Chelsea Defender Cole Set To Return For Season's Final Six Weeks

Chelsea and England defender Ashley Cole is expected to return for the final six weeks of the season, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The England defender broke his left ankle during Chelsea's defeat to Everton in February.

Following surgery, Cole has undergone intensive rehabilitation during a three week spell in France.

There had been media reports which claimed that it was hugely unlikely that Cole would play again this season, jeopardizing his selection for Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

But, Cole's operation on his ankle was deemed a complete success, his recovery is going well and now the left-back is expected to return for the final six weeks of Chelsea's season.

The news will be welcomed by both Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti and England coach Fabio Capello, who is already without left-back Wayne Bridge, who ruled himself out of World Cup contention.

Chelsea Defender John Terry Bemoans Referee's 'Bad Performance' In Champions League Loss

After crashing out of the Champions League in a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea captain John Terry criticised the refereeing during their crucial European matches.

The Blues were eliminated in the round of 16 by a 3-1 aggregate score, but the former England captain believes that the referee did not help the Blues.

"It was a bad performance by us but a really bad performance from the referee,” Terry told The Guardian.

"It is not good enough at this stage of the competition. We were at home and we didn't get one decision. We do our best to get ourselves in this position and for two years running we get let down by bad refereeing."

German referee Markus Stark was in charge of the second leg and refused a couple of Chelsea’s penalty appeals, decisions that Terry believed should have been given.

"I'm not going to say the word conspiracy. But I'm so frustrated by what happened. The penalty on Didier Drogba was blatant and how the referee and linesman miss those decisions frustrates me."

Terry also revealed that the referee was discourteous to the Chelsea skipper when he was inquiring as to why the penalties were not given.

"When a decision didn't go our way I, as captain, went to speak to the German referee and he turned his back on me. I wasn't shouting. I went to try to talk to him and when he wouldn't talk that is when I got frustrated. That is just pure disrespect."

Terry Risks UEFA Punishment After Slating Referees

Chelsea captain John Terry has criticised the standard of UEFA's elite referees following his side's elimination from the Champions League by Inter Milan last week.

Terry, who was widely quoted in Sunday's British newspapers, could be cited by the European governing body after claiming that bad refereeing contributed to Chelsea's loss not only to Inter but also to Barcelona last season.

Chelsea had two penalty appeals turned down by German referee Wolfgang Stark against Inter on Tuesday while Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo turned down four penalty appeals at Stamford Bridge against Barcelona last season.

Terry also claimed that Stark "disrespected him" as Chelsea captain by turning his back when he went to speak to him.

"It was a bad performance by us but a really bad performance from the referee," Terry said. "It is not good enough at this stage of the competition. We do our best to get ourselves in this position and for two years running we get let down by bad refereeing. We need someone at the club to take it up with UEFA."

Terry, who has made plenty of headlines for the wrong reasons this season, now faces the risk of a punishment from UEFA after remarking: "I'm not going to say the word conspiracy. I am not using that term, but I'm so frustrated by what happened.

"Florent Malouda got fouled inside the box in the first half and the referee waved play on. Didier Drogba gets manhandled and if the referee misses it, we have the linesman.

"When a decision didn't go our way I, as captain, went to speak to the referee and he turned his back on me.

"I wasn't shouting. I went to try to talk to him and when he wouldn't talk that is when I got frustrated. That is just pure disrespect.

"If I get myself in trouble, then so be it. I owe it to our fans to speak out."

No UEFA spokesman was available for comment.

Terry will not lead England at the World Cup in South Africa this year after he was stripped of the national captaincy last month following newspaper revelations that he had had an extra-marital affair with the former partner of team mate Wayne Bridge.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink Wants To See 'Refreshment' At Chelsea

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti needs to "freshen up" his squad at Stamford Bridge in the summer according to former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The Italian's side have become a little one-dimensional over the course of the campaign, with the focus on efficiency rather than style.

Hasselbaink feels injuries have exacerbated that situation but more creativity is still required, especially after the manner of the Blues' Champions League exit at the hands of Inter.

"I was quite frustrated seeing them lose the way they did," the former Dutch international told Sky Sports' 'Goals on Sunday' programme.

"They are a good side, but I said this a year and a half ago - they need refreshment.

"They need some help in the creativity. They have the power but they struggle to create a little bit.

"Everything is focussed on [Frank] Lampard and [Didier] Drogba, everything is going through the middle.

"What doesn't help Chelsea is Jose Bosingwa being injured, Ashley Cole being injured and Michael Essien out.

"It has been very, very difficult with injuries."

With the Champions League beyond their reach for another season, Hasselbaink insists winning the Premier League must be the Blues' main focus now, despite them also being in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"They still have a great chance to win the league, but they have not been playing well for the last four or five weeks," he added.

"Now they only have the championship. They have the FA Cup of course, but they have won that the last two years. They need to focus on the league."

Carlo Ancelotti Is Right Man For Chelsea, Says Graeme Le Saux

Didier Drogba's dismissal as Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League to Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan cannot be condoned. His stamp on Thiago Motta cannot be excused. The incident can, though, be understood.

Chelsea's players had grown increasingly frustrated at Inter's robust approach, their complaints to referee Wolfgang Stark increasingly vocal as he waved away two penalty appeals when first the Ivorian and then Branislav Ivanovic were mauled to the ground.

It is at these moments that referees are presented with a difficult decision, perhaps the toughest of all the calls officials must make. Give a penalty and discourage all such behaviour all over the pitch for the rest of the game. Fail to do so, as Stark did, and achieve the exact opposite. His lack of action encouraged Inter's cynicism and led directly to Drogba's dismissal. It was a sending off borne of frustration, and I can sympathise with that.

Two of the three red cards I earned in my career were a result of reacting to an opponent's provocation. They book-ended my time in the game, the first picked up as a youngster, the second when I was with Chelsea at Blackburn in a match when I was so wound up before kick-off that I probably had a yellow card before I went on the pitch.

Like me, Drogba deserved to be sent off, but that does not change the fact that referees have a duty to make decisions, however difficult, to take that opportunity to draw the line between what is and what is not allowed. I do not believe Stark's failure to do so was premeditated. It was simply poor refereeing.

That should not detract, of course, from the fact that over the two legs Inter deserved to progress. Chelsea were not especially poor, and had either of those penalty decisions been given the tie may have swung in their favour, which shows how fine the margins are between success and failure for the game's elite. They were not, though, and Carlo Ancelotti's side are now left to concentrate on the FA Cup and, first and foremost, the Premier League.

With the disappointment of their elimination from Europe fresh in their minds, and all of the attendant psychological and physical effects, Chelsea must face up to a pivotal week of their season. They travel to Blackburn on Sunday, face Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Wednesday before returning to Stamford Bridge to host Aston Villa. It is the sort of week that makes or breaks a title challenge.

Blackburn, particularly, will present a thorough examination of the character of this Chelsea team and Ancelotti's ability to get the right response to a setback from his players. Chelsea have no time for a hangover. It is about a team's determination, their personality and their will to win.

No players could approach such an arduous run of fixtures fully fresh. You are going on to the pitch tired, you have been travelling and playing, travelling and playing, scarcely doing any training at all, but you have to overcome all of that, do your job and hope that those players in your side who can win a game single-handedly perform.

Chelsea have several of those, not least Drogba and Frank Lampard, and they also boast a bigger and deeper squad than most. Ancelotti's side will need to call on all of that if they are to take nine points from these three games and seize the initiative in the title race.

Even if they fail to do so, even if they fail to win the Premier League, there can be no doubt this has been an immensely positive season for Chelsea and for Ancelotti.

Ever since Mourinho left in 2007, Chelsea have been searching for a replacement of similar stature and in Carlo, they have found that. He has the credibility and charisma Mourinho boasted, and the good relationship between manager and players that is portrayed in public is echoed in private. From speaking to those at Stamford Bridge, it is clear Ancelotti and his staff have created an excellent working environment.

That shines through on the pitch. Players like Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda have flourished. The manager has handed young players their opportunity, and it is clear he is not picking by reputation. He has got every single player on board and convinced them to believe in his methods.

Elimination from the Champions League has led to suggestions that all of the good work Ancelotti has done might be under threat, but I believe Chelsea's powerbrokers know they have the right man. All he needs is the chance to mould the side to his tactical ideology.

That should not encompass a major overhaul. For all the talk of Fernando Torres or the like, Chelsea need just one or two players – a creative dynamo would be top of their agenda – who fit in with Ancelotti. It is all well and good spending £50 million on a player, but if they are not suitable for the manager's vision, they will have little impact.

For Ancelotti to cast Chelsea in his own image, as Arsène Wenger has done in the style he has brought to Arsenal or Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, he needs time. Mourinho had a plan, and was given the space to execute it. The signs from his first season in English football, wherever the title ends up, are that Ancelotti deserves that too.

Match Preview: Blackburn Vs Chelsea

Chelsea face a stern test of their title credentials as they look to bounce back from European disappointment.

Blackburn have an impressive record at Ewood Park this season, losing just two games in the Premier League, and their home form has kept them away from the relegation battle.

Rovers are currently 10 points clear of the bottom three in 12th position and will feel they can push into the top half of the table if they enjoy a strong finish to the campaign.

Having knocked Chelsea out of the Carling Cup in December, prevailing on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw, Blackburn will go into the clash in confident mood.

But Sam Allardyce will be without Paul Robinson for around a month after the goalkeeper was substituted with a torn calf muscle in the defeat to Tottenham.

Jason Brown came on at White Hart Lane and could start against Chelsea, although Mark Bunn has been recalled from his loan spell with Sheffield United to provide an extra option.

Ryan Nelsen (knee) and Lars Jacobsen (hernia) are still sidelined, while Gael Givet (groin) is also out and on-loan striker Franco di Santo cannot play against his parent club.

However, David Dunn came through the encounter against Spurs unscathed and should start again.

Chelsea bowed out of the UEFA Champions League in midweek after losing 1-0 at home to Inter Milan, coached by former manager Jose Mourinho.

The onus had been on the Blues to attack after Inter won the first leg 2-1 and Carlo Ancelotti will have been disappointed by how rarely they threatened the Italians' goal.

But Ancelotti must now focus on domestic matters as Chelsea continue to fight for silverware in the Premier League and FA Cup.

Chelsea are currently two points behind league leaders Manchester United but have control of their own destiny with a game in hand.

Third-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull has played between the posts in the absence of injured No.1 Petr Cech and also Hilario, who are both still doubtful.

Michael Essien, Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa are still sidelined, so there are unlikely to be many changes from the side beaten by Inter.

Joe Cole will hope to start as time runs out for him to impress England manager Fabio Capello ahead of the World Cup.

Possible starting XIs:

Blackburn: Brown, Salgado, Chimbonda, Samba, Olsson, Andrews, Dunn, Emerton, N'Zonzi, Pedersen, Kalinic.

Chelsea: Turnbull, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Zhirkov, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.

Allardyce Wary Of Chelsea Backlash

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has warned his players to expect Chelsea to react like a wounded animal after their Champions League mauling by Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan side.

Allardyce said Chelsea, who visit Ewood Park on Sunday, had receiving a "massive kick up the backside" from Inter but is hoping their players will suffer from fatigue.

He said: "I'm not sure it's a good time to play them but the only thing we do know is that they are going to tire later on in the game.

"They put a huge amount of effort in against Inter Milan so there will be some physical and mental fatigue, so we have to make sure we are in there with a shout for the last quarter of the game.

"Chelsea have had a massive kick up the backside and didn't expect to lose that game and get knocked out of the Champions League, and they are now a wounded animal that you have got to protect against."

Allardyce has taken some tips from Mourinho's book of tactics by studying the success of Inter Milan - and Wigan earlier in the season - to pinpoint weaknesses in Carlo Ancelotti's side.

"I learn an awful lot from every game, I usually used to manage to set out a team tactically against Chelsea that could get a result and we have had a look at some of the stuff that Inter did," said Allardyce.

"We've also looked at what Wigan did when they beat them, as they are a team very similar to ourselves.

"If you watch Inter Milan's work-rate and the tactics that they put together it shows why they nullified Chelsea so much.

"Whether you can keep that up for 90 minutes is another thing but we'll have a go.

"We have to be right tactically and we need 11 lads prepared to roll their sleeves up and work harder and run longer than they have done all season."

Agent Denies Neymar Approach

Chelsea have not made an approach to sign Brazilian youngster Neymar, according to the player's agent Wagner Ribeiro.

Another one of the Santos forward's representatives, Augusto Frederico Pena, previously announced that he would likely leave Brazil in the summer, with Chelsea or Manchester City the destination.

However, Ribeiro has now said that his client has not entered negotiations with the Stamford Bridge outfit over a possible move.

"It isn't true at all that I had a meeting with people from Chelsea for negotiating Neymar," he told Radio Cultura.

"Nobody got in touch with either me or his father and even less with the officials of Santos.

Interest
"The only moment they showed interest in Neymar was two years ago when he was 16 years old.

"In that moment they came to Brazil and saw him in action personally during the Sao Paulo Youth Cup."

Neymar is one of the most sought-after talents in world football, with several of Europe's top clubs ready to secure his signature.

But his agent is adamant that Santos do not yet want to sell the player, instead hinting that they could hold out for a mega-money deal later in the summer transfer window.

He added: "On the other hand the president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro has said to me that he doesn't want to sell Neymar.

"And that is true because the club has signed a new contract with him until December 2014. And the most important thing is that Neymar isn't interested in leaving the team.

"And we know that we will have much more offers for him after the World Cup."

Carlo Ancelotti: I Won't Be Axed

Defiant Carlo Ancelotti claims Chelsea will not sack him even if they finish the season without a trophy.

But the under-pressure Blues boss has challenged his Champions League flops to do the Double anyway – just in case.

Chelsea will try to rebound from their crushing defeat to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan when they face Blackburn on Sunday.

And Ancelotti said: “Will I still be here next season? Yes. I’m sure – 100 per cent.

“I’m sure because I think that, at the end of the season, we will have had a very good season. A fantastic season.

“We are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and two points behind Manchester United but with a game in hand, so our destiny is in our own hands.

“If we win every game, we can do the Double. That’s very difficult, but we can try to do this. That’s very important, to think about this.”

Ancelotti had a sleepless night after being outfoxed by former Chelsea boss Mourinho and could not bear to watch yesterday’s Champions League draw.

But he was back to his defiant best after vital clear-the-air talks with disappointed Blues owner Roman Abramovich at the club’s Surrey HQ on Thursday.

Ancelotti said: “He came here to support us because he knows football very well and he knows that we are involved in important competitions again.

“We have to shift the objectives because we were focused on the Champions League and now we’ve changed our aim.

“I think to think you can do a Double is a good motivation for everyone at this club. It was my idea. It’s a new motivation for me, also.

“I needed this because I was disappointed by what happened on Tuesday. I slept two hours.

“Not very much but enough. I couldn’t sleep. But now I am fresh, no?

“Only five teams, I think, have won a Double in 140 years here in England.

“It’s not easy, but we can think about this and do our best – that’s our aim.”

Actually six teams have won a league championship and FA Cup Double in this country – Preston, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

But it is something that Chelsea have not managed – even under ‘Special One’ Mourinho.

And now Ancelotti is convinced he can achieve it in his first season in England.

As AC Milan boss, he suffered a shock early exit from the Champions League to Deportivo La Coruna in 2004.

But Ancelotti said: “Immediately we changed focus and concentrated on Serie A – and we won it.

“It’s not easy because the disappointment stays in your mind, but you have to put it out of your head and concentrate on the league.” Ancelotti also confirmed Starsport’s exclusive that time could be up for some of Chelsea’s ageing stars, who face being replaced by younger players this summer.

He said: “It’s normal that, with a new season, there are new faces. This is normal.”

Anelka Desires New Blues Deal

Nicolas Anelka has given Chelsea the clearest indication that he is ready to pledge his future to the club, while Ross Turnbull is hoping he can stay in Carlo Ancelotti's first team plans.

The Premier League challengers are understood to have reopened talks with the French striker's representatives over a contract extension that would see the much-travelled marksman remain at Stamford Bridge until 2013.

Initial discussions with Anelka's team last week stalled, allegedly over his desire for a £40,000-a-week pay increase from his current £80,000-a-week deal.

But the 31-year-old is adamant he wants to remain in London with Ancelotti's side after chopping and changing clubs throughout his career.

"I feel at home here at Chelsea," said Anelka, whose current deal expires in 2012. "I'm happy in my life and I will be more happy at the end of the season if we win the Premier League.

"I said when I first signed that I wanted a big club and I've found a big club, so now I don't need to move anywhere else.

"I am very glad to be here. I've been at big clubs before with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool, but between the ages of 25 and 30 you want to be able to find a real home for yourself.

"It came at 28 for me, when I signed here, so I am glad - it has been a long career, playing for a lot of clubs, but I like the fact that I'm playing now in one of the biggest clubs in the world, I don't need to move anywhere."

Meanwhile, rookie goalkeeper Turnbull is hoping to remain in goal against Blackburn on Sunday even though first-choice Petr Cech will undergo a late fitness test on his calf problem.

The former Middlesbrough shot-stopper - who joined the Blues in the summer - played in Chelsea's 4-1 victory over West Ham last weekend and the 1-0 defeat to Inter in the UEFA Champions League, and he now wants to hold on to the shirt.

"I want to play but at the same time I don't wish ill health on Petr," said Turnbull.

"Football is funny, it's not an 11-man game anymore, it's a big-squad game and people are starting to understand that.

"You will get injuries and you need a big squad. If the games continue to come, great, but if not I will support Petr as much as I can. The most important thing is for the team to have success.

"My chance to make a contribution is now and it would be nice to look back at the end of the season having done my part.

"As I said every game now is a big one and we have to step up and do our stuff. I think I have improved massively, coming here has been a big step. There have been some hard times, I've been training extremely hard doing double sessions and it's been pleasing to show that's paid off."

Deco In Blues Exit U-turn

Deco has moved to clear up matters reported on his desire to quit Chelsea this summer in order to move back to his homeland of Brazil.

The Portugal international, born in Sao Bernardo do Campo in Brazil, earlier this month revealed his plans to cut short his Stamford Bridge stay for family reasons.

The former Barcelona and Porto player admits finishing his career with first club Corinthians remains a dream of his, but he would like to fulfil his Chelsea contract which expires next year.

"I still have the dream of playing in Brazil but this isn't the moment for returning to my country as I am still in contract at Chelsea and I don't have it in mind to break it," said Deco.

"Besides saying that I wanted to go back to Brazil to play for Corinthians, I didn't mean that it was going to be now. I am in contract at Chelsea until June 2011."

Deco, who has not played since the Blues' 1-1 draw with Hull last month, was not part of the Chelsea squad dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Inter Milan in midweek.

The 32-year-old is still frustrated at the European exit, however, and hopes involvement in this summer's World Cup with Portugal can help soften the blow.

"We failed once again," said the two-time European Cup winner.

"If I am called to the Portuguese national team (for South Africa 2010) I am going to give the very best from me to the team.

"This could be my last participation in the national team as I don't think that I will be fit for Euro 2012."

Sturridge: For The Kids

The FA Youth Cup returns to Stamford Bridge on Monday, and Daniel Sturridge has been recalling the time he scored there in the competition.

The 20-year-old forward netted for Manchester City in the first leg of the Final back in 2008, a goal that earned his side a 1-1 draw against the Blues, before we were beaten 3-1 in the return leg at Eastlands.

'I'd already played for the first team at City but it was still a buzz to be in such a big stadium with a big crowd, even though I wasn't too popular that night because I scored the City goal,' Sturridge said.

'Playing in the Youth Cup in front of a big crowd was a great feeling. I remember the game at Stamford Bridge, I was playing for City obviously but the atmosphere that night was amazing; there were a lot of people there.

'It is a great tournament, it really opens your eyes as a kid and even though I missed the second leg of the Final I still have my winners' medal at home, it's all great memories.'

Now our lads face Blackburn in the semi-final second leg on Monday, with a 1-0 advantage brought back south from Ewood Park on Wednesday. Sturridge is hoping they receive the same levels of support that he saw two years ago.

'I urge people to get along to Stamford Bridge because it helps the lads having people support them, and they have a great chance of making the Final again,' he said.

Ross Turnbull Hunting Premier League & FA Cup Double After Crashing Out Of Champions League With Chelsea

Chelsea goalkeeper Ross Turnbull wants the Blues to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Jose Mourinho's Inter by winning a Premier League and FA Cup double.

The former Middlesbrough youngster was called into action for the game against the Italian giants at Stamford Bridge with Petr Cech and Hilario both injured.

Although he was happy with the standard of his personal performance, the keeper would rather the team had made it to the quarter finals of the competition.

"I was pleased with my performance, that's a positive but I'd much rather us be in the last eight," Turnbull told his club's offiical website.

"We set out to win the game and go through but it wasn't to be, we didn't perform on the night. We have two other competitions we can still win though, and winning them has to be our aim.

"Every game now is a big one and we have to step up and do our stuff."

Turnbull also admits that not playing regular first team football can make it difficult to stay focused. However, he is well aware that professionalism demands he trains hard and stays as sharp as possible.

"I will always work hard, but it does get frustrating when you train Monday to Friday and on Saturday you're in the stands, it's not easy wanting to get that chance, but I absolutely love it here," he added.

"Training is fantastic every day, they're all world-class players, but every professional wants to play, but equally as a professional you have to stay patient and focused.

"I want to play but at the same time I don't wish ill health on Petr or Hilario, they're friends. Football is funny, it's not an 11-man game anymore, it's a big squad game and people are starting to understand that.

"You will get injuries and you need a big squad. If the games continue to come, great, but if not I will support Pete and H as much as I can. The most important thing is for the team to have success.

"My chance to make a contribution is now and it would be nice to look back at the end of the season having done my part. As I said every game now is a big one and we have to step up and do our stuff."

Cech A Possibility For Blackburn Clash

Carlo Ancelotti may have Petr Cech available for selection as we look to recover from Champions League disappointment at Blackburn on Sunday.

The goalkeeper has been out with a calf injury since our European first leg defeat at Inter on February 24, but has now returned to training. Ancelotti will monitor the situation before leaving for the north-west on Saturday afternoon.

'Cech trained on Friday, but is doubtful for Sunday,' Ancelotti said on Friday afternoon. 'He will train today and we will take a decision for the game against Blackburn.'

Hilario is still absent though, meaning Ross Turnbull, who has deputised in the last two matches, could continue. Meanwhile, Turnbull called for focus as we aim for an FA Cup and Barclays Premier League double and his manager was in full agreement.

'Now we have to look at the Premier League and the FA Cup. It is not an easy moment because we are out from an important competition, the Champions League, we are disappointed for this but this is football and we have to look forward to the next game,' the manager said.

'I can say that we have to have a very good reaction, every game will be very important and we have 10 or 11 games to the end of the season. We can do a fantastic season because we are involved in two important competitions and after this disappointment we need a good reaction on Sunday.

'Our destiny is in our hands, if we win every game we can do the Double, and it is very difficult, but we can try. It is very important to think about this, only five teams won the Double in 140 years here in England. It is our aim.'

Three days after exiting Europe, spirits are beginning to lift and Ancelotti was keen to express he still has faith in the players at his disposal.

'I have trust in these players. I have confidence and it can happen sometimes that we are not able to do what we want,' he explained. 'I have fantastic, professional players and we have very good direction.

'We want to play football - I always said our aim is to play good football. We missed the last game but want to come back to play good football against Blackburn.'

Juventus Close To Chelsea's Frank Lampard

Juventus are following Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, and have opened up a line of communication with the player's agent, according to Tuttosport.

General director Roberto Bettega is said to have met Steve Kutner, Lampard's agent, on Tuesday. The pair spoke about the Blues midfielder with Juventus, and Bettega, being long-time admirers of him.

Furthermore, the men shared opinions on Felipe Melo, Amauri and Jonathan Zebina - players who have all been linked with summer exits.

Brazilian midfielder Melo has had a turbulent season in Turin, and he has often been connected with a move to Arsenal.

Schweinsteiger Dashes Blues Link

Bastian Schweinsteiger has played down speculation linking him with a summer switch to Chelsea.

The Bayern Munich midfielder is under contract at Allianz Arena until 2012 and claims he has no intention of breaking that agreement.

He has been linked with a move to England amid reports Chelsea are planning an overhaul of their playing staff.

An ageing squad is set to be shaken up, with a host of top names reported to be on the Stamford Bridge hit-list.

Schweinsteiger is said to be among them but the Germany international, who admits to being a fan of the Premier League, is adamant he is staying put for now.

"I have extended my contract with Bayern Munich until 2012 and I assume that I will play for this club for even longer than that," he said.

"I would hope that our relationship can continue to develop in the future. But many things are possible.

"The atmosphere in English stadiums is unique and the standard of play is very high, because there are many great players there."

Ancelotti Excited About Young Talent Coming Through At Chelsea

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti says he's excited about the young talent coming through at Stamford Bridge.

He has given youth a chance this season more than any other manager in the era of the Russian multi-billionaire and the Italian is committed to his philosophy.

Indeed, for Daniel Sturridge, Gael Kakuta, Fabio Borini, Jeffrey Bruma and Nemanja Matic, they can expect to play a much bigger part in the next campaign.

Ancelotti said so himself at a club event last week. He revealed: “All the young players have impressed me. They are all very young — Borini was born in 1991, Bruma 1991, Kakuta 1991, Matic 1988 and Sturridge 1989.

“All these players can have a future in this club. They need to improve and they are working to improve. But I think next year all these players will be in the squad.”

Ancelotti Not Thinking Of Clear-Out

Carlo Ancelotti insists it is far too early to talk about a summer clear-out at Stamford Bridge following Chelsea's Champions League exit to Inter Milan.

Chelsea's Italian coach has already refocused his seasonal ambitions on achieving the domestic Premier League and FA Cup double following their disastrous European exit in midweek.

But while Ancelotti remains adamant that he has not spoken to owner Roman Abramovich about plans for next season, he accepts there will be new faces.

Much has been made of Chelsea's ageing side since their defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho's Inter but Ancelotti is refusing to press the panic button.

When asked if he was looking at a major overhaul of the squad during the summer, Ancelotti replied: "We haven't planned. It's not the time now to plan.

"We have to look to the next game. We have 11 matches left until the end of the season and, after them, we'll have a lot of time to speak about the future of this team.

"It's normal that, with a new season, there are new faces. This is normal.

"Really, now, I want to think about this team. I want to put this team in the best position until the end of the season.

"Now is not the right moment, we have other things to think about. We have to look at the Premier League and the FA Cup.

"This is not an easy moment because we are out of the important competition, the Champions League, and we are disappointed about this.

"But this is football and we have to look forward to the next game. We have to have a very good reaction in the next game. Every game will be very important for us.

"We have 10 or 11 games before the end of the season and we can still do a fantastic season. We are involved in two important competitions so, after this disappointment, we need to have a good reaction."

Abramovich spoke with Ancelotti and his squad at their Cobham training ground on Thursday but the Italian insists it was nothing more sinister than to demonstrate his support for their efforts.

"Roman was here on Thursday and spoke with me and with the players," confirmed Ancelotti. "He came here to support us because he knows very well football and he knows that we are involved in important competitions again. So I think his presence here was very good.

"We didn't speak about the future, about the changes for next season, because it's not the right time to speak about this.

"I said we have important games in the next week and we have to stay focused - all the players and all the club.

"Roman was disappointed and he's the owner of a club that's out of the Champions League. Everyone was disappointed about the last game against Inter.

"We didn't have a good performance on Tuesday because I said we'd lost the confidence in our play.

"We didn't play like we wanted. I think the players tried to do their best, but we didn't do our best. I have trust in these players, confidence.

"It can happen that, sometimes, we are not able to do what we want. But nothing else. I have fantastic, professional players and we will have a very good reaction.

"We have to train, we have to train every day. We have to maintain a good control of our players.

"We did very well in this season, changed something by putting a different identity in the team.

"We want to play good football - that has always been our aim - and we did that for a long time. We didn't in the last game, but we want to come back and play good football against Blackburn.

"We have to be strong, sure, and maintain good control of our emotions, but the players have good quality to do this."

Chelsea's double hunt begins in earnest against Blackburn on Sunday but Ancelotti knows they must keep on winning until the end of the campaign.

"We have a very important trophy again to pursue. We are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and, maybe, two points behind Manchester United but with a game in hand," said Ancelotti.

"So our destiny is in our own hands. If we win every game, we can do the double. That's very difficult, but we can try to do this. That's very important, to think about this.

"Only five teams, I think, have won a double in 140 years here in England. It's not easy, but we can think about this and do our best. That's our aim."

Salomon Kalou Set To Lead Summer Exodus As Chelsea Plan Massive Clearout

Chelsea are ready to launch a summer clear-out of Carlo Ancelotti's squad, with striker Salomon Kalou heading up a list of star names who could be set to depart, according to a report from The Guardian.

Deco, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Juliano Belletti are also believed to be set to depart from Stamford Bridge, with Deco having recently told Brazilian radio that a move back to South America in the summer would suit him for family reasons.

Contract negotiations with Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole and Michael Ballack could all be affected by a reported desire amongst the Chelsea hierarchy to revitalise an ageing and seemingly somewhat jaded squad.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been rumoured to be interested in making a move for Kalou in the past, with the Gunners chief believed to have made an enquiry when he sold Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City.

Roman Abramovich Blind To Real Problem At Chelsea

Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and, now, Carlo Ancelotti. It is all your fault that Chelsea have failed to win the Champions League, as far as Roman Abramovich is concerned.

Abramovich privately fumes about the amount of money he has spent and – in his reasoning – the unacceptable return he has received. As the Chelsea owner would have it, it's their fault that too many players and agents have grown ridiculously rich at the Russian's expense and that he has had to – Ancelotti, for now, apart – sack them all.

No one knows, for sure, what goes on in Abramovich's mind. He speaks sparingly, even to those closest to him, but having taken soundings following Chelsea's exit to Inter Milan on Tuesday, a game when it was clear that this team had run their course, the response appears to be the same: blame the manager.

Yes, the players received flak – Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Drogba, especially, came in for criticism. All the big names with the biggest pay packets, in fact. But that was part of a theme.

These guys have cost Abramovich a fortune whereas the likes of Alex and Salomon Kalou haven't and, according to the reaction from 'the big guy', appeared to be the only ones really trying.

Abramovich has been told often enough he needs to spend big again and he is prepared to – but it will have to be, for example, Sergio Aguero at £30 million rather than the £40 million that Atletico Madrid want. And the prices for Franck Ribery, Fernando Torres, David Villa all, similarly, have to come down to attract Abramovich.

He's also been told that it's time to move some of the big names on. There are those who maintain Manchester City's offer of £30 million for John Terry should have been accepted.

But Abramovich doesn't accept it. And the core of his argument highlights his blindness to what goes wrong at Chelsea. He tells his friends this: why can't all the expensive coaches he's hired (with the exception of Mourinho, who left because he couldn't get on with the boss) mould a team in the way that Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger have? The answer, as they say, is in the question, Roman.

ASHLEY COLE TAKES STEP FORWARD

He tried to hide his presence but it was, unmistakably, Ashley Cole in the Stamford Bridge press room before Tuesday's match. He had the hood of his black top pulled over his head and was trying to squeeze himself into a corner so he wasn't noticed as he talked to who he was there to talk to.

Fair enough. There wasn't much chance the media were going to bother him anyway. What was more interesting was the fact that not only did Cole appearing to be walking comfortably, and able to put weight on his broken ankle, but that he also had a little turn of pace as he quickly exited the room once his conversation was finished. No limp. It would appear he's well on the way to recovery, which is good news for England as well as Chelsea.

PORTUGUESE TEARS OF WAR

There was some damage done on the night, however. Jose Mourinho left Stamford Bridge late on with his right hand bandaged up. It begged the question: had Roman Abramovich – or more probably one of his pumped-up bodyguards – inflicted some damage in a bone-crushing handshake of congratulations? The answer was more prosaic: Mourinho's fingers had been trapped in a door he held open for someone in the corridors of Stamford Bridge. It brought a tear to his eye. But it wasn't the only one he shed.

One reason for the long delay before Mourinho addressed the media following Inter's victory was because he wanted to compose himself. Such was the understandable emotion of the occasion that Mourinho had sobbed, tears of relief and, perhaps, regret in the away dressing room.

FOREIGN FIELDS A BIGGER LURE

Just two English clubs – Manchester United and Arsenal – will be in the draw for the last eight of the Champions League on Friday, which may lead to some hand-wringing at the Premier League. After all, with three representatives in the semi-finals for the past two seasons, and England the powerhouse of domestic football, then surely their dominance was set to continue?

It's not exactly a poor showing – indeed the spread of countries, with France the only other with two clubs, is a healthy thing. But it does puncture the myth that leading foreign players come to England because of the football, the excitement, the competition and the crowds. With a 50 per cent tax rate kicking in and the pound continuing to be weak against the euro, the reason why some players – especially those in France – are less keen to move is the reason why they wanted to come here in the first place: money.