Didier Drogba Believes The Premier League Will Be As Difficult As Ever

Didier Drogba believes that the Premier League will still be difficult despite his side scoring twelve goals in their opening two games.

The Ivorian international was named man of the match after his side’s 6-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, despite not scoring himself.

Chelsea currently sit comfortably at the top of the Premier League with two wins from two games, and scoring 12 goals in the process, but their star striker still believes that the league will be as difficult as ever.

“We are going to have difficult times [throughout the season],” the 32-year-old told Sky Sports.

“It would be great if we could win the league, but the league is not going to be easy.”

Wigan suffered a humiliating 4-0 home defeat at the hands of Premier League new boys Blackpool last weekend, and many tipped the same outcome for this encounter against the reigning champions, but the Lancashire outfit started out the strongest, and Drogba recognised that.

“We scored six [goals], but we suffered a lot in the first half.

“The fact that we scored quickly at the start of the second half settled us down a lot. We know what we have to do when a game is difficult, we know how to make games easier.”

After today’s result, Chelsea became the first team in Premier League history to score at least six in their opening two games, and Drogba believes this is down to the cohesion in the side.

“We [have] known each other for such long time. We know what we have to do to make it easier.”

Ancelotti Lauds Leader Terry

Carlo Ancelotti has hailed John Terry as the man most responsible for driving Chelsea towards greatness.

The Blues celebrated a memorable League and Cup double last season, their first under the guidance of Ancelotti.

The Italian has rightly been praised for the fine work he has overseen at Stamford Bridge, especially as things have not always gone as smoothly as he would have liked.

His talismanic skipper fell under the microscope at times last term, with revelations about his private life and the subsequent decision to strip him of the England captaincy firing Chelsea into the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Ancelotti, though, insists Terry has never allowed his focus to waver and admits he is full of admiration for the way in which the combative centre-half demands universal respect within the dressing room.

"John Terry is the captain of all team captains, he was born with the captain's armband on his arm," Ancelotti writes in his new autobiography: The Beautiful Games of an Ordinary Genius.

"Even without the band, it's as if he wears it anyway, and that's how it ought to be. He's different from all the others, Chelsea is his home, it always has been, ever since the youth squad.

"One word from him, and the locker room holds its breath. He's the first one to sit down at meals, the first one to stand up.

"Being part of this club is his mission, that's how he was made. He pays close attention to the performances of the youth team, he keeps up, he knows all the scores, he misses nothing (although he often loses at ping-pong in the dining room - and when that happens, watch out).

"He works twice as hard as everyone else, he has the sense of responsibility of someone who runs a company, a people, a philosophy that above all has to win.

"There is no room for second place; there can only be room for us."

Michael Essien Takes Break From Internationals

Michael Essien has chosen to temporarily withdraw his services for the Ghana national side in order to focus on club concerns with Chelsea.

Essien sustained a knee injury at the African Nations Cup in January that ruled him out for the remainder of Chelsea's season, as well as Ghana's campaign at the 2010 World Cup.

The midfielder has suffered with a number of fitness problems during his time at Stamford Bridge and wants to ease the strain on his body by enjoying an international hiatus.

"I think I will be taking a break," Essien said. "Not retiring, just not playing for time. I have to take the right decision for myself. I don't know whether they will be disappointed because they have done fine without me."

Essien's statement comes as a real setback for Ghana side that, although they reached the World Cup finals, would welcome their iconic captain when fit.

Only recently, Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac said he was looking forward to Essien returning to the Black Stars squad having missed the World Cup in South Africa.

"Michael is still an important component of this side, he is a special player," Rajevac said. "Essien brings a special dimension to this team. We are looking forward to having him back with us."

Ancelotti Loves Dealing With Anelka

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted Nicolas Anelka has never caused him a moment's bother - and he blasted the French Football Federation for giving him an 18-match ban.

The 31-year-old received the draconian suspension, which applies to France games only, after being sent home from the World Cup following a reported bust-up with coach Raymond Domenech.

"He is a very good man. I have never had a problem with him," said Ancelotti. "I was very surprised at this behaviour during the World Cup. If I have to think of one player who would shout at me, Anelka would be the last."

He added: "He likes his job, he loves football. He has fantastic skills but he doesn't like publicity and he has character. He never missed training last year.

"I think it was unfair for him - 18 games is too much. Anelka is an honest man and he didn't deserve the decision. He has reacted very well. He has taken it with good spirit."

Anelka blasted the FFF as "clowns" and laughed off the ban, insisting he had already retired from international football.

"It is good news for myself because he can stay here to train during the international break, he can maintain a good condition," said Ancelotti.

Dressing Room Prankster Targets Chelsea Stars

Chelsea is looking wide open at the back - because someone is slashing HOLES in their undies.

A prankster keeps creeping into the changing room at their training ground to cut up their designer pants.

That's a turn-up for some of the players - who at times have had trouble keeping their pants ON.

The mystery assailant strikes up to twice a week while the Blues train at Cobham, Surrey.

His cheeky attacks have threatened the players' ball control and could easily lead to some ugly tackle being seen in the penalty box.

England star Frank Lampard said: "It's gone on for about a year. We get in to find the bum cheeks cut out of our underpants.

"It has to be one of the players. They are the only ones with access. You might get two hits in a week, then he won't attack for a month or so."

Lamps, 32, added: "I've a good idea who it is but wouldn't dream of making accusations until I have proof.

"I hope it's soon - it's costing a fortune in designer underwear!"

A club insider said: "It was a bit of a laugh but now the lads are a bit cheesed off.

"There's hardly any holes in our defence - so it's a shame the same can't be said of our underpants."

It's not the first time the boys have experienced trouble in the underwear department.

Ashley Cole got dumped by wife Cheryl this year after sending photos of himself in his Y-fronts to a topless model.

Youth Report: Chelsea 2 - 3 Manchester United

Chelsea's Under 18s succumbed to a tough Manchester United side today, with the visitors coming back from a two-goal deficit to win in the dying seconds.

The hosts built up a two-goal lead in the first-half before Manchester United returned with a strike in each half, the winner came as the result of defensive error but against the run of play.

Milan Lalkovic and Philipp Prosenik netted Chelsea's goals, which arrived in a first-half dominated by the Blues before the visitors pulled one back before the break.

There were several new additions to the line up from last year's regular youth team, with Jamal Blackman taking up his position between the posts.

At right-back sat Todd Kane with Ben Sampayo captaining from left-back. Meanwhile, Danny Stenning and Archange Nkumu both took up midfield positions behind an attacking trio of Bobby Devyne, Prosenik and Lalkovic.

Youth team manager Dermot Drummy fronted a 4-3-3 formation while the visitors lined up with a lone striker and five in midfield. It was the travelling side who began the game brightly, with Ryan Tunnicliffe weaving through midfield before drilling a shot wide of Blackman's goal.

In retaliation, Milan Lalkovic broke down the left flank, only for his subsequent cross to fly high over the box.

Blackman was then forced into an acrobatic save after Jesse Lingard rifled a chance from just inside the box; the Chelsea keeper blocked with his hands and deflected for Kane to clear.

Soon after the Chelsea shot-stopper used his feet to deny Lingard once more, as both sides scrambled for possession only feet in front of Chelsea's goal, following a long Manchester United ball.

It would take until the 30th minute for either side to break the deadlock, and it was Chelsea who struck first.

A well-earned goal arrived after Lalkovic, chasing down an ball by Anton Rodgers, took advantage of a mistake from United's defence and stole possession on the edge of the box, kicking the ball high before hitting it over the line.

The goal opened the game up and end-to-end football ensued. Blackman kept his presence felt, smothering shots and intercepting through balls, while Chelsea's midfield played one-touch football to maintain possession.

And it wasn't long before the Blues made it two, with Prosenik getting his name on the scoresheet.

After an Nkumu tackle won possession, the ball passed along right flank before Devyne took control. His cross found Prosenik (below) at the near post who expertly headed into the net.

But the two-goal deficit was short-lived as Manchester United pulled one back from the restart, with John Cofie converting a close range chance after the hosts' defence was overrun with red.

Lalkovic and Prosenik both tried to increase the lead further before the break but to no avail as the Blues went into half-time 2-1 up.

Drummy made one change before the restart but the intensity which ended the first-half had subdued slightly, with most of the play taking place in midfield under Chelsea's control.

George Saville was shown a yellow not far into the half, after a late tackle clipped Sean McGinty's feet, but despite the freekick to Manchester United, Chelsea continued to dominate.

Drummy then made another change with 23 minutes left. Prosenik made way for Lewis Baker, while Devyne went into the centre of attack. Seconds later the referee brandished yellow once more after McGinty cut Banga to the ground.

Devyne took advantage of his new position and was denied a chance shortly after. Manchester United keeper Sam Johnstone dived low, deflecting his shot from danger. The subsequent corner nearly found Banga at the far post but bounced out for a throw-in.

However, the game was levelled with 15 minutes left when Michael Keane netted another goal for the visitors from close range as defensive errors gifted him possession.

Chelsea threatened from the restart, with Lalkovic in particular looking sharp, but the opponent's defence remained resolute, allowing the hosts no chances.

The visitors managed to net the winning goal in the dying minutes. It was another scramble in the area which fell to Cofie, who smashed home with ease.

'It was a good game today,' said Drummy, 'Chelsea played some really good football and it was just unfortunate to concede at the end.

'But the side did really well, Manchester United are a very tough team to play against and we saw that today.'

Carlo Ancelotti Demands Five Victories Before Facing Manchester City

It was once said that Jose Mourinho had turned the title race from a marathon to a sprint – such was the need for the contenders to start the season in full stride – and now another Chelsea manager has set his team the target of winning all five of their Premier League matches before they face Manchester City next month.

Carlo Ancelotti said it was crucial that Chelsea faced City "on top of the list" – ie top of the table – when the two sides meet at Eastlands on Sept 25 because of their growing threat. Although, he added, City are "not a team" yet and lack a "clear identity" after another summer of heavy spending, that will have changed by then.

"Manchester City has problems. But that's normal," Ancelotti said. "You can see the power of Man City in a month. That's a normal time [for new players to adapt). When they play against us they will be a team. They bought another fantastic player in Mario Balotelli."

For now, Ancelotti said, Manchester United remain Chelsea's "challengers" – a sense confirmed by last weekend's opening round of matches – but he added of the need to quickly build a lead over City.

"They need this time [a month] because they've changed a lot of players, not just to build a team but to give time to the players who have come back from other countries. We have to look at City in a month. After that, we can say whether they are able to fight for the title or not. But I think they will be able to fight for the title," he said.

Ancelotti's knows that is the minimum requirement for Roberto Mancini and, of course, for himself. Not that he agrees with Sir Alex Ferguson – the man who also said Mourinho had cranked up the pace of the title race – that City's spending has been "kamikaze".

"The reason they did that was because they needed the players," he said. "I'd prefer to have the players than to search for them. You're not always able to take the players you want I have a fantastic squad. If you have the money, you can spend it. Man City has the money. I can't spend this money because I don't have it. This club, Chelsea, bought fantastic players in the past and can use those players now six or seven years on."

Vitesse Closing In On Deal For Chelsea’s Slobodan Rajkovic

Vitesse hope to quickly secure the loan signings of Ismail Aissati from Ajax and Slobodan Rajkovic from Chelsea, according to a report in Voetbal International.

Having been taken over by Georgian businessman Merab Jordania earlier this week, the club has received an injection of funds and are expected to be active in the transfer market in an attempt to strengthen their squad over the course of the next ten days. Their first activity seems likely to be confirming the arrival of Slobodan Rajkovic on a season long loan.

Press reports earlier in the week suggested that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was behind Jordania’s buy-out of Vitesse as he wants to use the club as a nursery for reserve and youth players, though the Russian was quick to strenuously distance himself from these suggestions.

Mourinho Wants Drogba

Jose Mourinho is planning a £20m offer for Chelsea’s Didier Drogba.

The Real Madrid boss wants to take his former striker to the Bernabeu.

But Mourinho will be told by Chelsea that their 32-year-old hitman is not for sale.

That will not stop Mourinho trying to snap him up, however, and Drogba’s agent, Thierno Seydi, has admitted that anything could still happen with his client before the end of the transfer window.

Seydi said: “Until the transfer window closes ­anything is possible with footballers.”

Mourinho wants an experienced striker after ­allowing Real Madrid hero Raul to leave the club.

At the moment he only has French flop Karem Benzema and young Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Mourinho has already done one deal with former club Chelsea this summer, taking Ricardo Carvalho to Madrid for £6m and he now plans to have a meeting with his club’s general director Jorge Valdano.

The Argentine chief wants to off-load some players and will try to use Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart in part exchange for Drogba.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is adamant that Drogba is going nowhere despite the fact that Seydi had talks with Manchester City last month about a Drogba move to Eastlands.

Drogba has spoken about wanting to finish his career at Chelsea, but at the same time he has wanted to work with Mourinho again ever since the Portuguese left the club three years ago.

Essien Making Up For Lost Time

For Michael Essien, memories of the monotony persist. Back when the English summer was sun-drenched he had rarely deviated from a set daily routine. He would arrive at Chelsea’s near deserted training centre in Cobham for 10am, then gain what little variety he could by mixing and matching between exercise bikes, cross trainers, treadmills, weights and lengths of the swimming pool. The work-out, prolonged and painful, ended at 5pm with another energy-sapping pigeon step taken on the road to recovery.

By early evening he would be back at home in front of the television to watch team-mates and compatriots participate in the World Cup finals, a stage that might have been his. The drudgery of life in rehabilitation might have left others numbed, but Essien is stronger than that. “John Mikel Obi would be in doing his work, and a couple of the reserve team players, but that was it, though it was not a problem for me,” he says. “I’m the kind of person who likes to be lonely. I got my head down and focused on getting fit. To be back playing now makes the hard work well worth it.”

There is a purring enthusiasm to the Ghanaian that suggests he is now intent upon making up for lost time. Essien has endured lengthy spells on the sidelines in the past two seasons. He ripped his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee two seasons ago while playing for Ghana, damage that excluded him for more than five months and, therefore, virtually the entirety of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s tenure at the club. In January he wrecked the cartilage and meniscus in the same joint while training at the African Cup of Nations in Angola.

The loud click heard by all present signalled the end of his participation in a season that yielded the club’s first Premier League and FA Cup Double. He scheduled a 10-day break at the end of the season ahead of the anticipated hefty working summer and promptly succumbed to a nasty bout of tonsillitis that dragged on for a week. In that sorry context, his glee at a return to first-team football is utterly understandable.

The midfielder, along with Mikel, played in all five of the champions’ pre-season friendlies and West Bromwich Albion faced a familiar rampaging figure last Saturday in Chelsea’s 6-0 win. “It was great to be back,” says Essien. “There’s relief there, too. It was so frustrating to be back in that position, out of the team and in the treatment room, but these things happen. The knee is fine. There has been no reaction, either after training or after games.

“I suppose I knew what to expect. I’d been injured the previous year, and I’m a strong guy mentally. I can honestly say that winning the Premier League last season meant as much to me as it did in my first season at the club.”

Essien played 14 league games last season, and a meagre 11 the season before, but was still offered a contract extension this summer that should extend his stay at Stamford Bridge to a decade. Carlo Ancelotti will be rejoicing to have his midfield dynamo restored to the fold, with the 27-year-old offering him rare options. He was employed in a familiar position on the right of a narrow midfield three against West Brom, with licence to spring forward and unsettle nervous opponents. Yet he retains the ability to anchor that central trio – a role offered to Mikel last Saturday – and, unlike a more conventional Claude Makelele clone, can still boast that explosive thrust.

“People are saying I’m one of the new signings this year, and I am looking forward to playing more consistently after missing so much of the last two seasons,” says Essien. “This can be a big season. I don’t think I’ve still got things to show Carlo Ancelotti. He has seen me play a lot, even before he was our manager, and he knows what I can do.

“It is an exciting time. Some players have left but Ramires has come in, a player I haven’t seen much of but getting into the Brazilian team is not easy, so he must be good. I hope I can work well with him. It will be up to the manager where we all play. I’ve always enjoyed getting forward, pushing up-field to help us in our attacks, but I think you can still do that from a central position too.”

Ancelotti’s team were defeated by today’s opponents Wigan at the DW Stadium early last season and will be wary of enduring a repeat. “But that was last season, that is gone now,” adds Essien. Everything about this player is forward thinking.

Drogba Chasing First Hat-Trick Of Hat-Tricks Since 1946

Record-chasing Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will bid to become the first player in 64 years to claim three successive hat-tricks in the English top-flight when his team visit Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

No one has scored a treble in three consecutive English top-flight games since Liverpool's Jack Balmer in 1946.

The only other players to achieve the feat were Tottenham Hotspur's Frank Osborne in 1925 and Tom Jennings of Leeds United in 1926.

Ivory Coast international Drogba helped to wrap up the Premier League title for Chelsea on the final day of last season when he bagged three goals in an 8-0 demolition of Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba then started the new campaign with another treble in a 6-0 rout of promoted West Bromwich Albion last Saturday.

The 32-year-old's second hat-trick in a row helped him surpass Jimmy Greaves's total of 132 goals as Chelsea's sixth-highest scorer.

"I didn't know (about the record) but it is really nice," Drogba told the club's website (www.chelseafc.com).

"I have said I want to make history in the club and by being among these big players I have done it. But I don't want to stop here, I want my name as high as I can (get it)."

Only Bobby Tambling (202), Kerry Dixon (193), Frank Lampard (158), Roy Bentley (150) and Peter Osgood (150) are ahead of Drogba (134) on Chelsea's all-time list.

Wigan will be wary of the Ivorian especially as Roberto Martinez's team had the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League last season and slumped to a shock 4-0 home defeat by promoted Blackpool last Saturday.

Blues To Support Cole

Chelsea insist they will do everything they can to help England international Ashley Cole through his difficult period.

The 29-year-old was booed by England fans at Wembley while he also came under fire from West Brom fans at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Cole has been perceived as public enemy number one following his infamous defection from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006.

The talented full-back is wanted by Real Madrid's new manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea fear his low morale and declining popularity could force his hand.

However, rather than part company with one of their star players, chairman Bruce Buck insists they will stand by Cole and do whatever is necessary to help him on and off the pitch.

"I think Ashley is fine," explained Buck. "He is great around the club, is polite and helpful.

"We're not involved in his private life, but we support him to a certain extent if we can.

"You would be unhappy too if you got the treatment he is getting from the media.

"He doesn't like that, but I don't think it would be any different if he was in Spain or Italy.

"He has just got to work a little but, with our help, on improving his image."

Ancelotti: Hutch Can Still Support Us

Carlo Ancelotti has praised Sam Hutchinson for his attitude over the past three years, and expressed his hope that the young defender stays with the club following his retirement.

The 21-year-old was forced to bring an end to his promising career following three years of knee problems, but plans to stay with the club as an Academy coach while also studying sports science at university.

'We are sad, disappointed about this, he decided to retire after very strong work to recover from his injury,' Ancelotti said.

'He was not able to do this but now we are together to look forward to support him in everything. He will start to study sports science, he will start to train with our Academy, and we would like that he stays in our family because he has a strong character and showed this during the years when he tried to recover from the injury.

'He is a very good man and can have a fantastic job here in Chelsea and support us with his character,' the manager continued.

'Obviously he is sad now but he has to look forward, there are a lot of things. You can't play but you can do different jobs in football, he loves football and we will support his passion.'

Match Preview: Wigan vs. Chelsea

Wigan Athletic will keen to erase the memory of last weekend's drubbing by Blackpool but face a massive task in halting red-hot Chelsea at the DW Stadium.

The Latics were stunned 4-0 by the newly-promoted side last Saturday while Chelsea proved they are in no mood to relinquish their grip on the title with a 6-0 thrashing of West Brom.

Wigan played Chelsea on the final day of last season and few have forgotten how the Lancashire side suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat when Carlo Ancelotti's side clinched the title.

However, Wigan were one of the few teams to inflict a league defeat on Chelsea last season with goals from Titus Bramble, Hugo Rodallega and Paul Scharner giving Roberto Martinez's men a 3-1 success.

If recent form is anything to go by then Chelsea will run out easy winners. Wigan have shipped 24 goals in their last 10 league games while the Blues have gone 406 minutes without conceding at the back.

Wigan news

Charles N'Zogbia could return to the Wigan side for the visit of the champions after being left out against the Seasiders.

The French winger was omitted for last week's 4-0 thrashing by manager Martinez, who questioned the player's attitude amid speculation over his future.

Martinez has since played down reports of a rift between the pair and said the 24-year-old will be in contention on Saturday.

The Spanish boss must also decide whether to keep faith with goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after his personal horror show in their season opener.

Forward Victor Moses has been ruled out with a calf injury while club captain Gary Caldwell remains on the sidelines after double hip surgery in the summer.

Chelsea news

Chelsea boss Ancelotti may give a Premier League debut to new signing Ramires. The Brazil international has joined from Benfica, although Jon Obi Mikel performed well against the Baggies.

Didier Drogba, who is aiming to score a league hat-trick for the third consecutive game, is sure to retain his place up front and he will be supported by Frenchman Nicolas Anelka.

Branislav Ivanovic is expected to be recalled into Ancelotti's starting XI after missing out last week due to an injury sustained on international duty. Portuguese full-back Paulo Ferreira will make way.

Jose Bosingwa remains on the sidelines with a knee injury and will play no part as Chelsea look to maintain their impressive start to the new campaign.

Possible starting XIs:

Wigan: Kirkland, Boyce, Alcaraz, Gohouri, Figueroa, McCarthy, Diame, Moses, Watson, Rodallega, Boselli.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Cole, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.

Ramires Not Ready

Carlo Ancelotti has announced that Ramires will not be involved at Wigan but should make his debut against Stoke.

The Brazilian midfielder joined Chelsea from Benfica last week in a big-money deal but is not yet ready to be in contention.

Blues supporters are likely to get a first glimpse of Ramires in action the following Saturday when Stoke travel to Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti has few injury concerns to key players ahead of the clash with the Latics and revealed that Jose Bosingwa will soon be back in training following a long lay-off due to a knee problem.

"Ramires came back this morning, he will train today, and will not be involved on Saturday," the Chelsea manager said on the club's official website.

"Next week he will be ready to play against Stoke and he will be involved in the match.

"(Branislav) Ivanovic had a little problem in his stomach and is fit and ready to play on Saturday.

"We are without (Jose) Bosingwa, he will start to train with the team next week and maybe needs again two or three weeks to play.

"(Jeffrey) Bruma will have surgery this morning for a hernia, and (Gael) Kakuta has a problem on his back.

"The other players are in good condition. (Frank) Lampard had a problem before the match against West Bromwich on his ankle, but trained well, recovered well and is fit."

Chelsea suffered a surprise defeat at the DW Stadium last season before taking their revenge on the final day of the campaign with an 8-0 home victory that clinched the title.

The Blues then continued their prolific goalscoring form by beating West Brom 6-0 on the opening day of this term, but Ancelotti is not expecting an easy match.

He said: "I am sure it will be a different game on Saturday (to West Brom), the last game at Wigan we lost 3-1 and for this reason I think we have to prepare well for this game, above all mentally.

"I will be happy if we can win just 1-0. It is important to have a clean sheet, it is important to score when possible but this is not football, to win 6-0 or 7-0 cannot happen every day. It is important to win, to play well, and if possible to score.

"We have to pay attention, they started bad, lost at home against Blackpool and they want to be strong, to have power, to do a different match. We have to pay attention because they have quality and skills in front."

Blues Striker Relishes Playmaking Role

Nicolas Anelka made headlines yesterday for laughing off his international ban for France, but when it comes to club football for Chelsea, the Frenchman is more focused than ever on diversifying his skill set.

The 31-year old, who has represented a plethora of clubs before his arrival at Stamford Bridge two years ago, feels confident about being surrounded with great finishers such as Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, and Frank Lampard.

Hence, he insists that it has been a natural process for him to go from a lethal finisher to an effective playmaker over the course of time that he has spent in West London.

Speaking to the club’s website, he said: “Now I like the way I am playing but I have always liked to create goals and give assists because I like to win. When you want to win, even if you don’t score you want to make someone score and this is what I did last weekend.

“For me when you score and when you create a goal, it is the same. When you like football, I think you must like to do both as well,” he added.

Having won the Golden Boot Award in his first full season with the club not too long ago, Anelka acknowledges that scoring goals always remains a top priority for a hungry forward.

However, based on his experience, he insists that in a physical league such as the English top flight, players over 30 years old must be prepared to structure their game differently as per the needs of their team. After all, nothing is more important than winning!

“I will try to score more and I will try to do more assists but as I say, the most important is to win games and I am sure even if I don’t score, even if I don’t give assists then someone else will do it.

“Players need to change how they play in their thirties and even more so in England because it is so physical and quick with a lot of contact. You are not like you were when you were younger so you need to adapt your game – and this is exactly what I want to do,” concluded Anelka.

Ancelotti Slams French Federation Over Anelka Ban

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has slammed the French Football Federation for banning striker Nicolas Anelka for 18 matches.

Anelka was suspended from international duty after being sent home from the World Cup following a dressing room row with then-France coach Raymond Domenech at half-time of the group stage match against Mexico.

The French squad refused to train for one day in South Africa in a show of solidarity with Anelka - an action which sparked outrage in France and led to a government probe into the scandal.

Blues striker Anelka responded to the ban by calling the federation's chiefs "clowns" and insisted he had already retired from international football.

Ancelotti is adamant Anelka doesn't deserve to be hit with such a lengthy suspension and, speaking at his weekly press conference on Friday, he said: "I think it was unfair for him - 18 games is too much.

"I don't know what happened there but Anelka is an honest man and he didn't deserve the decision.

"But Anelka has reacted very well. He has taken it with good spirit."

Ancelotti, who took charge at Chelsea last year, insists Anelka has never caused him any problems and he believes the ban is good news for the Premier League champions as it gives one of their star players extra time to rest.

"He never caused any problems for me. It is good news for myself because he can stay here to train during the international break, he can maintain a good condition," Ancelotti added.

"But for him it is not good news because every player wants to play in the national team."

Ancelotti will need Anelka to remain at his best this season after missing out on Brazilian striker Neymar when the highly-rated 18-year-old decided to remain at Santos rather than move to Stamford Bridge.

Hutchinson Forced To Retire

Chelsea youngster Sam Hutchinson has been forced to retire from professional football following a recurrence of a knee injury.

The 21-year-old defender has struggled with his fitness for several years, leaving him unable to build on a career that saw him handed his first senior game at the end of the 2006/07 season by Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach spoke of his ability to become a first-team player in the future, however despite his young age he has consistently been hampered and has now chosen to quit.

Hutchinson began the 2007/08 season with bright prospects after several appearances for the reserves and also won a place in England's Under-21 squad, as well as making three appearances last season.

He will now be given support by the club to study sports science at university and will work on his coaching qualifications as part of Chelsea's academy.

Alex - Ramires Identical To Essien

Chelsea defender Alex has compared the club's new signing Ramires to current midfield star Michael Essien.

Brazil international Ramires completed a big-money move to Stamford Bridge from Benfica last week and has been handed the No.7 shirt.

Alex feels his compatriot's playing style is similar to that of Essien and is confident Ramires will be a success for the Premier League champions.

"I was talking with Jose Bosingwa and we were saying how Ramires is a lot like Michael Essien," Alex told the club's official website.

"He's not as strong as Essien, but he has the same style on the pitch.

"He goes forward very quickly, then he comes back and marks very well. He's a very good player.

"It's very important for me and the team that the midfielders go to shoot and arrive at the goal, but then get back to mark.

"He's almost the same as Michael Essien like that, so I am expecting a lot of goals, which is important for us.

"He will get to play with Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard, we have a very good midfield group and he will do a great job for us."

Neymar Explains His Decision To Reject Chelsea & Play On With Santos

Santos prodigy Neymar has stated that he will remain in Brazil for the time being, choosing to snub a lucrative offer from Premier League outfit Chelsea.

The 18-year-old Brazil international has been linked with a move to Europe for much of the summer, but over the last fortnight the Blues had emerged as strong favourites for his signature. Neymar seemed undecided for a period, but he has now told a press conference that he won’t be moving to England yet.

“The final decision is always that of the player,” he stated. “I talked to my father, my family, and I have decided to stay. I am happy, and that's what I want. I think this decision will help me a lot in my game, because I'm happy. Money alone does not buy happiness.”

Club president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira was left delighted.

“The decision of Neymar is not based on a simple comparison of numbers, because otherwise Santos would have lost. This is a much more thoughtful decision, which shows that a child of 18 years is capable of taking the decisions of a mature man,” he said.

Neymar has already been capped once by Brazil, scoring against the USA on his international debut last week.

Chelsea Set To Send Serbian Duo Out On Loan

Chelsea want to send Serbians Nemanja Matic and Slobodan Rajkovic out on loan before the transfer window closes.

Midfielder Matic, who is 6ft 4iin tall and 22-years-old has made only three substitute appearances for the Blues since arriving from Slovakian side MFK Kosice a year ago and needs match practice.

And Chelsea are also looking for a home for defender Rajkovic, who is said to interest Fulham but has spent his entire Blues career away from the club - playing at PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente in Holland so far.

"We have to find a solution for some players to give them a loan, above all the young players,” said manager Carlo Ancelotti.

"Rajkovic, maybe Matic. We are trying to find a solution with them.”

Essien Helps Sports In The City Campaign

Michael Essien was joined by Capital FM's Johnny Vaughan at an adidas Blue Pitch close to the Bridge to support Help a London Child's Sport in the City campaign.

He was united with young people who have been taking part in football sessions delivered by Chelsea Foundation coaches at the adidas Blue Pitch on Eel Brook Common.

The Sport in the City program provides free sport to underprivileged youngsters from across the capital during the summer holidays.

'I wish I had somewhere like this to play but it was not the same for me when I was growing up,' said Essien.

'It is good to have pitches like this for the kids where they can learn how to play football.

'Football more than any other sport is good to help them, to keep them fit and to keep them away from the streets as well.'

Help a London Child's Sport in the City campaign is expected to capture the imaginations of over 4,000 children by giving them taster sessions in a variety of sports.

The activities taking place across Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Wandsworth, Southwark and Islington include swimming, street dance, tennis, handball, netball, basketball, volleyball, boxing, squash, climbing, karate and gymnastics.

With funding from the Premier League's Creating Chances program and Chelsea's Community Shield allocation from the FA, the specially-designed program is being delivered by the London Coaching Foundation and members of UK Fitness Network.

'We're here to celebrate the partnership between Help a London Child and Chelsea Football Club for the Sport in the City program,' said Vaughan. 'It runs throughout the summer holidays to keep kids off the street and doing good things.

'You don't want children to stray, see who is kicking around during the day and fall in with the wrong crew when they're bored. So sport is just a great way to get them involved.

'It teaches all the right lessons about discipline, teamwork, valuing your own talent and what you've got. And there's a place for everyone on the sports pitch, so it's absolutely fantastic, it really is.'

Once Essien had met all the children at Eel Brook Common he moved onto the Linford Christie Stadium in the north of Hammersmith and Fulham to watch Chelsea Foundation coaches host a training session for the Barclays Spaces for Sports program.

The program is designed to strengthen communities through sport and currently boasts an average of 53,000 people using Barclays Spaces for Sports sites across the country. The Linford Christie Stadium is one of these sites and is utilized by Chelsea Foundation coaches to provide football sessions to children in the area.

Mikel Seeks More Silverware

John Obi Mikel insists he is purely focused on helping Chelsea win more silverware, despite his first team place being under threat by new signing Ramires.

Mikel's role in the Blues side will come under serious scrutiny this term following the Brazilian midfielder's move to Stamford Bridge from Benfica last week.

The £18.2million signing is capable of playing anywhere in the Chelsea engine room, but is likely to vie with the Nigerian international for the holding role in Carlo Ancelotti's first XI.

Mikel, who scooped his first Premier League winners' medal last year, is only concentrating on helping the club retain their domestic title however.

"I feel at home at Chelsea," said Mikel, who also paid to tribute to coach Ancelotti for his faith in him last season. "When I signed I was only 19 and looking back I have really enjoyed my four years at the club.

"In that time I have learned a lot, gained more experience and I know how to read the game better. After all that time playing for a team like this in a league like this, you'll always be better for it.

"I'm very happy playing under Carlo Ancelotti. After a season together I feel I know him well. He's a manager I can speak to, in many ways he's like a father. He gives me great confidence.

"Winning the Premier League was the big one to add to my list. I had won every other domestic trophy since arriving at Chelsea in the summer of 2006.

"But it took until May this year to get my first Premier League winners' medal. It's fantastic to have been able to win all those things by the age of 23 but I suppose that is the benefit of starting your career early.

"I know there are a lot of great players out there who haven't won any of those things. I feel very happy and very blessed. The next one to add is the Champions League."

Mikel expects Manchester United and Manchester City to push the Blues harder than ever this season but insists the side is even more determined to finish top.

They began the campaign with a stunning 6-0 victory over newly promoted West Brom and now travel to face Wigan, who were beaten 4-0 by newcomers Blackpool.

But Mikel added: "It's going to be another very tough season. United will be hungry to win the title back. I think City will be up there but we want it just as much, if not more, and it will be our job to try to keep it.

"For me, once I've won something, I want to keep it.

"We only won the Premier League a couple of months ago but already I feel like it didn't happen.

"Just because you have won something it doesn't mean you lose that hunger. I still have a desire to win all the competitions in which we play. It's the only way to be in my opinion.

"Truly great teams win things multiple times and that's what I want Chelsea to do."

Jack Rodwell 'May Be Tempted By Chelsea Transfer''

Chelsea are thought to be preparing a £16million bid for Everton starlet Jack Rodwell in the hope of tempting the player to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.

According to reports, the Blues are keen on adding to their quota of home-grown players before the end of the month.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has singled out Rodwell for praise, describing the midfielder as "a good player".

And now it seems the Italian wants to test the resolve of both the player and his club by making a significant bid - despite Rodwell having just signed an extended contract at Goodison Park recently.

Rodwell, 19, is tipped to break into the England international set-up this season, and is hoping to do with plenty of first-team football at the Toffees under David Moyes.

As a result, he is expected to reject the option of joining the London club even if Everton are made an offer they cannot refuse, which is expected to be anything over £20million.

Rodwell would likely find himself playing in Chelsea's reserves this season, with the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Jon Obi Mikel, and new signing Ramires all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich Denies Reports Of Vitesse Takeover

Roman Abramovich's spokesperson from his private investment company Millhouse LLC has informed Goal.com that a report of the Chelsea owner taking over Vitesse is untrue.

Georgian businessman Merab Jordania was said to have taken over Eredivisie outfit Vitesse earlier this week, but according to a report in Quote, it’s none other than Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich who is behind the deal.

The financial magazine claimed that Jordania is little more than a puppet for Abramovich, quoting an anonymous friend of the Russian, who reportedly stated: “De facto, it is Roman who has bought Vitesse.”

It has been suggested that players from Chelsea’s reserve and youth teams could soon be making their way to Arnhem, though young Dutchman Jeffrey Bruma will not be one of them. “He is someone who could end up starting in the future,” the source revealed.

Vitesse are a club who have been plagued by financial difficulties over the last decade and have found times tougher during the recent global economic crisis. As a result, they’ve been forced to shed many first team players and have filled the squad with a number of youngsters.

Exactly why Jordania wanted to invest in an Eredivisie club has not been made clear and has certainly made it easy to cast a shadow over his recent successful takeover of the side who finished 14th in the Netherlands’ top flight last term.

Chelsea Eye Shock Swoop For Sogndal Goalkeeper Piotr Leciejewski

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Sogndal goalkeeper Piotr Leciejewski as manager Carlo Ancelotti looks to boost his squad, according to skysports.com.

Leciejewski, 25, has impressed in the Norwegian second flight since joining in 2008 and has come on the radar of watching scouts.

This summer, reserve shot stoppers Henrique Hilario and Ross Turnbull both failed to impress and a new face could be added to provide competition for Petr Cech.

Speaking to Bergens Tidende, Sogndal chairman Egil Mundal expected a switch to a big club to happen soon for the Pole.

He said: "What I can say is that Piotr has got an enormous potential.

"We know it's a question of time before he will play on a bigger stage."

Santos Slap €35m Price Tag On Neymar To Ward Off Chelsea Interest

Chelsea officials are apparently considering withdrawing their offer to sign Brazilian starlet Neymar from Santos, according to a report from The Independent, after the teenager's club offered to make him their highest paid player.

Santos has also apparently informed Chelsea that the Londoners must pay a €35 million transfer fee or miss out on the player.

The Santos president, Luis Alvaro Oliveira, has reportedly briefed the Brazilian media that there will be no shifting from that asking price for the 18-year-old.

The player himself is understood to be reluctant to move to a club where he wil play in the reserves, with the main impetus for the move believed to be coming from the player's father and agent, Wagner Ribeiro.

Neymar's representatives are set to respond to the Santos offer this week. The Brazilian club are believed to have made the youngster an offer to increase his wages from 160,000 Brazilian Reais (€70,000) a month to R$600,000-a-month (€270,000), as well as a share of the club's commercial deals.

Chelsea are understood to already have had an offer of €20m rejected and are prepared to go as high as €28m.

Mano Menezes, the new Brazil coach, declared this week that he felt Neymar should not join Chelsea, as the saga surrounding the signing of a relatively unproven player continues.

Ajax To Try And Beat Chelsea To Anderlecht Striker Romelu Lukaku

Ajax are hoping to tempt Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku out of a possible move to Chelsea, according to a report from broadcasters talkSPORT.

The report claims that the Dutch outfit plans to persuade the 17-year-old that the chance to become a star in the Netherlands is better for him at this stage of his career than a spell on the bench at a Premier League club.

The terms of the deal would apparently be a small fee to be paid by Ajax, with a huge sell-on clause in the youngster's contract that would see Anderlecht well rewarded for their development of the player.

Lukaku was pictured this summer at Stamford Bridge wearing a Chelsea shirt, but the Blues are not the only European giants interested in acquiring his services.

Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona are also believed to be interested in the player, though his agent has also insisted that he is too young to move to such a huge club.

That has alerted Ajax, who believe they can offer the Belgian Under-21 international a chance to develop within their famed youth system.

Reserves Beaten By Rovers

Chelsea's reserve side was beaten 3-1 by Blackburn's second string at Cobham on Wednesday afternoon, as Steve Holland's side completed its pre-season program.

Chelsea had the better of the opening exchanges, as captain Fabio Borini and Franco Di Santo both curled narrowly wide.

The Italian then struck a post before his Argentine strike partner gave the Blues the lead with a fine solo goal.

Picking up a loose ball on the edge of the Rovers area, Di Santo danced in and out of several challenges before toe-poking in off the far post.

At the other end Ross Turnbull saved well from experienced forward Jason Roberts, using his feet to divert the ball away, and then tipping a goal-bound header on to the crossbar.

Blackburn levelled when Aaron Doran sent a rocket straight into the far top corner from some 25 yards, and within two minutes the visitors were in front, as the robust Roberts held off Billy Clifford to slot beneath the advancing Turnbull.

Eight minutes into the second period Rovers doubled the lead from close range, Roberts the scorer again as they took a grip on the game after Chelsea's bright start.

Jacob Mellis almost pulled a goal back when he sent a vicious shot against the post from outside the box, and then Josh McEachran half-volleyed against the bar after Gokhan Tore had set him up.

The last chance of the game came from a Chelsea corner taken by Tore from the left, but Michael Mancienne sent his free header wide of the far post.

Coming To Terms With Work Permits

Carlo Ancelotti, Ray Wilkins and club secretary David Barnard were at offices in Wembley Stadium on Thursday. It was a fruitful visit because a day later the following was announced:

'Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have completed the signing of Brazilian international Ramires from Benfica on a four-year contract.

'The midfielder was granted a work permit on Thursday and finalized his medical in London on Friday afternoon.'

The Chelsea delegation had been present at a panel which granted Ramires that permit but a panel is not involved in all permits, nor are work permits required for all non-British players brought in by the club.

Work permits are not a football-specific regulation. They are part of the rules governing all workers and are operated by the UK Border Agency.

As a member state of the European Union, workers (including professional footballers) from all EU countries (and the other nations that make up the European Economic Area) can ply their trade in the UK without the need for a permit.

For Ramires, as a South American, the rules are different, as they are for Russian nationals, as they are for Africans etc. A permit must be assigned before he can pull on a blue shirt and take to the Stamford Bridge pitch for real match action.

So who gets given the vital piece of paper and who doesn't? It is all about quality.

Incoming non-EU players must be of sufficient standard to make a significant contribution to the football of the country. To be considered good enough to do that, the authorities in consultation with various football bodies agreed a set of criteria.

The player must have played for his country in at least 75 per cent of its competitive 'A' team matches he was available for selection, during the two years preceding the application for a permit. Injury and suspension is taken into consideration.

The player's country must be at or above 70th place in the official Fifa World Rankings when averaged over the two years preceding the date of application.

Due to that second stipulation you might play every match for Canada, for example, but you would not initially be given a permit. Canada currently sit 101st in the Fifa Rankings. That is not the end of it though, as it wasn't for Ramires and Chelsea despite our new midfielder not reaching the 75 per cent international appearance mark.

The next step is the previously-mentioned panel which includes representatives of football governing bodies and independent experts. It considers whether the player is of the highest calibre and whether the player is able to contribute significantly to the development of the game at the top level in England. A majority positive vote is required to approve a permit application.

If our theoretical Canadian is one of his nation's finest then he may well still gain access to England's leagues.

There have been changes to procedure down the years. At one time the salary the player was commanding affected the granting of a permit and a new application was needed each year.

The late Tony Banks, Chelsea fan and then Minister for Sport was involved in the announcement of the current criteria for football in 1999.

And speaking English is now a consideration due to changes to the national regulations across all areas of work in 2008.

There is now a need to demonstrate competency in the language to obtain a permit for the length of the player's contract (up to three years). Should that not be possible then the permit is initially for 12 months only with competency in English needed at the end of that time. Transfer is then made to the full-length permit.

This is a process Yury Zhirkov has undergone and been successful and Ramires will come to in time.

Renewal at the end of a permit period is possible if the original criteria are still met. Should a player's international appearances have dropped below the required 75 per cent in that time then a panel hearing is available.

Football may be involved in setting down and operating the work permit system for the sport but permits are more a government than a football requirement. Each nation will decide its rules. There is not standardization across the international game.

The possibility is there for a foreign player to have spent years at a club in another EU country, yet be unable to transfer to England and play in our league.

John Terry: Winning The Double Is Our Minimum Target This Season

John Terry has challenged his Chelsea team-mates to scale new heights and says winning the Double again is the "minimum" target for the season ahead.

The Blues have come off a campaign where they lifted the Premier League and FA Cup in the same season for the first time in the club's history. Despite this success, the failure to progress past the quarter-final stage of the Champions League still caused regret.

Terry has called for a repeat performance this season and hopes to continue winning trophies with Chelsea.

He said: "Last season was great for us - no team had ever won the double for this club before and that means this group going down in Chelsea history. Now, we go again.

"We know what we are capable of and we all want to win everything in this squad.

"The winning mentality isn't just something we talk about - we hate to see any other team lifting trophies and it is up to us to make sure we don't have that feeling we had when Man United lifted the Premier League three years running.

"It is ours again now, so is the FA Cup - and retaining those trophies is the minimum aim for us this time around."

Terry added: "Manchester United beat us in the Community Shield, so we know they are going to be up for the fight - but we are champions and we have to keep it that way."

Brazil Coach Warns Neymar Off Chelsea

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has cautioned Neymar against joining Chelsea and says the teenager will benefit from continuing his education with Santos.

It is believed Chelsea have failed with a £24 million offer for the forward, who recently scored on his senior debut for the Brazilian national side. However, Neymar does have a release clause set in his contract to the value of £29.6 million.

Chelsea's pursuit of the player has angered Santos, who have threatened to report the Premier League club to FIFA for what they described as "harassment" - a charge that has been strenuously denied by Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck.

It is expected that Neymar will decide this week whether he views a move to Stamford Bridge as the correct step for his career, but Menezes hopes the 18-year-old remains in his home country at present.

Menezes said: "All understand Neymar's situation and what must be going on in his mind. But thinking about Brazilian football, his remaining with Santos would be beneficial. The team is on top and it would very good for Neymar to say with them for a longer period."

Though it is understood that Chelsea will redouble their efforts to sign Neymar and that he is interested in a move to the Premier League, the forward says he will take into account the view of his national boss and does not wish to be a substitute if he does move to London.

"I don't know if I will stay or depart but I don't wish to leave a championship team like Santos to be placed on the reserve team of Chelsea or any other foreign team," Neymar said. "It would be better to stay. I will take into consideration Mano's advice before making my decision."

Chelsea Consider Swoop For £13m Rated Real Madrid Midfielder

Chelsea are planning an audacious swoop for Real Madrid midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart who is said to be ready to leave the La Liga giants following the arrival of Mesut Ozil from Werder Bremen. Carlo Ancelotti has been keen to strengthen his midfield after losing the services of Michael Ballack, Deco and Joe Cole this summer.

The fact that the Blues allowed Ricardo Carvalho to rejoin Jose Mourinho could help matters if the west London side does indeed follow up their interest in the Dutch international with a solid bid for his services. The 27 year old former Ajax and Hamburg man has struggled to get a foot hold in the Bernabeu first team but had hoped to be able to win over new boss Jose Mourinho but the signing of Ozil could be the death knell of Van der Vaart’s Real Madrid career.

There has been some talk of a potential return to the Bundesliga but it could be that he is looking for a fresh challenge and a move to the Premier League champions would be a very tempting move to consider. The attacking midfielder has also seen his lack of first team action cost him a regular spot in the Dutch national team and the former international regular only managed to play in group matches during the World Cup and lost his place to Arjen Robben when he had recovered from his injury.

Jose Mourinho will also know that he needs to trim his squad to help cut his massive wage bill and would probably consider offers of around £12-14m for the player who arrived in Spain in the summer of 2008 for a fee of £11m.

Manchester City are also said to be interested in the talented attack minded midfielder and there interest could drive the price ever upwards.

Chelsea Boss Carlo Ancelotti Hints At Interest In Everton Starlet Jack Rodwell

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is thought to have dropped a broad hint that he intends to make a move to sign Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell.

The Londoners have been seeking to lower the average age of the squad; as a consequence of this, the west London club are thought to be in the market to make signings that would put the future of the club in no doubt.

Now the Daily Mail claims that Blues boss Ancelotti has insisted that "Rodwell of Everton is a good player," dropping a broad hint that an approach could be in the offing.

The young midfielder last season signed a new five-year deal to remain at Goodison Park, while his manager David Moyes has thus far maintained that he will remain on Merseyside this summer.

Chelsea Close To Unleashing Gael Kakuta

Rarely has one player dominated the headlines to the extent that Chelsea’s Gael Kakuta grabbed the media’s attention in 2009. Twelve months on, Kakuta is ready to earn a more positive reaction. The Frenchman is still just 19 years of age, but his time in England has been nothing short of eventful since completing a switch from French side Lens in 2007.

After cutting his teeth with the Chelsea youth team, Kakuta’s world was turned upside down by controversy surrounding his transfer to Stamford Bridge. In 2009, the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber banned Chelsea from buying players during the next two transfer windows while Kakuta received a four-month ban and a fine. Though the decision was later overturned, the saga thrust Kakuta into the spotlight. But the drama around the deal has not fazed him, though there were some tough patches when the bans were announced.

His talent has been obvious to everyone at the club and in late 2009 Ancelotti raved about his young star’s potential. The Italian said: At his age, I have never seen one player with his talent. He suffered for one or two weeks about the situation but he is a very good talent. His character is good. Technically, he is fantastic.

John Terry is considered to be the last player to rise from the club’s youth system and the defender has voiced his pleasure at witnessing Kakuta’s promise. Terry stated: It’s good to see not only for the management and the players but for the fans as well. Gael’s a real exciting talent. No one’s getting too carried away - Gael still has a lot to prove - but he’s a great young talent and he’s doing really well.

The recent 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championships showcased the youngster’s all-round game. Playing on home soil, France made a fast start as Kakuta set them on the way to a 4-1 win over Holland in the group stage. He popped up again to save the day in the semi-final with the equalizer against Croatia. But he saved his most important contribution for the final against Spain. With the game locked at 1-1, Kakuta conjured up the assist for Alexandre Lacazette to strike a late winner. Having led his team to glory, Kakuta was named Golden Player for his fine displays in the tournament.

Of course, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is not short of quality options going forward, with Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard in the fold, plus Salomon Kalou and last season’s star Florent Malouda. But it will not have escaped the Italian’s notice that Kakuta is developing into a promising attacker. Just as Sir Alex Ferguson has been raving about the potential of Javier Hernandez and Federico Macheda, Chelsea coaches are said to be excited by Kakuta’s progress. Thus far, his first team appearances have been limited to one Champions League outing and a few cameos off the bench in the league and League Cup. Yet it is not a far fetched idea to think that the youngster might feature in the first team this year, especially as Drogba has had injury problems.

The departures of Joe Cole and Michael Ballack may also open up playing time for Kakuta. It is no secret that Chelsea needs some younger legs, especially when trying to unlock stubborn defences. Teams tend to opt for a 4-5-1 formation at Stamford Bridge, making it paramount that the Blues have players with the creativity to produce a moment of magic. And Ancelotti will need to shuffle his pack if Chelsea is to mount serious challenges on four fronts. While there would be benefits to be gained from allowing Kakuta to gain regular first team football out on loan, the attacker has made it clear he wants to stay and fight for playing time this season.

Chelsea are the team to beat this year after winning the Double last season, but with that comes additional pressure. And in Kakuta, they have a young star who will not be overawed by the big occasion. When the moment arrives, Kakuta will be itching to show the promise that caught Chelsea’s eye several years ago. Kakuta and Chelsea have been through some testing times together, but the Blues will soon reap the rewards. The young Frenchman could well be a key man for many years to come.

Chelsea Owner Roman Abramovich Behind Vitesse Takeover

Georgian businessman Merab Jordania was said to have taken over Eredivisie outfit Vitesse earlier this week, but according to a report in Quote, it’s none other than Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich who is behind the deal.

The financial magazine claimed that Jordania is little more than a puppet for Abramovich, quoting an anonymous friend of the Russian, who reportedly stated: “De facto, it is Roman who has bought Vitesse.”

It has been suggested that players from Chelsea’s reserve and youth teams could soon be making their way to Arnhem, though young Dutchman Jeffrey Bruma will not be one of them. “He is someone who could end up starting in the future,” the source revealed.

Vitesse are a club who have been plagued by financial difficulties over the last decade and have found times tougher during the recent global economic crisis. As a result, they’ve been forced to shed many first team players and have filled the squad with a number of youngsters.

Exactly why Jordania wanted to invest in an Eredivisie club has not been made clear and has certainly made it easy to cast a shadow over his recent successful takeover of the side who finished 14th in the Netherlands’ top flight last term.

Nicolas Anelka Labels French Federation Officials ‘Clowns’ After 18-Match Ban

Slapped with an 18-match national team suspension on Tuesday, France striker Nicolas Anelka has admitted to having simply laughed at his ban, which was handed to him by the FFF’s (French FA) disciplinary committee.

Anelka was suspended after a frank exchange of words with then-coach Raymond Domenech during the half-time interval of les Bleus’ World Cup encounter against Mexico spilled over into the press, with the result that the Chelsea star was sent home from the World Cup while his team-mates sat out training as a protest.

“For me, this whole thing with the commission of whatever it is an aberration, a masquerade to make sure they don't lose face,” he declared to France Soir. “They have punished a void, as Nicolas Anelka never existed in this pitiful and colourful affair. I repeat: the page with les Bleus was turned on June 19 when I was evicted from Knysna.

“They are real clowns, these people... I am doubled up with laughter.”

Michael Essien Flies Ghanaian Kids To Chelsea

Two Ghanaian kids Bismark Mensah and Jonathan Kwofie have been flown on a three-day visit to Chelsea Football Club in London under the aegis of the Michael Essien Foundation.

The boys will participate in a three-day residential camp from August 17 to 20. They are also scheduled to be part of mini-tournaments aimed at honing their football talents along with other kids at the club.

“I am proud that we have been able to help these boys live their dream, which is what the Michael Essien Foundation is all about,” the midfield general said in a statement.

“We have been working hard behind the scenes and with the help of Chelsea Football Club we will be giving the boys hope and inspiration – a key message of the foundation.

“A very big thank you to everyone at Chelsea Football Club & Chelsea Foundation for being so kind and generous – especially everyone directly involved in this small project of giving the boys a chance to realize their dream. I am truly grateful,” he stated.

The Ghanaian youngsters will be taken on a tour of Stamford Bridge and other places of interest.