish club, is planning to visit London in a bid to persuade Chelsea to allow the England pair to leave.

Chelsea will do their utmost to retain Lampard and Cole, who signed four-year contracts in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

Real Madrid will raise the possibility of a player-exchange, with Brazil superstar Kaka, who worked with Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti at AC Milan, and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain in the frame.

Ancelotti is consulting his bosses over the make-up of his team for next season and while he is understood to be considering changes to his backroom staff, with Ray Wilkins' future as assistant coach under review, he would be reluctant to lose two such crucial players.

Mourinho, who left Chelsea in 2007, is to be installed as Real Madrid manager tomorrow following last Saturday's triumph in the Champions League with Inter Milan. He will want a number of his former players around him at what promises to be his most testing role to date in transforming Real after two years without a trophy.

He is already negotiating to take Inter Milan right-back Maicon to the club but wants to add a left-back and a midfielder. Cole is understood to be ready to consider a move after his pop star wife Cheryl filed for divorce last week, although Real may baulk at improving his wages of £120,000 a week and are tracking Lazio's Aleksander Kolovov as a contingency.

Lampard would find it difficult to resist the lure of rejoining former mentor Mourinho.

However, neither Ancelotti nor Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich would want to lose such an iconic player, who signed his current four-year deal when Mourinho attempted to recruit him for Inter Milan.

Lampard is 32 next month and Mourinho's interest represents his final chance to make the move abroad which he has always said he would like to experience before his career ends.

Asian Star Search On The Way

The first day of Chelsea's groundbreaking search for an Asian Soccer Star kicked off on Saturday with two winners in the Under 8 and Under 9 age groups.

Local boy Adam Aziz was the overall winner of the U9s whilst Kai Bhullar from Norwich was victorious in the U8s

Both boys will join the club's Academy for their summer trials and will hope to repeat last year's winners who have gone on to play for professional academies

Aziz was overjoyed with his result.

'I've been paying for four years, the trials were quite hard but I'm really happy,' he saud.

His mother Shamim said, 'I'm really proud of my son and all the effort he's put in. I've been out in different weathers all through the season and parents should be getting their boys out there.'

Bhullar's father Rajpreet was delighted with the result.

'I'm extremely proud - football is his [Kai's] life and we're really happy that all the hard work has paid off.'

Internationals: Stoch Selected In Warm Up

Miroslav Stoch was the one Chelsea player in World Cup warm-up action on Saturday.

He played for the first half of a 1-1 draw for Slovakia against Cameroon in Austria and had a big part in Kamil Kopunek's fifth-minute opener, receiving a pass, turning well inside the area and laying the ball back for a 25-yard finish.

Slovakia, who will be the only team appearing for a first time in the World Cup Finals, conceded the equalizer on 82 minutes.

Serbia were in action on the same day in the same stadium in a match affected by crowd trouble, however Branislav Ivanovic was not involved. Serbia went down to World Cup outsiders New Zealand by a single goal following a mistake from Nemanja Vidic.

On Sunday, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard started for England against Japan in Austria, while Joe Cole was on the bench.

Also in action are France against Tunisia, Ivory Coast against Paraguay and Nigeria versus Colombia at Milton Keynes.

The Nigerian FA have reported: 'John Mikel Obi arrived at the camp Friday morning after completing his rehabilitation exercises with medics of Chelsea.'

Also on Sunday England Under-17s aim to become European champions by beating Spain in Liechtenstein. Chelsea Academy products Josh McEachran and Nathaniel Chalobah have played a big part in the team reaching the final.

Troubled Ashley Cole Could Be Lifted By Landon Donovan Lesson

Ashley Cole may be struggling to come to terms with preparing for the World Cup while wife Cheryl files for divorce, but he can take encouragement from an unlikely source.

The man Cole will be facing in England’s opening Group C game against the United States – and who nearly ended his World Cup – has already come through the other side.

Landon Donovan, who spent 10 weeks on loan at Everton this season and was responsible for the tackle that broke Cole’s ankle, finalised his own high-profile divorce late last year.

His split from the star of US television sitcom Rules of Engagement, Bianca Kajlich, after three years of marriage, led to Donovan seeking therapy and the advice of friends and colleagues.

Cheryl filed for divorce on Tuesday. Some claim the timing was made to give Cole the chance to get over it before the World Cup kicks off, but he is thought to be shocked at the way it has been handled.

Because of his ankle injury, Cole has played only four games in the past four months and could be offered a new start in Spain next season by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Donovan believes divorce can be used as a catalyst for positive change both on and off the pitch and that Cole will become a better man and possibly an even better footballer if he meets his demons head on and deals with them.

“Every comment I got when I told people I was getting divorced was, ‘I’m so sorry’,” said Donovan. “But it is not always the case that it has to be sorry.

“Sometimes you learn more from those moments than anything. For me that was certainly the case. It doesn’t have to be ugly or nasty. It can be helpful and you can grow from it.

“Bianca taught me a lot more about myself than I knew. She is an actress and if you know that kind of life it is a struggle. When you realize you can’t take things for granted, it is hard. To hear it from your wife and best friend helps.

“Different things helped. Coaches, family, therapy and spending time looking at myself in an honest way. When you combine all that you don’t have a choice but to learn about yourself. You get to a point where you find your way again.”

Like Cole, Donovan was perceived as being cocky and arrogant by the American public in his younger days but has eventually grown into the role of being one of the leaders of the national side.

USA coach Bob Bradley has seen the change in Donovan over the past 12 months and believes it is for the benefit of the individual and his team.

“Landon has shown a great level of maturity, confidence and motivation,” said Bradley. “He has talked about how he has changed. It is easy to see he feels good inside about some of the challenges he has faced and the way he has improved – grown is maybe a better word.”

Donovan is the poster boy of football in the United States and his successful spell at Goodison Park, together with his good form for LA Galaxy, means he will be expected to perform well in South Africa.

“There are expectations and that’s good, but what is most important is what I expect from myself,” said Donovan. “As I have grown older, I’ve learnt what I can and can’t do and to keep things realistic.”

A dose of realism might just be the making of Cole.

Michael Essien Struggling To Be Fit For Start Of Chelsea's Season

Michael Essien faces a battle to be fully fit for next season after Chelsea admitted that the midfielder, who has been ruled out of Ghana's World Cup campaign, had suffered complications arising from the surgery" on his knee.

Essien damaged ligaments on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations in January and his rehabilitation has been hampered by the knee repeatedly swelling up and having to undergo procedures to have the fluid drained.

The 27-year-old has not appeared for Chelsea since he tore his hamstring in the Champions League tie against Apoel Nicosia last December and the manager Carlo Ancelotti's hope that Essien could be welcomed back for the final two weeks of the season was dashed.

Essien has worked tirelessly at Chelsea's training ground to build his fitness but he has not yet returned to contact sessions. The Ghana Football Association assessed him in London and has been forced to digest the bitter pill that he lacked the required fitness to lead the team in South Africa. England could face Ghana in the last 16.

The GFA issued a statement, endorsed by Chelsea, who carried it on their website, which said that Essien would not make a full recovery until the end of July, just before the start of the new season.

"Black Stars midfielder Michael Essien has been ruled out of the 2010 Fifa World Cup," read the GFA statement. "An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July.

"The Ghana Football Association wishes him full recovery and a quick return to football action."

Chelsea added: "Complications arising from the surgery have meant Michael's recovery has been slower than expected."

Manchester United In Pole Position To Sign Joe Cole

Manchester United are reportedly frontrunners in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole.

The creative playmaker has had trouble coming to an agreement with the Blues over a new contract, with his current deal set to run out on July 1. This has prompted the 28-year-old to be linked with moves to a clutch of clubs.

Now the Daily Mail reports that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Cole a contract to ply his trade at Old Trafford next term, amidst interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus.

The former West Ham United player has in the past maintained that he is entirely focused on making the final 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup and then giving his best shot for the Three Lions in South Africa.

Tottenham On Alert As Joe Cole And Chelsea Wrangle Over A New Deal

Joe Cole's contract talks with Chelsea are believed have broken down and the midfielder is resigned to leaving Stamford Bridge, placing a host of rival clubs on alert for one of the most attractive Bosman free transfers of the summer.

The 28-year-old, whose deal is set to expire next month, had been hopeful of the offer of fresh terms and an increase in his weekly wage to £100,000. But the Chelsea hierarchy is determined to restructure financially and resolved not even to offer him a rise on his current £80,000-a-week earnings.

Just as significantly, Cole has received no assurances from Carlo Ancelotti over his chances of becoming a regular in the manager's starting XI. Cole has endured a stop-start season, in which he has been supplanted in the team by Florent Malouda and has struggled to regain his best form after a serious knee injury.

He spoke before the FA Cup final victory over Portsmouth, in which he appeared as a 71st-minute substitute, of it being "difficult playing 20 or 30 minutes here and there and, when you are starting, you are looking over your shoulder".

Cole signed from West Ham for £6.6m in July 2003 and the manager at his first club, Harry Redknapp, now in charge at Tottenham, will be among the front-runners for his signature on a free transfer.

Cole is expected to feature in England's last warm-up match against Japan in Graz on Sunday, when he will hope to show Fabio Capello he is worth a place in the final 23-man World Cup squad. But his club situation rumbles on with John Terry, Chelsea's captain, on record stating the importance of keeping Cole at Stamford Bridge.

Burnley Boss Brian Laws Eyeing Second Loan Move For Chelsea Kid Jack Cork

Burnley manager Brian Laws has asked Chelsea to let him take Jack Cork on loan for a second spell after snapping up Dean Marney for £500,000.

Laws is also hopeful of bringing in Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and striker Chris Iwelumo as part of the £6.5million deal that takes Steven Fletcher to Molineux - although Birmingham and Blackburn remain keen on Fletcher.

Marney, 26, signed a three-year deal last night after agreeing to switch from relegated Hull City.

And Laws wants Cork to return to Turf Moor where he played 11 times but failed to stop Burnley dropping out of the Premier League last season.

Scotland international Fletcher, 23, is to hold talks with Wolves and Mick McCarthy is willing to let Burnley have Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo and goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on season-long loan deals.

Chelsea Scout £8 Million Midfield Maestro

In recognition of any talented youngster beginning to make an impact within the game, many are quick to tag them with players past and present. The German youngster Mesut Ozil, discussed in an earlier article, has been dubbed ‘the new Diego’, quite a tag to burden the youngster with at this early stage. Many do live up to their billing however. Remember Gerard Houllier, declaring Bruno Cheyrou as the ‘new Zinedine Zidane’….he didn’t disappoint did he…

Next to receive such approval is Sylvain Marveaux, dubbed ‘the new Florent Malouda’, no Zinedine Zidane but a quality player nonetheless. If Marveaux can indeed reach such heights then he will have certainly made his mark.

Born in 1986 in Vannes, Marveaux joined Stade Rennes when he turned 16 years old and has spent his entire career thus far at the Stade de la Route de Lorient. He certainly comes from a football family as his older brother Joris Steve Marveaux plays for Montpellier.

The young Marveaux made his debut in the 2006/07 season, eventually ending the season with five goals. Up until last season Marveaux had encountered some difficulties in continuing his progression as a result of injury and time spent warming the bench.

The 2009/10 season saw many starts to take note of his ability as Marveaux excelled for his club, making 33 appearances, scoring 10 goals, and making 5 assists. As an attacking midfielder, Marveaux is blessed with great pace as well as the technical ability to allow him to make goals for himself as well as assist his teammates. A regular at under-21 level for the French national team, Marveaux’s progress to the senior team may only be a matter of time.

At 24 years of age, the time is now if he is to make the next step in his career. Chelsea are being linked with the Frenchman, and will have to pay a rumoured £8 million to take him to the Premier League. Chelsea may be in the market for some new attacking players with the likely departures of Joe Cole, Deco, Juliano Belletti and others. With the average age of the Chelsea squad being discussed also, it may be a good time to inject some new, young talent into the side. What better way for Marveaux to try and become the new Florent Malouda than to play alongside the man himself at Stamford Bridge…

If Sylvain Marveaux is to meet such expectations and make an impact in the bigger leagues of Europe however, time really is of the essence.

England Players Can Be Proud Thanks To Fabio Capello - Frank Lampard

England midfielder Frank Lampard has maintained that manager Fabio Capello is the cause behind the Three Lions' renewed self-belief.

The confidence among players in the national team had hit a new low following the failure to qualify for the European Championships in 2008 under Steve McClaren.

However, the former Real Madrid boss' appointment has galvanised the Three Lions squad and after a stellar World Cup qualifying campaign, confidence is now sky-high going to South Africa.

A more solid looking team recently registered a 3-1 victory over Mexico at Wembley and now the Chelsea goal-ace believes they are heading to football's biggest event with their heads held high.

"We are going into this World Cup with a very good mindset, especially when you compare where we are to where we were," Lampard told the Daily Mirror.

"There was a time when we played for England when we didn't believe we could beat anybody, almost. Now there is a real belief when we run out on to the pitch.

"We were a group of individuals who were not doing what we were capable of doing but he [Fabio Capello] brought us into line from the start."

England are in Group C, and will play USA, Algeria and Slovenia in the hope of booking a place in the knockout stage of the showpiece event in South Africa.

Clifford Winner For Young Ireland

Conor Clifford, who scored the winner in the FA Youth Cup Final, netted another important goal on Friday night, this time for Republic of Ireland Under 19s.

The midfielder's penalty on the hour following a handball was enough to beat home side Ukraine, despite Ireland losing a man to a red card just after half-time.

The 1-0 win in a four-team tournament keeps Ireland in with a chance of qualifying for the European Championship Finals in July.

Ireland lost to England in their first game and the England Under-19 side made it two wins out of two with a 4-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Kiev. Jacob Mellis played 65 minutes and supplied the pass for the third goal.

Malouda Targets Trophy Treble

France winger Florent Malouda is hungry for more success at the World Cup after his season of glory with Chelsea.

Malouda helped the Stamford Bridge outfit claim their first-ever double as they triumphed in both the Premier League and FA Cup.

And the midfield maestro, who has been an integral member of Carlo Ancelotti's side this season, now wants to help France silence their critics in South Africa.

"When you have such a great season, where you've shared so much with the fans, you want to experience the same thing with the national team," Malouda told the Daily Mirror.

"We don't want to go back to our clubs with our heads down. When you win titles with your club, you become more ambitious."

Les Bleus endured a rocky road in qualifying for the summer showpiece, only scraping through after their controversial play-off victory over Republic of Ireland.

But Malouda, who is now back in favour with Raymond Domenech after falling out with the departing coach, believes they can silence their critics.

"It's all down to what we do on the pitch, the attitude we have, and above all the results," he added.

"There's a certain amount of responsibility when you play for the French team, but the players feel like they're ready to take up the challenge. The context wasn't easy before, but we've tried to change things.

"What I like about the new system is that it's more attacking, I have more freedom and I'm not just a defensive midfielder like at Euro 2008.

"I'm someone who enjoys responsibility. It was quite painful for me the last couple of years when I was on the (France) bench. I did my best to turn the situation around, and I'm very happy."

José Mourinho Offers A Real Haven For Ashley Cole

It is the special relationship that has endured. José Mourinho is long gone from Chelsea; he is poised, indeed, to make his latest managerial move from Internazionale to Real Madrid. But the Portuguese continues to cherish the bond that he formed with the core members of his playing squad during those glittering three years in west London.

In the time since his departure from Stamford Bridge in September 2007, Mourinho has stayed in touch with Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, among others. A text here, a phone call there; sometimes to chew the fat, on other occasions to deliver a pep talk. There is the slightly draconian view that Mourinho ought not to contact players who are no longer his, a school of thought coloured, no doubt, by paranoia and the potential for tapping-up. Yet there is no employment law concerning friendship.

When Mourinho's Inter hosted Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 in late February, Cole was not only nursing a serious ankle injury but he had suffered from an eruption of lurid headlines related to his private life. Mourinho's comments were interesting. "I called Ashley Cole a few days ago," he said at the time, "because I care about him and I wish him a quick recovery. And because I like him very much, my advice is: 'Don't leave England.'"

It was put to Mourinho that Cole might benefit from a move abroad, given that the player's off-the-field indiscretions could make him a target for opposing fans. "I watched Ashley Cole play until the moment of his injury [on 10 February]," Mourinho replied, "and I watched him play superbly. So, if he has problems, they are for sure not on the pitch.

"[Carlo] Ancelotti [the Chelsea manager] must give him advice, his family must give him advice and he must think for himself. If he wants my little opinion, my opinion is: 'Stay in England.'"

Mourinho spoke with Cole's interests at heart, recognising also that the left-back, who many observers rate as the best in the European game, was enjoying his football at Chelsea. But, in the helter-skelter world of 21st century football, little stands still for long and, as Mourinho name-checked Cole, together with Lampard and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, as possible Real recruits, Cole was beginning to wonder whether he could continue to live in England. Mourinho, fully abreast of the situation, would offer him a velvet-lined escape route.

Installed as public enemy No1 following his split from his pop star wife Cheryl, Cole feels hounded. He loves Chelsea, where he has three years of his contract to run, but he cannot tolerate the manner in which his marriage breakdown has been reported. He feels that there have been grave inaccuracies and, with each one, his blood becomes hotter.

Yet the situation is compounded, in his eyes, when he considers the news reporters' quest for their next line. They have been camped outside Cole's house, his mother's house and even his nephew's school, in the hope of snaring a fresh angle. Friends of Cole believe that with every passing day the notion of his departure becomes more likely. Quite simply, he cannot live his life.

Chelsea would resist any Real bid for Cole, as they would for Lampard, but Mourinho's imminent arrival at the Bernabéu has cast long shadows. When Cole was asked in the build-up to the FA Cup final two weeks ago whether Arsène Wenger, his one-time mentor at Arsenal, or Mourinho had been the best manager he had worked for he plumped, without hesitation, for Mourinho.

Real's current left-back options are Marcelo and Alvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho said he normally played with "two offensive full-backs like Ashley Cole and [Inter's] Maicon" and, while Marcelo is attack-minded, there have been questions raised about his defensive prowess. Cole, by contrast, offers the complete package and Mourinho, lest it be forgotten, likes his defenders to defend first.

Lampard has never hidden his affection for Mourinho, and he came close to joining him at Inter in the summer of 2008. "At the time, if I am honest about it, I did have thoughts about going to Inter," he said. "It was a difficult time for me in my life after the death of my mother and everybody knows how I feel about José Mourinho."

Lampard stayed put to sign a new five-year contract, a decision he has not regretted, and he has said that he is determined to finish his career at Chelsea, not least as it is the wish of his family. Mourinho would face a challenge to persuade him otherwise.

Gerrard appears slightly less settled after a traumatic season at Liverpool. Real's interest in the midfielder is long-standing while he came close to joining Mourinho at Chelsea in the summer of 2005, only to have an eleventh-hour change of heart. Like his team-mate Fernando Torres, who is a target for most elite clubs in Europe, Gerrard has grown weary of the boardroom strife at Anfield, which has been destabilising, while it has also been reported that his relationship with the manager, Rafael Benítez, is strained.

Mourinho could be prepared to exploit any uncertainty.

Obi Mikel Joins Up With Nigeria

John Obi Mikel joined the Nigeria squad on Friday for the first time since knee surgery last month and will be fit for the World Cup, officials said.

The midfielder has been out of action since a minor operation last month and missed Chelsea's run-in to the English Premier League title as well as the London club's victory in this month's FA Cup final.

"He has completed his rehabilitation at Chelsea," a Nigerian Football Federation spokesman said.

Nigeria are training near Maldon in the English county of Essex and play a friendly against Colombia at Milton Keynes on Sunday.

Nigeria's opening World Cup Group B match is against Argentina in Johannesburg on June 12.

Frank Lampard Admits He'd Consider Move To MLS

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has admitted that he could be tempted by a move to the MLS in a few seasons as his career draws to an end.

Lampard, 31, still has three years to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge but acknowledges that he might one day follow in the footsteps of his international team-mate David Beckham.

"It's his [Beckham's] decision, isn't it? When he went, I thought, maybe he's gone too early, but the more I thought about it, I thought, if that's what he wants to do, let him do it," Lampard told The Sabotage Times.

"I'd like to go and play in America when I'm 36 or 35 but you can't take away someone's right to go and play where they want."

Lampard, perhaps surprisingly, has also asserted that he has no interest in remaining in football once he has finished playing, either in coaching or the media.

He is also keen to have a meaningful career after football rather then living on his past glories.

"The first thing is after I finish I don't want to be involved with football, not as a manager, coach, agent or in the media. Not interested," he stated.

"I've been getting to know a lot about property, not just for me to live in, but as a business.

"I have a family to support, I know that might sound strange when you consider the money that's mentioned but I want to have a career after this, I don't want this to be everything.

"I don't want to spend the rest of my life just living in the past."

Stamford Bridge Hosts Charity Events

Stamford Bridge has played host to several football tournaments over the past two weeks, helping to raise money for worthy causes.

The first event to take place saw the likes of Angus Deaton, Alistair Campbell, DJ Spooney and Ben Shepherd all help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

There were also charity events for Help a London Child and Right To Play before Thomas Cook took control of the hallowed turf for their day of fun.

Thomas Cook Sport gave Chelsea fans from all over the UK a chance to play inside their beloved ground as a prize, as two teams of 11, made up of Thomas Cook employees and competition winners, took to the pitch.

'After 30 years of watching games at Stamford Bridge, I was excited and nervous at the same time about playing here,' said competition winner Kevin Hyatt from Milton Keynes. 'It's an honour to be able to say I've followed in the footsteps of footballing legends and the experience is something I'll never forget.'

Then, yesterday, former Blue Gareth Hall took part in the Oil Aid pitch event, alongside fellow past players Ken Monkou, Keith Dublin and Garry Stanley, as they helped raise funds for Chelsea's community work.

Carlo Ancelotti: Chelsea Were Never Affected By Speculation About John Terry & Ashley Cole's Private Lives

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the club were not affected by the media speculation surrounding John Terry and Ashley Cole’s private lives last season, as they secured a Premier League and FA Cup double.

The Italian said that, despite the English media’s interest in off-field issues and not tactics, the club managed to keep focused — for which they were rewarded with the first double in the club's history.

“Always we kept the private lives of the players outside of the press conference and outside of the training ground,” he told Chelsea’s official website, noting that in his homeland the media would not have been at all interested in Terry and Cole's off-field problems.

"In Italy the press conference is always focused on the line up. If you tell them the line up, it is finished," he said.

"Here they are interested in the private lives. I am not interested in that. Always we kept the private lives of the players outside of the press conference and outside of the training ground."

As well as praising his club’s efforts in securing their first league and cup double, Ancelotti also offered some advice towards the likes of Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez, by insisting that he is only interested in talking about his own team during press conferences.

“I don't like to use mind games in press conferences,” he stresses.

“I want to give something of our philosophy, how I want to manage the club, how I want to manage the players. Only this. I am interested in explaining my kind of behaviour in managing the team.”

Coach Milovan Rajevac Moans Over Michael Essien’s Absence

Ghana Coach Milovan Rajevac says he has to quickly put behind him Michael Essien’s unavailability for the World Cup and adopt a strategy for the team.

“I am really disappointed that Michael Essien will not be at the World Cup for Ghana as a player,” Rajevac told the Ghanaian FA website.

“He is an important player on and off the field but we can’t use him this time. Essien brings lots of advantages; he brings so many things to the team and always gives us options.”

The Serbian has rallied his charges to lift up their game and show a united front ahead of the global football showpiece this summer.

He said: “It’s most unfortunate. But I hope and believe that the other players will give their best.

“We want to achieve with this team and must work hard. We will focus on the task ahead and hope we have a good World Cup. I hope the past experiences with injuries, though unfortunate, will help us stay united and fight for each other.”

Ghana are paired in Group D with Australia, Germany and Serbia.

Chelsea Continue Search For An Asian Football Star

Chelsea's initiative of trying to find an Asian football star will see them hold trials between 29 and 31 May.

It is the scheme's second year and six players will get the chance to win a week-long trial at the club's academy.

The tournament is open to Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi players aged between eight and 13.

"This is a huge opportunity to come to Chelsea and enjoy the best coaches and the best training ground,' said Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.

"Everyone with a love for the game should sign up and see what they can do.

"It will be great fun and a good way to make new friends and who knows, perhaps one day we will see one of them at Chelsea."

Chelsea launched the first project of this kind last year and have increased the number of places available on the week-long trial from three to six.

The Stamford Bridge outfit had 350 participants at their Cobham training ground in 2009, with two of the winners having been signed by Southend United and Leyton Orient.

"My life has changed quite a bit after winning the trials," Jordan Sidhu, who was signed on a youth contract by Southend United, told BBC Asian Network.

"I'm now playing a high standard of football and am happy that I've got a chance to realise my dream of becoming a professional footballer."

The youngster explained that he only entered because of his mum.

"I came home from school and my mum said she had signed me up for a competition," he added. "I didn't expect anything from it but I went along and ended up winning it.

"The trials are very good because they are a lot different from what I was used to. There were big training grounds, nice facilities and I met Florent Malouda, Petr Cech, Nicolas Anelka and other Chelsea players.

"At first I was a bit starstruck, but I got used to it."

Chelsea have teamed up with Asian Media Group, Kick It Out and bhangra singer Jaz Dhami to help get the Asian community involved.

"I have been working very closely with a number of sporting bodies in encouraging more Asians to get involved in football," said Dhami.

"I want to help break down boundaries and encourage more Asians to get involved in the game."

Carlo Ancelotti Admits He Learned A Lot From A Positive First Season At Chelsea

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged that his first season as a manager in the Premier League has taught him a lot.

The Italian steered the Blues to their first ever League and FA Cup double but admits that he still picked up some vital things along the way.

He also learned that English football, although at times distinguished by some very naive defending, is a much more exciting product than that served up by Serie A.

"I try to change something in the play but for me it was a very good experience this year," he told his club's official website.

"I learnt a lot of things, not only tactically but physically.

"For example in Italy, in training, we used to physically work without the ball. Here we work always with the ball - and here I learnt this. This is a very good thing.

"Technically, I think the small teams have more knowledge in Italy. Defensively, it is impossible in Italy to have a score 7-0 or 9-1 because the small teams stay back to defend and only do counter-attack.

"Here you can say that small teams play good football, they attack. Here it is different.

"Before I had good knowledge about the top four but not the small teams. I learnt that here."

Ancelotti also enjoyed the celebratory bus parade which marked the Blues' triumphs this season, treating supporters to a song on the way round.

"We did also in Italy the celebration with the bus," he added.

"I like to sing but I didn't prepare anything so I tried to sing a famous Italian song, 'Volare', and I think it was good for the atmosphere.

"It is very good to have a celebration with our fans, there was a fantastic atmosphere and this improves the relationship between the fans and the team. In the future it will be important to have this good relationship.

"But I don't know why they threw to us celery."

Ancelotti also concedes that his time as a player at AC Milan alongside the likes of Ruud Gullit and under the management of Arrigo Sacchi was a massive influence on the way he works now.

"Gullit was my friend. We played five years together, we shared a room, I have a very good relationship with him and he was a fantastic, attacking striker," the Italian explained.

"For me and also for a lot of players Sacchi was a fantastic teacher because also in that team there was a lot of players who have since done jobs as manager - Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkaard, Tassotti, Galli, me - there are seven or eight players from that squad who are coaches."

Croatian Defender Srna Wants Chelsea Move

Experienced Croatian defender Darijo Srna wants to make a step up and move to Chelsea.

The 27 year-old has been at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk since 2003 and has led the Ukrainian club to three championships and a UEFA Cup victory. Srna is a very experienced player and has amassed an impressive 73 caps for Croatia.

He has previously been linked with Tottenham, but according to Croatian tabloid 'Index', he has set his sights on Chelsea.

Srna said, "Chelsea is a club that suits my style and my style of play suits them. I want to make a step forward, to play in the Champions League with such a famous club. In general, Chelsea is the best option for me."

According to 'Index', Srna would only leave for a fee of at least 20 million Euros. The Croatian tabloid added that Srna's agent described talk of a move to Stamford Bridge as "just speculation."

Srna is a versatile player and can play either in defence or midfield on the right hand side, providing an attacking threat through crosses and set-pieces. With Juliano Belletti probably leaving Chelsea, there could soon be room for a right-sided player such as Srna at Stamford Bridge.

Blues Caught In Cole Crisis

Chelsea are facing a desperate battle to hang on to tormented star Ashley Cole.

The England defender faces the bleak prospect of becoming public enemy No 1 next season following his bitter split from national sweetheart Cheryl Cole.

The Sun exclusively revealed yesterday that the Girls Aloud star has filed for divorce in London.

Cole is now certain to suffer a terrace backlash - with his life on and off the pitch continuously under a microscope.

That has alerted Europe's biggest clubs - and especially new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who has never hidden his love for his former Chelsea player.

A Madrid source confirmed: "The feeling is Ashley will have a terrible time if he stays in England next season.

"Clubs like Real are hoping Chelsea will sympathize with Cole's plight and let him escape all the abuse and find a new life - hopefully with us."

Cole has become increasingly worn down with life in England, although he has never fallen out of love with Chelsea, where he has three years left on his current contract.

There is no doubt the Double winners want to keep their prized defender - but even Stamford Bridge insiders realize they face a tough battle.

One said: "Everyone at Chelsea can see Ashley loves the club, his team-mates and the fans. There's no doubt about that.

"But who could blame him for not wanting to live in England any more, especially after his divorce from Cheryl?

"We can all imagine what kind of abuse he'll face from away fans next season. Who'd want to put up with that?"

There will be no shortage of offers for Cole, widely regarded as the world's best left-back.

While Mourinho will be at the front of the queue, Real's rivals Barcelona would also be keen to capture the Three Lions star.

AC Milan, Roma and Bayern Munich are also said to be monitoring events.

Di Santo`s Dutch Choice?

After a season playing his football up on the delightful cobbled streets of Blackburn, Franco Di Santos has returned to Chelsea.

Whispers that Blackburn might try to sign him on a permanent basis fizzled out in a similar manner to which the impression Di Santo was making at Blackburn did.

Therefore the young Argentine, clearly behind Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, has a decision to make.

Does he persist with trying to make a breakthrough at Chelsea, does he look for another spell out on loan or would a move away from SW6 be more beneficial?

According to one red-top Franco is looking at the latter of those three options with a move to FC Twente seemingly on the cards with the whisper that, for Franco, regular first team football is of paramount importance as he seeks to develop his career.

Chelsea Consider £16m Move For Everton Youngster Rodwell

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly ready to make a big money offer for Everton teenager Jack Rodwell as the Chelsea boss looks to inject more youth into his aging squad. The Chelsea boss has earmarked the England Under-21 international as a player he could build his side around in the future and hopes that an offer of around £16m will tempt the Toffees into accepting their advances.

Last summer the Stamford Bridge side showed their intention to pick up talented English youngsters ahead of the forthcoming ‘homegrown’ ruling set to come into operation in the Premier League next season. Chelsea brought in Ross Turnbull and Daniel Sturridge as players for the future and they have now set their sights on the highly rated Goodison Park midfielder.

Rodwell had an assured season last term where he showed his growing maturity as he was given far more playing time. The 19 year old was handed 25 starts and impressed many and has been linked with moves to the likes of Man United and Man City but Ancelotti hopes he can beat those potential suitors to the teenagers signature this summer.

Kaka Keen To Leave Real Madrid For Chelsea And Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid midfielder Kaka is ready to quit the club to join up with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, according to reports.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport have reported that the 28-year-old, already unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu, is concerned about Jose Mourinho's prospective arrival as Real Madrid's new manager this summer, and would thus consider leaving the club after just one season there.

The former AC Milan playmaker would welcome the opportunity to link up with Ancelotti again — especially considering that the Blues are prime contenders for Premier League and Champions League glory next term.

Ancelotti worked with the Brazilian midfielder for six years at Milan, where they won a Champions League and Serie A title together.

After Ancelotti left the club last summer — going on to win the Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season in England — Kaka also exited San Siro for Real in a then-world record £65 million deal. But after a season affected by injury and poor form, the Spanish club might be open to an offer that allows them to recoup some of the money spent on the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner.

Kaka made 25 La Liga appearances for Real last season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.

Ghana's Injured Essien Out Of Finals

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has been ruled out of the World Cup finals after failing to recover from a knee injury, the country's FA said on Thursday.

"An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July," Ghana's FA said on its website (www.ghanafa.org).

The Chelsea midfielder has been recovering from a knee injury picked up at the African Nations Cup in January. He played just 45 minutes at the tournament in Angola after suffering a hamstring injury in the Champions League in November.

His loss is a blow to Ghana whose coach Milovan Rajevac last week described Essien as the leader and engine room of his team. Rajevac is due to decide on his final 23-man squad on Tuesday.

Ghana open their World Cup campaign against Serbia on June 13 and also play Germany and Australia in Group D.

Essien is hugely popular in Ghana and his image is pasted up all over the country.

He has scored seven times in 50 appearances for his country and played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Essien hinted several weeks ago he might not be fit for the tournament in South Africa, which kicks off on June 11.

"The last thing I want is to rush back and cause more problems down the line. If I make it for the World Cup then great -- if not, I have my whole career ahead of me," he told the Chelsea website.

Ghana are still unsure of the fitness of two other key players, Stephen Appiah and John Mensah.

Joe Cole Closer To England Exit With Likely Snub

Joe Cole’s chances of going to the World Cup hang in the balance after he was not guaranteed to start against Japan on Sunday in England’s final warm-up game before the tournament.

Cole and his three Chelsea team-mates in the England squad sat out the 3-1 victory over Mexico on Monday to allow them to recover from the FA Cup Final nine days earlier, even though Cole appeared only as a 70th-minute substitute in his club’s 1-0 win over Portsmouth at Wembley.

Unlike Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole, Joe Cole has not been told that he will start against Japan in Graz, Austria. That would leave him clinging to the hope that a potential substitute appearance and his performances in training will be enough to convince Fabio Capello that the 28-year-old is worth a place as one of England’s creative midfield players.

England lacked guile against Mexico but Cole’s case for inclusion is weaker than it might have been because injury forced him to miss much of England’s World Cup qualifying campaign and Chelsea’s title-winning Barclays Premier League season. He last played for the national team in their 4-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Croatia in September 2008.

Cole faces tough competition for a place as a left-sided player from Adam Johnson, the 22-year-old winger, who has been fast-tracked into the England set-up after impressing with Manchester City since joining them in January transfer window. He made his international debut as a substitute on Monday and has been praised for his performances in practice with England.

Capello could be taking a risk by putting Ashley Cole in his starting XI against Japan because it would mean the position of understudy left back would remain uncertain. Leighton Baines was poor against Mexico while Stephen Warnock, the other candidate for the role, would ideally need to add to his one international cap before going to the tournament.

David James, the Portsmouth goalkeeper, is likely to feature against Japan having missed the Mexico game but Ledley King will take no part on Sunday after playing the full 90 minutes on Monday. A chronic knee injury prevented the Tottenham Hotspur centre half from playing more than one game a week for most of last season.

Frank Lampard Believes That The Chelsea Fans Play A Huge Role In Team's Success

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea fans' loyal support played a huge part in their success this season.

The Blues landed their first-ever double after following up securing the Premier League title by scooping the FA Cup.

While some fans are quick to get on players' backs if things are not going according to plan, Lampard is pleased the Stamford Bridge faithful have never singled out anyone for criticism.

Things have not been so rosy at rival clubs as Emmanuel Eboue has been blasted by Arsenal fans while Dimitar Berbatov has come in from criticism from Manchester United supporters.

However, Lampard believes Chelsea fans are different and that having come from the background of Division Two football that they are more appreciative of the team's current success.

"I've never heard them get right on someone's back, boo them and destroy them. Never," explained Lampard.

"Don't get me wrong, they can moan and groan a little bit but that's normal. We all get upset watching games.

"But they are always there, they travel fantastically well and the main thing is that they don't get on anyone's back.

"Some clubs, given what we've been given and being elevated to where we are now, would be moaning and thinking: 'We should be winning' after 20 minutes at 0-0.

"But Chelsea fans are a little bit different. Probably because they've been through a lot before I was here, where they've sat down and watched a Division Two team in a stand that was 30 yards away from the pitch.

"So now they can't believe what's happening here. They go with it and, like me, they think it's fantastic."