Frank Lampard Cautions Manchester United That Talk Is Cheap

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has warned Manchester United that all of the talk being done does not matter.

Last week United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wondered whether Chelsea could handle the strain of a close Premier League title race.

The Blues certainly showed no sign of nerves as they annihilated Stoke City 7-0 on Sunday to move back to the top of the Premier League after United took a brief lead when they beat Tottenham Hotspur a day earlier.

Lampard insists that what happens on the field is the only thing that concerns him, not what is being said in the newspapers.

“The talk doesn’t matter. All that matters is the concentration in the camp in training and in games,” Lampard told the Daily Star.

“We must approach games in the right way and get the right result. Now we are getting to the stage where the talk, well all it does is give column inches really. What matters is getting out there and playing.”

Chelsea will travel to Anfield to take on Champions League hopeful Liverpool on Sunday while United will take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later in the day.

With just two games remaining, Sunday’s games might decide who will go on to win the Premier League title.

Chelsea’s bid for their first title since the 2005-06 season will be enhanced by the news that Wayne Rooney’s status for United’s final two games is very much in doubt due to a groin injury.

Lampard admits that Rooney’s absence could be a big help to Chelsea, but believes that the Blues own injury problems are just as bad as their Premier League title rivals.

“It’s a boost that Wayne could miss the final two games.

“But we’ve lost Essien, we’ve lost Bosingwa, we’ve lost players like Joe Cole for parts of the season. So it all evens itself out.”

Salomon Kalou: Chelsea Will Lose At Liverpool If We Play Like We Did Against Tottenham Hotspur

Salomon Kalou has warned his Chelsea team-mates that they cannot afford to start Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool in the same way they played in their last away game, a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Blues are just one point ahead of Manchester United in the title race, and with two games remaining know they cannot afford to drop points against Rafael Benitez's side.

Coming off the back of an emphatic 7-0 win against Stoke City on Sunday — in which Kalou scored three — the Ivorian is urging his team-mates to continue that form, rather than regress to the timid display that saw then beaten by their north London rivals.

“We have to go there and take control of the game,” Kalou said, according to The Independent.

“I feel at Tottenham, we let them play. We let them get comfortable with the ball and we have to go to Liverpool and play differently.

“We need to keep the ball and play our own game and not wait for Liverpool to take the initiative.

“Anfield will be a difficult journey, but we will be very motivated and know that if we win there, everything can be in our hands at home against Wigan.”

Liverpool will be without Fernando Torres for the game, who will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, but Kalou doesn't believe the absence of the striker makes the task at Anfield any easier for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

“Liverpool at home are still a strong team, even without Torres,” he said.

“It's true that if Torres played, it would be a plus for them, but I think they are still difficult to play at Anfield because they have that spirit at home and their supporters will push them 200 per cent."

United face Sunderland this weekend, and while Kalou doesn't rule out the Black Cats causing an upset, he is approaching the game with the mentality that Chelsea must not slip up.

“I think we have to win. There are two games to go and there's no other way of going about it. If you want to keep your chance at your end, you have to win every game," he said.

“I hope Manchester will go to Sunderland and drop some points, but you can only focus on your own game. If we take the three points, we don't worry about what Manchester do."

AC Milan Director Insists Chelsea Target Pato Will Stay At San Siro

AC Milan director Ariedo Braida has said that Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato will stay with the Rossoneri, despite reports linking him with a move to Chelsea.

The 20 year-old is in his third season at the San Siro, having signed from Brazilian side Internacional. He is enjoying a good campaign with AC Milan, having scored 14 goals in 28 appearances so far. Chelsea has been linked to Pato for some time, who averages one goal every two games during his entire AC Milan career.

There is reportedly a new financial reality at the San Siro which includes a maximum 4 million Euro salary for any player. AC Milan’s budgetary requirements fuelled rumours that the sale of an asset such as Pato is likely if the right offer is made.

Chelsea reportedly offered €45 million for the striker last summer and Real Madrid have also been said to show an interest. But AC Milan director Ariedo Braida told Italian website Tutto Mercato that rumours of Pato's exit are false.

Braida said, “Those stories that the Press are writing are only fantasies.

“It's useless to repeat once again that he is happy here in Milan and that there are no problems.

“Pato will not leave Milan.”

Chelsea Defender Cole Linked To Real Madrid Move With Mourinho

Ashley Cole is set to link up with his former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, according to the Daily Express.

Mourinho is on the verge of taking his Inter Milan side through to their first final of Europe's top club competition since 1972. Nonetheless, whatever the outcome of Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, the Daily Express claims that Mourinho has told Inter chiefs that this will be his last season at the San Siro.

The self-proclaimed 'special one' is set to take over at Real Madrid, unless one of England's top clubs, such as Liverpool or Manchester United comes calling, says the Daily Mail.

Should he take over at the Bernebeu, one of his first tasks will be to find a quality left-back, given the unimpressive form this season of Alvaro Arbeloa. The Daily Mail speculates that Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole will be one of Mourinho's immediate targets. The England international has endured a well-publicized problematic season both on and off the pitch and has only just returned to the Chelsea side from a broken foot.

Mourinho and Cole of course know each other well from their time together at Stamford Bridge and the Portuguese coach may well seek to surround himself with familiar players should he end up at Real Madrid .

Chelsea Wants Thomas Ince To Shape Future

Chelsea wants to poach Paul Ince’s teenage son Thomas from Liverpool as part of their drive for youth this summer.

Talented winger Thomas, 18, has been at Liverpool’s academy since he was 16 and is one of their most highly rated prospects. He is expected to make it into the first-team soon, at the club where his father spent two years.

Thomas has a year left on his Anfield contract and Chelsea scouts, under orders to bring bright young talent to Stamford Bridge, have watched him regularly. The club is trying to put together a deal to persuade Ince to come to London for the start of next season, but Liverpool is desperate to hang on to him.

Chelsea has also targeted two of Spain’s brightest starlets. Under-17 winger Pablo Sarabia, who plays for Real Madrid’s B team Castilla, has been watched extensively and could be signed for nothing at the end of the season, as he is currently involved in a contract dispute.

Sarabia is also on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s wish list and the Gunners have already made inquiries, while Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is also keen.

The £16million-rated Under-21 midfielder Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao, linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, is also a Chelsea target, with Blues owner Roman Abramovich wanting to place the emphasis on younger, cheaper talent.

Cole Linked With Top Trio

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan are all reported to be showing an interest in Ashley Cole with a view to a summer swoop.

Speculation over the future of Cole continues to mount and the trios are all waiting in the wings should the defender look to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Cole has just returned to full fitness and Chelsea will be loathe letting him go but rumours suggest the England international will ask to leave after the World Cup with Barca favourites to land him.

The European champions are keen to sign a new left-back and will target Cole, while there have also been suggestions that Blues target Dani Alves could move in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

Chelsea Star: I'm Going Home To Do Charity Work

Chelsea midfielder Deco has once again reiterated his desire to return to Brazil once his contract at Stamford Bridge ends in 2011. The diminutive playmaker, who took Portuguese citizenship in 2002 despite being born in Sao Paolo, moved to London from Barcelona in 2008 but has made clear that commitments, including charity work, will see him head back to the country of his birth.

Deco has been used sparingly by the Chelsea coaching staff since the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari six months after his arrival, but with the proven quality to change any match he is still viewed as a useful option when injuries take their toll at the west London club. Still a key component of the Portuguese national side the midfielder will showdown against Brazil at this summer’s World Cup.

Speaking to FIFA.com about his plans for life after Chelsea, the 2004 UEFA Club Footballer of the Year revealed:

“I’m going to go back and live in Brazil for personal reasons, because my family’s there and I’ve been in Europe for 13 years now. I’ve got a huge amount of affection for Portugal and the city of Porto in particular, where I’ve got a house, but I was born in Brazil and my family is there, as is my social project the Deco Institute, in Indaiatuba.

“I want to go back and that’s what I’ll do when my Chelsea contract runs out in 2011. And if I’m fit enough to do a job for a Brazilian team then I’ll come back and play too.”

It is uncertain whether Chelsea will try and cash in on Deco this summer rather than let him leave on a free, although with the player hinting that he could retire within the next 18 months the London side would probably not receive particularly lucrative offers.

Pat Nevin: Wide Openings

A former winger himself, Pat Nevin has spotted where Chelsea have been doing the damage, and just where we can hurt Liverpool this weekend...

Sometimes even the best plans by the wisest men backfire badly. Sir Alex Ferguson's attempts to pile the pressure on the Chelsea players for the game against Stoke City appeared to have anything but the effect he aimed for. In fact the suggestions the United manager made about Chelsea getting edgy for a tough match obviously focused minds rather than befuddled them.

In the bigger picture however that was only a shot across the bows from the Scotsman. I have worked under Sir Alex in the brief time he was Scotland manager and can promise you that this week it will be all guns blazing from him before the Liverpool match. He will be trying to have an effect on not only our players but the Liverpool players as well, so be prepared for a media and psychological onslaught!

Now this isn't a complaint, after all we all knew that Jose Mourinho wasn't averse to a bit of psychology himself when he was our manager and even Carlo Ancelotti's deflection last week when he said he would watch a movie instead of the United v Spurs game was perfectly judged to relax his own players' minds. That is the way it is, the gloves are off and you have to deal with all the hits wherever they are coming from. So no complaints about Manchester United's manager, like I have said before on this page, if Chelsea does not win the title this season, the players will blame no one but themselves.

The game on Sunday was quite an experience considering how tough Stoke usually are on their travels. I am not sure if it was luck or design that Chelsea were sent out in such an attacking formation, I mean had Mikel been available he probably would have played and that immediately makes the midfield just that little bit more defensive. As it was the free flowing irresistible Chelsea were back on show just as they had been against Sunderland and Aston Villa earlier in the season at the Bridge.

There were a multitude of positives to look at in the game but one thing struck me more than anything else and it was obvious from the moment the first goal was scored. Chelsea used every inch of width available to them in this game. If ever a team want you to thump it long towards the centre of their defence it is Stoke, they relish this kind of battle. Even Didier Drogba would find it tough against the power of Tony Pulis's men when you play them at their own game. Pull them wide by switching the ball quickly however and it is a different story.

The ball sprayed from the left across the pitch to Drogba, whose first touch was so sublime Gianfranco Zola would have been proud of it, completely wrong-footed the visitors' defence.

They were so stretched that they didn't have time to get back into shape before Didier's second touch had smashed it across the goal and Salomon Kalou had nodded it in.

Of the seven goals scored five of them could be directly attributed to stretching the opposition defence with wide passes made at pace and delivered with accuracy. There have been times when it has been the team's Achilles heel that the width has not been used. Specifically against Inter at home it was all too narrow, and dare I say it, predictable. I accept Inter might be a slightly better side, with better defenders than Stoke and their coach isn't bad tactically but even very good defences are troubled when you stretch them.

There is a point to all this, honestly, and it is not just me standing up for the 'wingers union'. It is the fact that quite clearly the game that is going to win Chelsea the title is the one coming up at Anfield. Hopefully the Reds will be tired after some exertions on Thursday night in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final. Personally I am hoping for extra-time, penalties and a rough game with plenty of heavy tackles.

Even if all the Liverpool players do come through it unscathed, the already injured Torres will obviously not play; there are weak points in the Liverpool team. Up front they are not as potent without their Spanish striker, but it is in the full-back areas where they can be got at.

We know plenty about Glen Johnson of course, he is great at going forward and do you know what, he isn't that bad a defender either contrary to common consent. It is just that his forward play often leaves him out of position to do that defending. This is one of the reasons why Liverpool often play with an ultra defensive double sitting midfielder system.

On the other side at left back, Insua is for me a good way short of the standard that Liverpool usually have in their team. It may sound harsh but there are plenty of Liverpool fans who would privately agree with that statement. In fact Benitez may be tempted into using someone like Agger in there instead, but he is a converted centre-back. In short they have a problem defending from wide and Chelsea for me are at their best when they use the width as much as possible.

Like everyone who wants Chelsea to win the league I am taking nothing for granted, the White Hart lane debacle taught us that. In simple terms, if Chelsea play well and Liverpool play well, Chelsea will win because we have the better players and right here I am willing to be gracious and accept a 1-0 scoreline eschewing the need for another seven-goal hammering. Three this season is just spoiling us anyway.

Last week I asked who scored the goals for the away team last time I went to see Atletico Madrid. The answer was of course Didier Drogba as Chelsea were the away team visiting the Vicente Calderon. The winner chosen at random was Helen Payne from Aylesbury.

Wilkins Braced For Tough Test

Ray Wilkins fully expects Liverpool to give 100 per cent to try and beat Chelsea on Sunday.

The Blues currently lead Manchester United by just one point with two games remaining and any slip-up could cost them the title.

A home clash with Wigan awaits on the final day of the season but Chelsea must first negotiate a difficult trip to Anfield.

Wayne Rooney has called on Liverpool to do United a favour, but the bitter rivalry between the two North West clubs has created discussion about whether the Reds would be happy to beat Chelsea.

Chelsea assistant manager Wilkins is paying no attention to the conspiracy theories as he knows Liverpool are completely professional and will be desperate to take three points.

"It's a massive, massive game for us on Sunday and Rooney is quite right, he would want Liverpool to do Manchester United a real favour," said Wilkins.

"Liverpool will put themselves out and they have to do that as professional people, we expect no favours from them whatsoever."

"The game on Sunday will be and should be a humdinger.

"Even if Liverpool were to beat us and offer the championship to Manchester United, that's what they have to do, that's their job, that's their work. They have to try 100 per cent to do that."

Frank Lampard: Carlo Ancelotti Is Keeping Chelsea Relaxed But Focused Ahead Of Liverpool Clash

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed that Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is handling the pressure of the race for the Premier League title well and is keeping the players relaxed.

The Italian is also ensuring, however, that no focus is lost as the race enters its crucial concluding phase.

"He is laid back and he is fairly calm but he doesn't take his eye off the targets," Lampard told his club's official website.

"He speaks with authority and lets us know we have to concentrate and give every ounce in every minute of every game we have left.

"The manager won't show too much tension at the moment because you don't want players showing tension, so we're relaxed but we're focused, and that's how he is.

"He's been like that all season, he hasn't changed and that's because he's been in this situation before, he's won Champions Leagues and Serie A before, so he understands he doesn't want to show tension but at the same time he has that focus."

Chelsea travel to face Liverpool at the weekend, and with the Reds still in the race for fourth place, Lampard is expecting a tough encounter.

However, on the back of a 7-0 hammering of Stoke City on Sunday, the England international claims that confidence is high and the aim is to maintain momentum on Merseyside.

"We want to carry momentum through. If you don't turn up and don't play with the intensity we did on Sunday then we'll lose at Anfield, simple as that," the 31-year-old added.

"If we win two games then we win the league, if we don't then we might have to rely on goals, depending on Man United results.

"It's a difficult game, whoever goes to Liverpool understands it's a difficult game whatever stage of the season we're at. We know it's coming, it's there, we've just got to try and win it."

With John Terry absent for the weekend game against the Potters, Lampard produced an inspirational display in midfield wearing the captain's armband, chipping in with two more goals, one from the penalty spot.

"I try to do that whenever I play but when you're missing John you're missing a big personality and a big player. I had the armband and it's nice to show a bit of determination everywhere, it wasn't just me it was Didier Drogba running up front, creating goals, and Ivanovic and Alex at the back defending," he explained.

"[The goal was] one of my best I think. Sam Hutchinson did well to spot me and I was stretching to get there but just managed to cushion it back with the outside of my boot, I enjoyed that one."

Chelsea To Swoop For Valencia Striker David Villa To Kick Off Summer Squad Overhaul

Chelsea are preparing a stunning bid to sign Valencia goal machine David Villa, to kick off the busiest transfer window at Stamford Bridge in four years, Goal.com UK can reveal.

The 28-year-old Valencia striker is finally set to leave the Mestalla this summer and is a target for clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

But a source inside the west London club said they are hopeful of beating their rivals to the signature of Spain's prolific frontman, who has shot to the top of coach Carlo Ancelotti's shopping list this week.

Villa, who is tipped to be one of the stars of this summer's World Cup, is available to buy for £40 million, though the Blues have indicated to cash-strapped Valencia that they believe this to be too high.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti has been told that significant funds are available to him to rejuvenate Chelsea's ageing squad and with stars including Michael Ballack and Joe Cole out of contract and possibly heading for the exit door, spending could exceed the £68 million spent on players in the summer of 2006.

The move comes after Goal.com UK revealed last week that both Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery are transfer targets.

But suspicions are growing at Stamford Bridge that Ribery in particular is simply using Chelsea's interest to try and squeeze a concrete approach from Real Madrid, the club believed to be the Frenchman's first choice.

Chelsea have therefore refocused their attentions on Villa, who has passed the 20-goal mark in each of his five seasons at the Mestalla.

Villa himself has become more receptive to a move to England after switches to Real Madrid and Barcelona fell through last summer.

Last year Chelsea skipper John Terry urged the club to sign Villa, who scored six goals at Euro 2008.

Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that he will look to promote a handful of academy products, such as Gael Kakuta and Sam Hutchinson, to next season's first-team squad, but Roman Abramovich is still keen to bring in one or two 'marquee names'.

AC Milan prodigy Alexandre Pato is also a possible new addition at Stamford Bridge, and the 20-year-old Brazilian is keen to link up with his former coach Ancelotti.

Chelsea Secure Aguero Agreement

Sport.co.uk understands that Chelsea signed an agreement with Atletico Madrid in January which will see the Premier League club have first right of refusal on the signing of Argentine striker Sergio Aguero when the transfer window opens on July 1st.

The 21-year-old attacker has been heavily courted across Europe in the last twelve months with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona all tipped to approach the Vicente Calderon hierarchy with lucrative offers. However, despite rival bids being prepared it has been made apparent to sport.co.uk that Chelsea stole a march on their competitors at the end of the last year by entering negotiations when the Premier League side faced off against Atletico in the Champions League.

Chelsea have been linked with a host of top talents, but despite apparent interest in Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Valencia’s David Villa, it is the former Independiente man who has been pinpointed as the main target.

Having seen UEFA imposed transfer sanctions overturned by CAS in January it is understood that Chelsea are ready to spend big this summer to secure their credentials as one of Europe’s top clubs. The son-in-law of national coach and football legend Diego Maradona, it is believed that a fee in excess of €40 million will be handed to Atletico. The figure would represent a €17 million profit for Los Colchoneros on the €23 million paid to Independiente in 2006 to secure the services of Aguero at the age of 17.
It is believed that Carlo Ancelotti’s performance in his first season, which sees the Stamford Bridge side on the verge of an historic domestic double, has been enough to persuade Roman Abramovich to loosen the purse strings after a year of comparatively understated spending.

The Russian oligarch is believed to have seen his wealth increase by 6 per cent in the last twelve months with his estimated value soaring by £400 million to £7.4 billion; a figure which, according to The Sunday Times sees him lying second in Britain’s Rich List.

An insider close to negotiations between the two clubs told sport.co.uk that personal terms between Chelsea and Aguero were a formality and that it was just a case of the Blues matching Atletico’s asking price which they have been ensured will not be affected by the player’s performance at the World Cup this summer.

Speaking last week about the potential challenges of life away from the Latin culture of both Spain and Argentina, Aguero told assembled media that he was inspired to test himself alongside Chelsea’s top stars following the success of compatriot Carlos Tevez in England.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is expected that should Aguero complete the move to London he will most likely dovetail with current first choice pair Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka as he gets up to speed with life in the Premier League.

The Argentine will fly to England this week ahead of Atletico Madrid’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Liverpool having missed the first leg with injury.

Chelsea Shun Affiliation With PSV And Reject Dutch Club's Overtures For Jeffrey Bruma

Chelsea have rejected a formal tie-up with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and also turned down a bid for Stamford Bridge youngster Jeffrey Bruma.

The Blues sent Brazilian defender Alex to PSV for three years over work permit fears in 2004 and also struck a deal for Arjen Robben in the same year when the star forward looked set for a move to Manchester United.

Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen is a former assistant coach at the Philips Stadion, while former Stamford Bridge boss Guus Hiddink encourage closer links with the team he won six Eredivisie titles.

However, current PSV coach Fred Rutten has failed to clinch an affiliation that would see young players move between the two clubs.

Chelsea are reported to be unimpressed with the talent coming through in Eindhoven and see little value in sending their own players to a team who won't play Champions League football next season.

Rutten was keen to take 18-year-old centre back Bruma on loan for next season but admits: 'We have no chance because he is getting a chance in the Chelsea first team.'

Carlo Ancelotti is keen to give some of his youngsters more first-team experience next season and former Feyenoord youngster Bruma has recently been tipped for a Holland call-up despite his lack of experience.

Thomas Sorensen Blasts Chelsea's Salomon Kalou For Two-Foot Challenge

Having dislocated his right elbow playing for Stoke City against Chelsea at the weekend, Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has slammed Blues forward Salomon Kalou for his challenge which led to the injury.

The Ivorian jumped in with studs showing to score but crashed into Sorensen's arm at the same time, a challenge the Dane did not think was acceptable.

“It was a reckless challenge,” Sorensen told reporters. “I know the ball was loose but the way he threw himself into the situation with studs up was not OK.”

It was revealed that surgery is not required on the injured elbow, increasing the stopper’s chances of being between the sticks for Denmark's World Cup opener against the Netherlands on June 14.

"I am as upbeat as I can be in this situation - at least I am left with some hope of making the World Cup since the injury is not as bad as feared," he added.

“I am glad that I don't have to have my elbow put back in place every day because I was in severe pain and I did wonder if my dream had been shattered.

“Fortunately, it was only a dislocation and there was no lasting damage when it was put back in place. It will be a race against time, but I do believe I can make it."

Kalou Wishes Sorensen Well

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou wishes Thomas Sorensen a speedy recovery after he suffered a dislocated elbow on Sunday.

Stoke City goalkeeper Sorensen sustained the injury in a 50/50 challenge with Kalou as he slid the ball home for Chelsea's second in a 7-0 romp.

Some feel Kalou should have been penalised for his challenge, although he believes he touched the ball before catching the Danish shot-stopper.

Sorensen has been boosted by the news that he does not require surgery, meaning he should be fit for the World Cup in South Africa, and Kalou hopes he returns sooner rather than later.

"When I touched the ball I touched his arm as well," explained Kalou.

"I hope he is not as bad as it looked. I hope he recovers well.

"After I scored I watched the linesman and he didn't react negatively so I was really happy.

"I felt as though I touched the ball first and I was hoping it was allowed because the second goal was very important, as Stoke were pushing."

Lampard - Terry Behind Success

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes John Terry should be hailed for his contribution to their impressive season.

The Blues have set their sights on becoming Premier League champions and FA Cup winners by the end of the term.

It was in 2006 that the London side last claimed the domestic crown, but a win at Liverpool on Sunday would bring the trophy's return to Stamford Bridge a significant step closer.

Terry will make his return in Sunday's clash at Anfield after being suspended for the home romp against Stoke following his sending-off in the Blues' 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

It has been a turbulent season for the defender, whose private life has caused controversy that eventually saw him removed from his role as England captain.

But Lampard believes it's time his team-mate made the headlines for the right reasons, mainly his faultless performances on the pitch.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to stand up for JT," said Lampard. "He's taken a bit of stick recently but Stoke was the first league game he's missed all season.

"His general form has been brilliant. That's one of the reasons we're top.

"Technically and defensively he's miles ahead of most of the players he gets compared to and that's why he's always in the FIFPro team and winning Uefa's most valuable defender award.

"We all know it's fashionable to have a pop at the top of the tree but at Chelsea we know his true value."

Roman Abramovich Ready To Spend Big Again To Attract Top Stars To Stamford Bridge

The need to rejuvenate an ageing squad, the enduring disappointment of failing to win the Champions League and some shrewd financial management during the economic downturn, are all factors that could see Roman Abramovich sanction the biggest summer of spending at Stamford Bridge for four years.

Valencia's David Villa tops a shopping list that reads like a who's who of world football's biggest stars, including Sergio Aguero, Franck Ribery and Alexandre Pato.

After an explosive start to his reign at Stamford Bridge amidst a series of expensive arrivals, Roman Abramovich has encouraged a move towards self-sufficiency in recent years.

The first three summers of his tenure saw more than £250 million go on players, but the near-five years since then have seen a net spend of less than £60m.

The picture painted by agents such as Sky Andrew is that of a slow market - "most people are trying to be more prudent, and clubs have to be more creative," he says - but the view is that the general economic climate is not what's behind a tightening of the Stamford Bridge purse strings.

"The clubs in the strongest position are the Chelseas, Uniteds and Arsenals," says Andrew. "Anything going on in the market isn't going to affect them so much as they already have world class players. Teams trying to play catch-up are those that really need to spend."

Andrew, who represents a variety of sports and entertainment stars including Sol Campbell, Jermaine Pennant and England cricketer James Anderson, argues that the scope to improve the Premier League leaders is limited.

"Who can improve that squad?" he asks. "They're already in possession of four or five of the best in the world in their positions." Neither does Andrew subscribe to the opinion that Ancelotti's squad is getting too old. "Age is irrelevant. (Didier) Drogba's 32, and still exceptional. How would you replace a guy like that? Chelsea have so many good ingredients, and a strong English spine. In this case, it's about sustainability."

Manager Carlo Ancelotti believes the way to achieve that is to cut out potential dead wood and bring down the average age of the squad, while holding on to his established lynchpins.

"Next season, there will be five players from the academy in the squad," he told Friday's media briefing. "Some other players will move on. It's not because we don't have the money but to give strength to our academy. We have very good young players and this is the time to put them in, for next year."

Sources close to the club indicate that although Abramovich has tired of Chelsea being charged premium prices, money is always to hand if the right players should become available at what the club's management judge to be reasonable prices.

The Guardian's Moscow correspondent Luke Harding says the global recession hasn't affected the Russian to the extent that some commentators have assumed. "Abramovich had an oil company which he sold," says Harding, "and unlike other Russian oligarchs who still have a money-generating asset, he doesn't have that. He just has a huge pile of cash and assets.

"Other people like the metals magnate (Vladimir) Lisin (currently number one in Russia's rich list) are doing rather better, but it's all relative. There's no evidence that he's got financial problems. He may have taken a hit, but the value of all his shares is notional as he doesn't plan to sell. As the global economy recovers, his net worth will go up again."

In fact, all evidence points to the owner being in a far better position than many of his Russian contemporaries. "Obviously his investment in Chelsea is a substantial sum of money, but he has plenty more," Harding underlines. "There are no other drains on his assets apart from his own personal consumption. If you compare him to Oleg Deripaska (the oligarch who owns aluminium company Rusal) who had to borrow $4 billion from (Vladimir) Putin to bail him out, and has had to mortgage his company and take a load of western loans, Abramovich doesn't have any creditors and doesn't have any western loans."

Harding points out that comments on the oligarch's long-term plans are largely "speculative", such is his low media profile, but the feeling in Moscow is that Abramovich is as committed to Chelsea as ever, and that he is keen to strengthen the club further. "He's not prepared to lose huge sums, but Chelsea is still a vanity project - it always has been. I can't see him parting with the club, or being happy to see it slide down the table."

Chelsea and their owner are far too canny to make any chest-beating proclamations of intent ahead of the transfer window, and are firm on the line that they will not be held to ransom, with prices prone to skyrocket in a World Cup year. Their approach is now one of patience.

The Sunday Times Rich List, published at the weekend, revealed that Abramovich had added £400 million to his formidable £7,400 million fortune in a year, despite the economic downturn.

The way in which Roman Abramovich is rebuilding his already extraordinary wealth is the same way in which he seems to envisage building his football club to the very pinnacle of European football.

Title Is Ours To Lose - Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti knows victory over Liverpool will almost certainly leave Chelsea with one hand on the Barclays Premier League trophy after watching his side thrash Stoke 7-0.

The Blues responded to Manchester United's 3-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday by mauling shell-shocked Stoke at Stamford Bridge to go one point clear of their rivals at the summit.

A hat-trick from Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou, a brace from Frank Lampard, including a penalty, and late goals from substitute Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda maintained Chelsea's dream of winning a league and FA Cup double this season.

Chelsea will have the advantage of playing first in a 1330 kick-off at Anfield next Sunday with United's trip to Sunderland scheduled for a 1600 kick-off.

A win for the Blues will pile more pressure on United even though Ancelotti expects Sir Alex Ferguson's side to win both of their remaining games.

"It will be very difficult at Liverpool," said Ancelotti. "But it is in our hands. Liverpool are a fantastic team, still going for fourth place.

"It's ours to lose. But that's a good thing. To have a title in our own hands is a good thing.

"So now I am quiet and calm. I am happy because we played very well. It was an important game. We needed to come back to the top of the league after Manchester United's win, and we played very well.

"But we don't need to send a message to the other teams. This is a good message for us. We needed a good reaction after the defeat at Tottenham, and we did that. This is a good message for us, no-one else.

"I think United will be able to win their games. They have Sunderland and Stoke, and every game is a different story, but our aim is to win two games. I know that, if we win two games, we are champions. I hope we play against Liverpool like we played on Sunday.

"They will want to fight against us to reach fourth. That's a very important position for the future of their club."

Carlo Ancelotti: Liverpool Game The Most Important Of The Season

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted that Liverpool hold the key to their Premier League title aspirations this season.

The Blues regained the Premier League lead after they annihilated Stoke City 7-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, setting up a showdown with Liverpool at Anfield that will likely be the title decider.

Chelsea will play Wigan Athletic in their 38th and final Premier League game of the season so a win over the Reds would be a big step towards their first title since the 2005-06 season.

With his side one point ahead of Manchester United with two games remaining, Ancelotti knows how important his team’s visit to Anfield will prove to be.

“Now, the most important game is Liverpool,” Ancelotti told the Daily Mail.

“We have a week to prepare and we’ll do our best. I hope we play like we played on Sunday. It will be difficult, Liverpool are a fantastic team, still going for fourth place.

“We are going for first and it is ours to lose.

“To have the title in our hands is a good thing. I think United are able to win their two games against Sunderland and Stoke. Our aim is to win two games.

“If we do that, we are champions.”

Chelsea Fully Focused On 'Three Finals' Before End Of The Season - Petr Cech

Petr Cech believes his fellow Chelsea players are fully prepared for their remaining "three finals" of the season.

After Sunday's 7-0 hammering of Stoke City at Stamford Bridge, the Blues remain one point clear of rivals Manchester United in the title race.

With two games left before an FA Cup final clash with Portsmouth, Cech is confident Carlo Ancelotti's side is capable of winning all three games and scooping the club's first ever league and cup double.

"Everything depends on us now," Cech told his own website.

"In the dressing rooms we said that we would be taking one game at a time. Basically, we are to play three finals now - two in the league and the FA Cup final.

"If we want to win in both competitions we have to win all the matches and then wouldn't have to look on other results."

After losing last week to Tottenham Hotspur, Cech believes the Blues showed their resilience in their performance against Tony Pulis' side.

"Every time if one game goes wrong, it is very important how a team responds in the following one," he said.

"Our response was excellent as we had left behind the Tottenham match and focused to play the best possible way against Stoke."