Carlo Ancelotti: We Showed A Good Mentality At Anfield.

Carlo Ancelotti has warned his Chelsea players they must control their emotions against Wigan on Sunday if they are to avoid handing the championship to Manchester United.

Goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard ensured Ancelotti's side eased past Liverpool on Sunday and go into the final game of the campaign knowing a win will see them crowned champions for the first time in four years.

Ancelotti, though, is well aware of the danger of such a situation and, despite his obvious pleasure at finishing his Anfield debut victorious, was at pains to point out that Chelsea must retain all of their focus if they are to see off Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

"This game was the key in the fight for the title," said Ancelotti. "It is never easy to play here, because they have very good players and a very good atmosphere, but I thought we played very well and we deserved to win.

"There was a lot of pressure on us in this game and I think we had good control of our emotions. The team is in good condition physically and we showed a good mentality at Anfield.

"All we can do is train well this week and wait. I always said the title will be decided on the last day of the season and now that is the case."

There is no doubt, though, that his players are confident they can see off Roberto Martinez's team, who face Hull on Monday, on the last day of the season to secure the title after recovering from a lapse in form earlier in the year.

"We hit a low point a couple of months ago," said Lampard. "You have to give credit to everyone – the players, the management, the staff. We dug ourselves out and we are now on the brink of doing the double. It would be nice to win it in front of our own fans next week."

That Chelsea are in a position to do so is at least partially down to Steven Gerrard's error in judgment – his 25-yard back-pass to Pepe Reina was cut out by Drogba to hand the visitors the lead – but the goalscorer, like his manager, was quick to dismiss any conspiracy theories.

"He made a big mistake," said Drogba. "But you do not do things like that on purpose. I was just lucky to be there and score. It was good for us because it gave us a lot of confidence to go on and play."

Ancelotti's counterpart, Rafael Benítez, admitted that, although his team had never recovered from that self-inflicted blow, he believed Chelsea would be deserving champions.

"They are a very good team," said the Liverpool manager. "And Carlo is a very good manager. If they are in this position at the top, it is because they are such a good side."

Lampard Eyes Bridge Celebrations

Frank Lampard is delighted Chelsea have the chance to win the Premier League title at Stamford Bridge.

After both Chelsea and second-placed Manchester United won at the weekend, the Blues remain in pole position to lift the trophy.

With one game remaining, Carlo Ancelotti's side knows they will be champions if they beat Wigan at Stamford Bridge on the final day of the season.

And following their 2-0 victory at Liverpool, Lampard admits having the chance to regain the title at their own ground will be special.

"It would be nice to do it in front of our own fans," he said.

"Obviously Manchester United have a tough game but we'll never go that far (thinking they have already won). We have a big game next week.

"But we knew the Liverpool game was huge for us. We knew if we had dropped points we would have given the momentum to United."

Chelsea have the chance to do the Double for the first time in their history as they also face Portsmouth in the FA Cup final and Lampard admits that adds come extra incentive.

"We've got an FA Cup final after next week so we're very determined," he added.

"We were at a bit of a low point a couple of months ago so credit goes to the players, management and staff.

"We dug ourselves out of that and have pushed on to the brink of doing the double."

Frank Lampard Confident Chelsea Will Get The Job Done And Beat Manchester United To The Premier League Title

Basking in the glow of Chelsea's comfortable 2-0 win against Liverpool, Frank Lampard believes nothing can now stop the Blues winning the Premier League title.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have been front-runners for much of the campaign, but have had their slip-ups on occasions and needed to avoid another one at Anfield on Sunday to prevent Manchester United going into the final weekend of the season with the advantage.

Achieving that aim thanks to goals from Didier Drogba and Lampard, the midfielder is looking forward to next weekend's final clash with Wigan Athletic.

"We have had a couple of moments in the season when we have not been at our best and the momentum went back to United," Lampard told reporters.

"But in the last ten games or so our performances have been fantastic, so has the attitude of the lads.

"We have got a head of steam up. There is still another game to go but we are in a good position. If you are going to win titles you are going to have these moments.

"Whether it is a crunch moment like yesterday, when we played Liverpool with United playing Sunderland after us, or whether it be a game at home which you should win comfortably. You have to do the job right."

Drogba, the other goalscorer, echoed Lampard's sentiment — but warned that the Blues still have a professional job to do in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful before the celebrations can begin.

"Now we have another game we need to win," Drogba pointed out.

"We have waited for this moment for such a long time but it is not done yet.

"We just need to concentrate on this next game."

Chelsea Target Franck Ribery Snubs England As He Admits A Move To Barcelona Or Real Madrid Is His Dream'

Bayern Munich attacker Franck Ribery has confirmed that he sees his future with either Barcelona or Real Madrid, rather than Chelsea.

The French international, who has a year left on his current deal at the Allianz Arena, is wanted by some of the biggest clubs in the world in a transfer saga that has run for over a year, but despite Chelsea's long term interest, the 27-year-old admits that the quality of players at the Nou Camp in particular are a major attraction.

"Lionel Messi, without hesitation! I'd love to play with him and Xavi," Ribery said according to FIFA's official website when asked which player he would most like to play with.

"Someone who knows how to organize and conduct the game of his team and has an exceptional quality of passes. Currently, he is in stunning condition.

"Obviously, there are many clubs that make me dream, like Real Madrid or Barcelona."

Ribery's failure to mention the English club will be taken as something of a snub, although he did have some encouraging words for the country's hopes at this summer's World Cup.

"I expect us to be very efficient because it is a competition that really counts for us," Ribery said of France's hopes, despite a troubled qualification process that saw Les Bleus needing to beat Ireland in extra-time of a play-off to book their place in South Africa.

"Our first objective will be to qualify from the group stage. There will be time then to think of the final. I hope it is France that will lift the trophy in July.

"We have very good players and I truly believe that we have the means to go after.

"Obviously, other teams also have the necessary talent. The English and the Spaniards seem to me particularly strong."

Drogba: Confidence And Concentration

Didier Drogba now stands one goal away from his best total in a season for Chelsea.

By pouncing on Steven Gerrard's howler of a backpass and finding the net in front of the Kop, the striker reached 33 goals for the campaign, level with his total in 2006/07 when he helped the team to a domestic cup double.

Now it is the even more prestigious League and FA Cup double in his sights. In 2007 he won the Premier League Golden Boot for 20 goals. He now has 26 league goals this season, level with Wayne Rooney in the race to succeed Nicolas Anelka as the competition's top scorer.

Following Sunday's victory, Drogba appreciated fortune had been on his side in making the breakthrough.

'Steven Gerrard did a big mistake but he didn't do it on purpose and I was lucky enough to be there to score,' the Ivorian said. 'It was good because this goal gave us a lot of confidence to play and it is a very good result winning at Liverpool.'

The opening goal came in the 32nd minute and Frank Lampard's 52nd minute conversion of Nicolas Anelka's cross made the game safe, but Drogba believes Lampard should have been given an earlier chance to score - from the penalty spot when Lucas appeared to trip Salomon Kalou in front of goal.

'This was an important game and it is not easy to make decisions like this but when it is a penalty you have to give it,' he said.

'Now we have another game we need to win. We have waited for this moment for such a long time but it is not done yet. We just need to concentrate on this next game.'

Edwin Van Der Sar Refuses To Blame Liverpool For Fading Title Chances After Chelsea Defeat

Edwin van der Sar refused to blame an under-performing Liverpool side after Chelsea easily defeated the Reds at Anfield.

With the win Chelsea maintain their hold at the top of the Premier League table with one game to go for each side.

Van der Sar knows United must keep going if they are to claim their fourth consecutive Premier League title even though Chelsea control their own destiny.

The Dutch goalkeeper refused to blame Rafa Benitez's men for failing to give Chelsea more of a match.

"You hope [Liverpool could beat Chelsea], but you don't really expect anything," Edwin told the club's official website.

"Even if they had tried really hard I think they had a gruesome two weeks, played a lot of games and they picked up a couple of injuries.

"I don't think that's the cause of us maybe not winning the league, that happened over the course of the year and some breaks we didn't get and Chelsea got, especially in the last couple of weeks."

Van der sar fully anticipated United would take care of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, and hopes Wigan to pull off a surprise at Stamford Bridge next weekend to give United a shot at lifting the Premier League trophy.

"I think we expected it," he said. "The Gaffer had a couple of words before the game and the way we played and created the chances, we knew what to do.

"You want to grab every little chance there is. You never know in football, of course, but it's going to be hard, difficult and not likely, but never mind, we have to make sure we work till the end.

"It would've been nice if we were a point ahead. We're not in charge and it's difficult, but we have to keep going, see what we can do this week on the training ground, see if everybody has recovered from this match and hopefully have a nice game for our supporters on Sunday. We're still hanging in there!"

Chelsea's Young Blue Bloods Are Ready For Changing Of The Old Guard

Amid the strangest atmosphere Anfield has known for many years, Chelsea took a tentative step into the future today. As the match ended with the London club on the brink of a third title in the Abramovich era, finally it became possible for the club to look beyond the achievements and aura of José Mourinho.

Most of the players in the line-up were part of Mourinho's side, and some of them go back as far as Claudio Ranieri's tenure, but what happens next at Stamford Bridge appears likely to become firmly identified with Carlo Ancelotti. During the summer, certain changes and additions to the squad may cement that association.

Joe Cole, unable to agree a new deal, looks likely to depart, along with Juliano Belletti and possibly Deco. Gossip suggests that if Mourinho takes over at Real Madrid in the summer, he will come calling for Frank Lampard and perhaps Ricardo Carvalho. But the presence of Frank Arnesen, the club's somewhat shadowy director of football, in the directors' box provided a reminder that finally Chelsea are ready to see some tangible reward from their expensive academy programme.

At the bottom of their lengthy first‑team squad list are the unfamiliar names of 10 young players, including the Italian forward Fabio Borini, the Dutch defender Jeffrey Bruma, the French midfielder Gael Kakuta and the extremely gifted 17-year-old Joshua McEachran, an English playmaker, who are considered ready for gradual assimiliation into the senior line-up. Their presence will reduce the average age of a group currently heavily weighted towards players in their late 20s and early 30s – although the club's medical and physiotherapy team have successfully prolonged the youth of so many of them.

If Ancelotti is clever, he will not find himself having to explain to his employer that next season is a necessary period of transition. From what we have seen, Abramovich is not much interested in such a phenomenon. He wants results. He is likely to fund at least one major purchase in the close season, possibly Sergio Agüero, Atlético Madrid's Argentinian striker, but he would like the team to reflect his investment in Arnesen's project. This will be a new challenge for Ancelotti, whose successful seven-year spell with Milan was marked by a strong preference for extending the careers of older players (such as Filippo Inzaghi and David Beckham) rather than introducing promising youngsters.

It was the old faithfuls who were entrusted with an important job yesterday, although you would never have known that the match taking place on the sacred turf of Anfield was a potential title-decider. How could it have been otherwise, given the ambivalent attitude of Liverpool's fans to the notion that a victory for their side would improve the prospects of a 19th title for Manchester United?

In a national newspaper yesterday morning one of their number wrote that anyone who wanted Liverpool to win today had no right to call himself a fan of the club. What strange times these are. Would the blessed Shankly have been willing to forfeit a home success in order to prevent the deadly rivals from overtaking his club's total of championships? The heart says that he would have gone for the victory, regardless of the cost; the head, however, has the odd doubt.

For the first half-hour the mood inside Anfield, on the pitch and in the grandstands, was that of a pre‑season friendly. The match was riddled with careless errors from players normally noted for their efficiency, in front of a near-silent crowd. Nor were the mistakes all coming from Liverpool players. Michael Ballack, playing in the holding midfield position, took 20 minutes to get his eye in and spent that time playing the sort of inaccurate short passes that would have given Claude Makelele nightmares.

The crowd was so quiet that even the biggest Liverpool mistake provoked nothing more than a sigh. It came, of course, from Steven Gerrard, that living embodiment of Liverpool's values and Shankly's legacy. Didier Drogba took full advantage, and Gerrard's blushes were only slightly spared when Lampard doubled Chelsea's lead early in the second half, this time with no obvious assistance from the home side.

And so Chelsea completed their record of success this season over their fellow members of the quartet that can no longer be called the big four: victories by 1-0 and 2-1 over Manchester United, by 3-0 and 2-0 over Arsenal, and by 2-0 twice over Liverpool. Twelve goals scored, one conceded: a remarkable achievement in this informal mini-league, although its membership will be modified next season through the relegation of a club who, as today's performance indicated, have badly lost their way. For Chelsea, by contrast, the way ahead looks like a sunlit boulevard.

Rafa Benitez Tips Chelsea To Finish The Job

Rafa Benitez has backed Chelsea to clear the final fence against Wigan next Sunday in their gallop home to a first title since 2006.

Sunday's 2-0 win at Liverpool has left the Blues in pole position for the final weekend of the season and a win will guarantee top spot, no matter what Man United do against Stoke.

The beaten Reds boss, putting his own disappointments aside after drawing a blank this season, said: “Chelsea are a very good team, with good players, good experience and a great manager – [who is] also a nice person.

“They are in the best position and normally, if they play like they have been playing, especially at home, they will be there [next week].”

Carlo Ancelotti said: “I always said the title would not be decided until the end of the season.

“I am very happy because it [Liverpool away] was the key game in the fight for the title and we played very well. We deserved to win.

“We had it a little bit difficult in the first half, but the second half was better. Defensively, we did a fantastic job and we had a lot of opportunities to counter attack.

“There was pressure in this game on us and we had good control of our emotions. The team is showing good physical condition, good mentality and good personality.”

The Blues boss added: “Our first goal was important because it changed the game. We had more confidence after that and I think Liverpool lost some strength that they showed in the first 30 minutes.

“It was the first time for me here and I will have good memories about this day at Anfield.”

Match Report: Liverpool 0 - 2 Chelsea

A spirited and committed win at Anfield has brought Chelsea within one win of the Barclays Premier League title.

Goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard in either half earned a deserved victory against a Liverpool side subdued by its midweek European exit, meaning a win at Stamford Bridge against Wigan Athletic next Sunday guarantees the championship, regardless of how Manchester United fare in their final two matches.

We could be crowned by the time the team arrives back at Cobham this evening should Sir Alex Ferguson's men lose at Sunderland this afternoon, though they go into the game as favourites.

In the afternoon kick-off though all thoughts were on what Chelsea needed to do, and Carlo Ancelotti's men stuck to their task admirably, bettering their opponents for almost the entire 90 minutes.

Drogba capitalised on a Steven Gerrard error after half an hour to put us in front after Alberto Aquilani had hit the Chelsea bar, and such was Chelsea's control on the game that Lampard's strike eight minutes into the second half put the result beyond doubt.

John Terry returned to captain Chelsea from the heart of defence, taking Paulo Ferreira's place with Branislav Ivanovic moving to right-back. John Mikel Obi was still missing through injury so Michael Ballack filled the holding midfield role, and hat-trick man Salomon Kalou continued in a three-pronged attack with Nicolas Anelka and Drogba.

Liverpool were without ex-Chelsea man Glen Johnson, so Javier Mascherano deputised at right-back, Dirk Kuyt the lone centre-forward with the much missed Fernando Torres out for the rest of the campaign.

Attacking the Kop, the visitors started brightly, Lampard firing wide inside the first minute but Liverpool responded by forcing consecutive corners after deflected efforts by Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez.

Florent Malouda and Anelka both worked Pepe Reina before Alberto Aquilani almost broke the deadlock with a long range shot, which just brushed the crossbar on its way over, Petr Cech just about beaten.

There followed a quiet period in the game, neither side creating major openings before Aquilani chased a Rodriguez pass, tangling with Ivanovic inside the area and tumbling to the ground. Replays showed the Serb had not played the ball, but neither had there been too much contact, ref Alan Wiley correct to award nothing.

The game badly needed a goal, and on 32 minutes it got one. Liverpool had possession deep in their own half and under pressure, Steven Gerrard opted to play the ball back to his goalkeeper but seemed to miss the presence of Drogba, who stole in, rounded Reina and slotted home the easiest of his 33 goals this season, one to equal the record he set in 2006/07.

Within five minutes the score could easily have doubled, first Lampard shot wide and then moments later squared to Anelka, who was excellently dispossessed by Sotiris Kyrgiakos just as he was about to finish.

In first-half injury time Kalou burst through the Liverpool backline and was bearing down on goal, Lucas the player who challenged as the Ivorian went to ground. This time there certainly was contact, but the referee's decision was again to give nothing.

Half-time came and went without either manager making changes. Five minutes into the second period Kalou was again on the ball inside the Liverpool box and this time kept his footing, dancing along the bye-line and squaring across goal, but nobody could get a touch and the ball rolled clear.

Next time it reached the Liverpool six-yard box we were not so wasteful as Lampard doubled the lead with a close-range finish.

Drogba had picked out Anelka on the right, the Frenchman just onside, and he kept his composure to square across the box for Lampard, whose trademark run was timed to perfection for his 26th of the campaign.

Liverpool also lost Jamie Carragher to injury in the build-up.

Just before the hour Alex had to get a toe in to prevent sub Ryan Babel, on for Maxi towards the end of the first half, from pulling a goal back, lifting the ball up and over his own bar after the pacy Dutchman had broken through.

It didn't take long for the Blues to regain control though, and Anelka could have added a third on 65 minutes, but Reina saved well, and then prevented a Malouda volley with an outstretched left arm.

It was an outstretched right arm, John Terry's, that gave Liverpool a chance to get back in, but an over-elaborate free-kick routine just outside the Chelsea box saw Daniel Agger's route to goal blocked by the away defence.

Into the final 15 minutes three sides of Anfield were very quiet, the only noise coming from the travelling section, who had been loud throughout.

On the pitch Ballack's curling free-kick was on target but straightforward for Reina, who then had to save from Anelka twice and Kalou to keep the score down, but already the game was over as a contest.

Chelsea march on knowing three more points brings the title back to west London, and United must now respond in the north east. Over to you, Fergie.

Lampard - No Excuses

Frank Lampard has admitted Chelsea must avoid the 'unacceptable' scenario of ending the season without any silverware.

The Blues are in pole position to claim the Premier League crown for the first time in four years as they hold a one-point advantage over Manchester United with just two games remaining.

Lampard and his team-mates travel to Anfield to tackle Liverpool at lunchtime on Sunday, while the Red Devils are up against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later in the day.

Chelsea also have an FA Cup final showdown with Portsmouth on the horizon, but Lampard admits that ending United's three-year stranglehold on English football's top prize is their main focus.

"There can be no excuses," he told the Sunday Mirror. "We know if we win our last two games there is nothing Manchester United can do. We are focused and know what is at stake.

"When you don't meet with success the disappointment is felt throughout the club.

"You take it personally as well. Failure doesn't sit comfortably with me, it never has.

"For a club of Chelsea's size and the investment that has taken place, failure to win a trophy is unacceptable.

"Last season was a disappointment in as much that we failed to deliver in the league and only managed to salvage something by winning the FA Cup."

The conspiracy theorists have claimed that Liverpool could be willing to allow Chelsea to leave Anfield with the points as they do not want Sir Alex Ferguson's men to claim a record 19th English crown, surpassing the Merseyside club's mark of 18.

But Lampard has brushed aside the far-fetched suggestions and believes the Blues will need to be at their best against familiar opponents.

"We have never had it easy at Liverpool," he said. "It's a very difficult fixture and we will need to be right on top of our game to come away with three points.

"There is absolutely no way Liverpool won't go about their business in a very professional way. They will not be thinking about Manchester United, they will just be focused on beating us regardless what is at stake for them."

Downbeat Ancelotti Says Chelsea Showed Stuff Of Champions

A 2-0 win for Chelsea at Anfield did little to instil any discernible joie de vivre in Carlo Ancelotti, but the Italian coach said his side had shown the mettle of champions with the key victory over Liverpool.

Chelsea will clinch the championship if they defeat Wigan at Stamford Bridge next Sunday after goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard got the Londoners over the tricky hurdle at Anfield.

The win put Chelsea four points clear of Manchester United, who were playing Sunderland later on Sunday in their penultimate match.

A defeat for United at the Stadium of Light would mean Chelsea could celebrate the title a week early.

"I am happy because it was a difficult game," deadpanned Ancelotti, who has now masterminded home and away league wins over Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

"We deserved to win. We did a fanastic job because there was a lot of pressure on us in this game, but we controlled our emotions.

"Now the team is fit and in good physical condition, good mentality ahead of next week's game. I always said the title would be decided at the end of the season."

Ancelotti admitted that Steven Gerrard's uncharacteristic error that allowed Drogba to make the all-important breakthrough helped Chelsea grab the momentum.

In a lax moment, Gerrard's ill-conceived backpass was intercepted by Drogba, who rounded Pepe Reina to give Chelsea the lead.

"The goal changed the game because we had more confidence after that," added the Italian. "As for Lampard, he has fantastic skills to move into the box at the right time.

Didier Drogba: Steven Gerrard Made A Big Mistake Against Chelsea

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba admitted that Steven Gerrard made a "big mistake" during their 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds skipper played a woeful back-pass to goalkeeper Pepe Reina, and the Ivorian was on hand to make the England man pay, as he jinked past the Spaniard to slot the ball home and give Chelsea the lead.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the Blues forward admitted: “He [Gerrard] made a big mistake.”

“He did not do it on purpose, and I was lucky to be there and score.

“The goal gave us a lot of confidence to play, and it’s a very good result here [at Anfield].”

Chelsea were denied a penalty in the closing stages of the first half, after Lucas seemed to clip the heels of Salomon Kalou, and Drogba feels that referee Alan Wiley could have awarded the spot kick, but concedes that it can be difficult for referees to make the big calls, in big games.

“The referee could have given us a penalty, and it’s difficult because this is an important game," he explained.

“It’s not easy to make decisions like this, but when it’s a penalty, you have to give it.”

The victory places the Blues in pole position in the race for the Premier League title, and Drogba couldn’t hide his excitement at the possibility of another championship winner's medal.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for such a long time, and it’s not done yet, we have to wait for Manchester’s [United] result," he added.

“We have another game next week, and we need to win it. We’re just concentrating on our next game, and will try to win it.”

Chelsea Want AC Milan Striker Marco Borriello

Chelsea are planning a San Siro raid to bring AC Milan striker Marco Borriello to Stamford Bridge.

The Stamford Bridge boss is hoping that the cash strapped Serie A side will accept interest in the 27 year old as a more attractive alternative to selling Brazilian youngster Alexandre Pato who is also linked with a move to the west London club.

Borriello has been in fantastic form this season netting 14 goals as AC Milan challenge for the domestic title.

The former Treviso man has been at the Rossoneri since 2002 but has spent large chunks of that time out on loan and it was only after a successful spell at Genoa that his career really kicked into life.

Ancelotti is looking to bring in new strikers to the club to add support for veterans Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

The powerfully built forward would be ideally suited to life in the Premier League where his stamina and physicality could help him become a success.

Jose Mourinho Will Make £30m Summer Bid For Frank Lampard

The Mail on Sunday report today that Jose Mourinho will try and lure Frank Lampard in the summer, if, as expected, he takes over at Real Madrid .

The Special One" has long been linked with the Bernabeu hot seat and developed a strong relationship with Lampard whilst he was Chelsea boss.

A "close source" told The Mail on Sunday: "Mourinho has always loved Frank, who would have to think long and hard if he was asked to sign for him at Real Madrid.”

The "close source" continued: "Frank's phenomenal scoring record from midfield would have to be attractive to Real. ’This would be the one move Frank might find too tempting to ignore. In many ways, it would be a great way for him to finish his career after the World Cup this summer."

Current Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and owner Roman Abamovich are expected to try and resist any bids for Lampard but they could use the 30 million pounds to secure the signing of Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero.

Mourinho tried to sign Lampard during his time at Inter Milan. In 2009/2010, Frank Lampard has scored 21 goals and provided 12 assists in 41 appearances.

Lampard is contracted to Chelsea until the end of season 2013/2014.

Blues Weigh Up Bid For Hernandez

Chelsea are weighing up an £18million bid for Valencia winger Pablo Hernandez.

The Spaniard has been one of the top performers in La Liga this season and has four years left on his contract at the Mestalla.

Chelsea's Spanish scout Juan Cruz Sol has watched the player work his way into the plans of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque for this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

And he has given glowing reports to the Blues' director of football Frank Arnesen.

Hernandez, 25, has a release clause of around £45m but Valencia's desperate financial plight has made this irrelevant as they face up to losing stars like David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata this summer to service debts of around £300m.

Chelsea have made their interest in the player known to his representative Mario Parri.

He said: "Pablo has had such a sensational year. There is talking to be done at the end of the season and while there has been interest from many clubs, Valencia have received no formal offers yet."

Chelsea are looking to reduce the average age of their squad, which has been as high as 29 in the Champions League, while manager Carlo Ancelotti wants competition on the right for the likes of Deco and Michael Ballack.

Hernandez has two caps for Spain and was in their squad for the Confederations Cup last summer.

Newcastle were also looking at the winger but decided he is out of their reach financially.

Joe Cole Is Interesting - Wenger

Arsene Wenger admits Joe Cole would be an "interesting target", but believes Arsenal's midfield is not an area that requires urgent strengthening.

Cole's contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the season and he has yet to reach an agreement regarding an extension with the Premier League leaders.

Chelsea's title rivals Manchester United have been mooted as admirers of the England international, while Tottenham Hotspur and former club West Ham United have been linked with a surprise swoop.

Reports have also claimed that Arsenal could make a bid for the schemer, but while Wenger acknowledges Cole's status as a free agent has some appeal, adding another creative element to his team is not a priority.

"Joe Cole is an interesting target, but do I have enough players in those positions? We shall see," said Wenger in the Daily Star Sunday.

The Arsenal manager has been happy with the performances of his midfielders this season and, with the likes of Alex Song, Abou Diaby and Denilson at his disposal, he no longer needs to worry about finding a replacement for Patrick Vieira.

He added: "First of all I must say that no matter how much money you spend to find a Patrick Vieira [it is hard to do]. Since I am in England, I hear 'this is the new Patrick Vieira' when a guy is tall and strong.

"But I believe strongly that our midfield is developing very well with Song, Diaby and Denilson because they are young, very young, but different to Patrick Vieira.

"I believe in them because if you compare them two years ago and this year they are tremendously improved and if they continue to play together, especially with Fabregas, they have a good understanding.

"I believe the midfield was not a problem this year because we created so many chances from midfield and we dominated nearly all the games in midfield. I don't think we had a big problem in there. I believe we had a problem of efficiency defensively."

Malouda: It Means So Much

Having won title after title in France, Florent Malouda believes it is time he added a Barclays Premier League medal to his collection.

The 29-year-old won four consecutive Ligue 1 championships with Lyon before switching to Stamford Bridge, and while he has an FA Cup to his name, he still awaits the main domestic prize, something he is looking to amend next weekend at the latest.

'It is the first thing you think of every season, it proves you are the best team and this is the best league in the world,' he told the official Chelsea website. 'It would mean so much, especially in the year of the World Cup. It means you are a regular in your country and you can win more trophies. The more you win, last year was my first year with the FA Cup, the more that you want. There is intensity to it, Man U and Arsenal were in the race and it means a lot.

'I won many titles in France but every time is different, every experience is different and each one means a lot, like in every country. When there is such big competition it is special and means a lot to me and all of the players.'

This is the first time in Malouda's stay that we have led the title race going into the final stages, last year we were some way adrift and in 2007/08 were always playing catch up against Manchester United.

Having discovered the fixtures last June, Malouda admits he never considered the trip to Anfield as a potential title decider.

'Not really, I give the same importance to all the games,' he shrugged. 'We have dropped points against Tottenham, against Wigan, so it is a big fixture and people do spot them, but we have to play all the games with the same attitude.

'Now is more important because we have two games to win and then we are champions, and maybe we have the opportunity to do the Double, but we have to be ready, even if we win against Liverpool, then we have to be ready for Wigan in the same way.'

Alongside Malouda was Didier Drogba, this week voted into Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.

'If he is in that list then it is probably what he did for his country,' said Drogba's close friend. 'He was involved in the peace process in the Ivory Coast, and he is really influential, it is not just on the pitch.

'He is a big figure in his country and everybody listens to what he has to say.'

For this weekend though, it is all about what we do on the pitch.

Match Preview: Liverpool vs Chelsea

Liverpool's season looks to have amounted to nothing, but they could put a major dent in Chelsea's title bid.

With just two games of the season remaining, the Reds are close to being put out of their misery.

Europa League heartache against Atletico Madrid on Thursday summed up their campaign, with Rafa Benitez's side now set to miss out on any silverware and possibly a top-four finish.

They must take maximum points from their remaining fixtures to have any hope of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, but even that might not be enough.

The only positive for Liverpool at the moment is that they are unbeaten in five Premier League outings and are on course to finish with a flourish.

They have also won nine and lost none of their last 10 top-flight games on home soil, with Anfield becoming something of a fortress once more.

The Reds also boast a more than respectable record against Chelsea on Merseyside over recent years, with the Blues having left empty-handed on 11 occasions during the Premier League era.

The capital giants have also failed to score in four of their last six league meetings with Liverpool, suggesting they are yet to work out how best to play Benitez's side.

Carlo Ancelotti knows he cannot afford to draw a blank again this weekend, with it imperative Chelsea take maximum points from their trip to the North West.

A win, coupled with a Manchester United defeat at Sunderland later in the day, would be enough for them to wrap up the title.

However, with it looking increasingly likely that the battle will go down to the wire, they will be keen to head into the final day with some sort of a lead.

They have been absolutely flying of late, ensuring confidence around the camp is sky high, with their last six outings bringing 23 goals and five wins.


Team news
Liverpool will still be without talismanic frontman Fernando Torres, following knee surgery, but their problems have eased slightly this week.

Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog were both involved in continental competition in midweek, with Kuyt fit enough to start against Atletico, and they are likely to be involved again on Sunday.

Emiliano Insua is struggling to figure again this season, as he nurses a thigh complaint, and the Argentine full-back will not be available against the Blues.

Benitez must decide whether to stick with the system he used on Thursday, which saw Javier Mascherano used at right-back and Alberto Aquilani and Steven Gerrard paired in the middle of midfield, or shuffle his pack again.

Chelsea do not expect to have John Obi Mikel available for selection at Anfield.

The Nigerian midfielder is still struggling with a knee problem and will not be rushed back into action.

Michael Essien is also nursing a knee injury, and misses out as a result, while Jose Bosingwa has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and this summer's World Cup.

Ricardo Carvalho is making steady progress in his recovery from an ankle knock, but it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese centre-half is thrown back into action this weekend, while John Terry returns from suspension to skipper the side.


Possible starting XIs
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Agger, Kuyt, Mascherano, Aquilani, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Ballack, Lampard, Malouda, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka.

Malouda Unconcerned By United

Chelsea's in-form winger Florent Malouda insists Manchester United should be doing all the worrying as the Blues prepare for their crucial title clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Chelsea sit on top of the Barclays Premier by a single point over United.

The Blues take on Liverpool in the 1.30pm kick-off at Anfield on Sunday followed by United's game at Sunderland at 4pm.

Defeat for either team could effectively spell the end of their title chances but Malouda insists United have more to worry about than Chelsea.

"Honestly, I don't care about United," said Malouda. "They are behind us. Why should we look in the mirror and say: 'Oh they are there'? We're under pressure but we like the pressure.

"We are still on top of the league, one point in front of them. We have the League in our hands and we have to make it.

"I think United would like to be in our position and we must never forget that. I would have taken the current position at the start of the season.

"We don't have to care about what United are doing and who they are playing. We just have to stay focused.

"The good thing about our position is that we don't have to think about the other results. If we win our games we will be celebrating after the last one."

Chelsea's players are having to cope with huge expectations as they bid for an historic League and FA Cup Double.

They could become only the seventh club to achieve the feat but such talk has been banned from the training ground.

"Everybody around us is thinking about the Double but we are not speaking about it," added Malouda.

"Of course we want to do it. We've been on top of the league for the most part of the season and now is the time to finish the job."

The two games have thrown up a number of tantalising issues for the conspiracy theorists but coach Carlo Ancelotti is mindful not to get drawn into them.

He dismissed suggestions Liverpool would not try hard enough to beat his side because doing so would open the door for their hated rivals Manchester United to surpass their total of 18 titles.

Ancelotti was also nonplussed by the possibility Bruce would do his old mentor, Sir Alex Ferguson, a favour at the Stadium of Light.

"I don't think about this," said Ancelotti. "I think that Sunderland will do their best to beat United and Liverpool will do the same against us.

"Every team has respect for this Premier League and every team has to do their best until the end of the matches.

"We have to pay attention because Liverpool are a strong team and it's very difficult to win at Anfield, but we have to try. We need to have three more points after Sunday.

"I am pleased to play first. But I said we have one more point than United. With two victories we can be champions, so we have to focus on our game and not think about Sunderland's result. We are not interested in that. We want to be champions and that's the only important thing."

Frank Lampard And Steven Gerrard Ready To Renew Rivalry

Amid the usual raised eyebrows and shaking of heads when the PFA's Premier League team of the year was announced during last Sunday's gala dinner, there was one omission of particular significance that went almost unnoticed.

Not since 2003 had Steven Gerrard failed to make the all-star team, yet the scale of Liverpool's collective failure this season had ensured that the inclusion of any of Rafael Benítez's players would have proved far more conspicuous.

Frank Lampard was also unusually absent, with his fellow professionals ushering in a new era of young central midfielders by their collective preference for Cesc Fabregas, James Milner and Darren Fletcher (average age 24).

Yet was that fair? Are Gerrard and Lampard, whose long rivalry will resume at Anfield on Sunday, no longer among the elite of the Premier League?

Or are they simply judged by their own past achievements and thus a little more harshly than their younger rivals?

In the case of Lampard, that would appear to be the case. After all, in the 2004-05 season, when he scored what was then considered to be an extraordinary total of 22 goals from central midfield, he was voted the Football Writers' Player of the Year.

Since then, he has scored 20 or more in seven consecutive seasons, peaking this campaign with 30 and counting across all competitions.

"He is the best 'running' midfielder in the world," said Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager. "He has this fantastic quality to time his runs into the box."

Yet while Lampard is arguably enjoying the finest season of his career, the situation with Gerrard is depressing.

The photographs of him trudging across the Anfield pitch after Thursday's Europa League exit against Atletico Madrid were an appropriate reflection of a miserable season.

It now seems almost impossible to believe that it was only a year ago that he was collecting the Football Writers' Player of the Year award and speaking with such optimism about Liverpool's future.

With Chelsea going for a third Premier League title since 2005, Gerrard may also reflect that it is six years since he made that monumental decision to resist a lucrative move to Stamford Bridge.

He will be forever revered on Merseyside for his loyalty, yet there may also be an envious glance on Sunday at Lampard who, over the next fortnight, stands on the brink of inspiring Chelsea to a seventh and eighth major trophy since 2004.