Blues on Ancelotti´s wavelength as Rovers await

October 24, 2009


Carlo Ancelotti’s English might still be a work in progress, but the Italian is currently happy for Chelsea to provide eloquence on his behalf.

On every occasion the west Londoners have been asked a taxing question since Ancelotti took charge, they have provided an articulate response.

A shambolic defeat at Wigan was followed by a brutally efficient win over Liverpool; then, just when their credentials appeared to be undermined by another notable wobble, this time at Aston Villa, they reaffirmed them in stylish fashion with a 4-0 thrashing of Atletico Madrid.

It all makes ominous reading for Blackburn Rovers ahead of their visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea may have been prone to the odd bout of brain-freeze on their travels this term, but their imperiousness on home soil has been a throwback to the days of Jose Mourinho.

Four wins out of four in the English Premier League, including 10 goals for and just one against, are the kind of statistics which usually add up to a title challenge.

Chelsea are also one step ahead of their rivals in a different form of numbers game.

The club’s serene progress in the Champions League this season, where they have won all three games without conceding, is a mark of their strength in depth.

They have not once been able to call upon Didier Drogba, their talismanic striker, due to the three-match European ban awarded for his foul-mouthed rant at Tom Henning Ovrebo, the referee for last season’s semi-final with Barcelona.

Chelsea’s ability to shrug off adversity is in stark contrast to some of their title rivals, most obviously Liverpool, who have laboured in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, a point that has not gone unnoticed at Stamford Bridge.

“We’re very fortunate at Chelsea,” Frank Lampard, their England midfielder, said.

“Since Roman Abramovich came, we’ve had a lot of strength in depth – like with Salomon Kalou scoring twice against Atletico with Didier Drogba being out.

“People said we would struggle without Didier, but we didn’t. If you take Torres out of their team, who do they (Liverpool) bring in?

“It’s difficult. We have players that are not here only to make up the numbers, but players that are fighting and working hard every day in training to come in and really prove themselves.”

Lampard had failed to score from open play for his club all season until he plundered Chelsea’s third goal against Atletico with a typically crisp long-range drive.

Presumably, any relief felt by Lampard will have been mirrored by Ancelotti.

Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn have lost all three league games on their travels, leaking 11 goals in the process, and were thrashed 6-2 by Arsenal in their last outing to the capital.

They might venture south buoyed by their east Lanacashire derby win over Burnley, but few of their fans will be travelling with great expectations.

“Looking at the fixtures, beating Burnley gives us a better opportunity to nick something from the next two games than we would otherwise have done,” maintained Allardyce.

“It was a great three points bearing in mind it was a local derby and that our next two away games are Chelsea and Manchester United.

“It was important we got to 10 points as quickly as possible as these fixtures are going to be difficult.”

LONDON (AFP)

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Chelsea´s Ancelotti prays for more Anelka magic

October 21, 2009


Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti will be praying for another dose of Champions League magic from Nicolas Anelka as the Blues bid to erase the memory of their recent domestic difficulties.

Ancelotti’s side reeled off eight successive wins at the start of the season to widespread acclaim, but the wheels have come off Chelsea’s bandwagon after defeats at Wigan and Aston Villa.

The west London club’s 2-1 loss at Villa on Saturday wasn’t as shocking as the Wigan embarrassment, but it cost Chelsea their place on top of the Premier League and raised questions about Ancelotti’s defence, whose shoddy marking was exposed at two set-pieces.

Suddenly Chelsea don’t look quite so all-conquering, but they have a chance to get back on track in Wednesday’s European clash against Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge.

Victories over Porto and Apoel Nicosia have put Ancelotti’s team top of Group D and three points against Atletico would all but secure their place in the knockout stages.

If Chelsea do get another win it would be little surprise if the decisive blow is delivered by France striker Anelka.

The former Real Madrid star has scored both of the Blues’ match-winning goals in the Champions League this season and his form in Europe has helped to overcome the absence of suspended Ivory Coast forward Didier Drogba.

Drogba was banned for three games by UEFA following his rant at referee Tom Henning Ovrebo following their controversial semi-final defeat against Barcelona last season.

But Anelka has thrived in Drogba’s absence and he claims playing alongside adaptable forwards like Nwankwo Kanu and Dennis Bergkamp during his time at Arsenal has been instrumental in his success at leading the attack.

“You know when you play with big players like Bergkamp or Kanu that you will learn – I have learned from a lot of people that I’ve played with and tried to take a little bit from all of them,” Anelka said.

“I am a striker but not at the top of the team and I’m still in the centre of the pitch – a bit like the position Dennis Bergkamp used to play.

“He used to play for Arsenal like that when I was there, not like a striker, but not a number 10 or a midfield player either.

“You play between the number 10 position and the centre-forward position, that’s nine-and-a-half.

“In the position I play you need to know before you get the ball where your team-mates are and try to be clever because in modern football doing something clever is advantageous.

“I’m not sure if too many other players like playing in this position but I enjoy it a lot.

“You have to be very clever now. It is not enough just to be a very good footballer or very athletic, because if you do not have the intelligence to make the right decisions on the pitch, I don’t think you will make it at the highest level.”

Atletico, who travel to England on the back of a dismal 3-0 defeat at Osasuna, are languishing in the lower reaches of La Liga as well as sitting bottom of their European group.

Under-pressure boss Abel Resino needs a big performance from former Manchester United Diego Forlan – last season’s European golden boot winner.

Forlan said: “Things haven’t been going so well and I think we have been playing with a bit of anxiety.

“But I’ve got confidence in the squad we have and I think we can turn it around soon enough.”

LONDON (AFP)

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UEFA reduce Drogba, Bosingwa bans on appeal

July 16, 2009


European football’s governing body UEFA on Wednesday agreed to reduce bans handed down to Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and defender Jose Bosingwa for their angry outbursts which followed the club’s Champions League exit to Barcelona in May.

Drogba was originally given a fixed four-match ban and Bosingwa a three-match ban after they made controversial comments following Chelsea’s 1-1 second leg semi-final draw with eventual champions Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

UEFA decided to reduce both players’ suspension by one game after Chelsea appealed.

A UEFA statement on the body’s website read: “Under the UEFA Appeals Body’s verdicts, Drogba will be suspended for five UEFA club competition matches – the last two of which will be deferred for a probationary period of three years – and (he) has been fined 15,000 euros.

“Bosingwa will be suspended for three UEFA club competition matches, the last of which is deferred for a probationary period of three years, and fined 10,000 euros.”

UEFA’s initial fine of 100,000 euros for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their fans stands, however.

In full earshot of the television cameras Drogba ranted at Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after Chelsea conceded a last-gasp equaliser to exit the tournament on away goals.

The Blues also felt that Ovrebo should have awarded them several penalties.

Bosingwa then described Ovrebo as a “thief” in an interview on Portuguese television.

Both players later apologised and Bosingwa withdrew his comments.

Chelsea appealed the bans in the belief that the punishments “were unnecessarily harsh given the circumstances.”

NYON, Switzerland (AFP)

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Chelsea appeal against Drogba and Bosingwa bans

June 30, 2009


LONDON (AFP) – Chelsea announced on Monday they’d appealed against the bans handed out to striker Didier Drogba and defender Jose Bosingwa by European football’s governing body UEFA earlier this month.

Drogba was given a four-match ban and Bosingwa a three-match ban, with other games suspended for their comments following Chelsea’s 1-1 second leg semi-final draw with eventual champions Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in May which saw the London club go out of the Champions League.

The Blues were also fined 85,000 pounds (100,000 euros) for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their fans.

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm it has today (Monday) lodged an appeal against the UEFA bans given to Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa, and the fine imposed against the club,” said a Blues statement.

“We believe these punishments are unnecessarily harsh given the circumstances.

“We would reiterate that the players and the club are acutely aware of our responsibilities towards setting a good example as role models and upholding the values of the game.

“That is why honest and sincere apologies were made swiftly after these regrettable incidents occurred.”

Chelsea crashed out of Europe’s premier club competition after Andres Iniesta’s injury-time equaliser for Barcelona took the Catalans through to the final on the away goals rule.

The Blues had a number of penalty appeals turned down during the match by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and Ivory Coast international Drogba, who had been substituted, came back onto the pitch to swear at the official after the final whistle in front of watching TV cameras.

Portuguese defender Bosingwa, meanwhile, likened Ovrebo to a “thief” in a post-match interview before withdrawing his comments.

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Chelsea to appeal UEFA punishments

June 23, 2009


NYON, Switzerland (AFP) – English Premier League giants Chelsea appealed on Monday against the punishments meted out last week by UEFA over their behaviour following the Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona last month.

The club had originally announced that they would accept the decision of UEFA on the behaviour of Ivory Coast star striker Didier Drogba and Portuguese international fullback Jose Bosingwa – Chelsea were also fined 100,000 euros.

However, they have decided that after Drogba received a six match suspension two of which are suspended, while Bosingwa was handed a four-game ban, with one match suspended, last week that they will appeal.

UEFA’s judgement followed the angry scenes that marred Chelsea’s elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona after a 1-1 draw between the clubs in the second leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge on May 6.

“Drogba and Bosingwa were facing charges of being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee and by making offensive comments,” read a statement on the UEFA website when they announced the decision.

“Drogba’s suspension applies to the next four UEFA club competition matches for which the player would be eligible, while Bosingwa’s suspension applies to the next three UEFA club competition matches for which the player would be eligible.”

Chelsea crashed out of Europe’s premier club competition after Andres Iniesta’s injury-time equaliser for Barcelona took the Catalans through to the final on the away goals rule.

The Blues had a number of penalty appeals turned down during the match by Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo and Drogba, who had been substituted, came back onto the pitch to harangue the official after the final whistle.

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Terry blasts Drogba and Bosingwa bans

June 20, 2009


LONDON (AFP) – Chelsea captain John Terry on Friday criticised the punishments meted out to his team-mates Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa for their reactions to the club’s Champions League loss to Barcelona.

Ivorian striker Drogba was on Wednesday given a four-game European ban by UEFA, with two games suspended, while Portuguese full-back Bosingwa will have to miss three matches, with a further match suspended.

The pair were punished for their reactions to a 1-1 draw at home to Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League, when Andres Iniesta’s injury-time equaliser for the Catalans sent the London club out of the competition on the away goals rule.

Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo rejected a string of penalty appeals from Chelsea during the game and at the final whistle Drogba, who had been substituted, stormed onto the pitch to abuse the official, branding what had happened a “f…(expletive) disgrace” in front of watching TV cameras.

“What happened with Didier and the comments made after the game took the hype away from the referee a little bit,” Terry told British radio station talkSPORT.

“It was a very bad performance from him (Ovrebo), we all realised that. There were three or four clear penalty decisions that we should have had that night and that’s something as a fan and as a player you will never forget.

“It was disappointing. I would like the people in charge to take these things into perspective and realise that after the game Didier came out and apologised for his actions.

“I think he realises that kids were watching and he deserves a ban. But to that extent? I really don’t think so. Maybe a two-match ban.”

Bosingwa referred to the referee as a “thief” in a post-match interview before then retracting his comments and Terry felt that he, too, was harshly treated.

“Jose Bosingwa’s ban, I don’t know where that’s come from,” the England skipper said.

“Obviously every player was feeling what Bosingwa felt and thankfully nobody else said what he said. But he said what every fan and every player was thinking.

“Hopefully Chelsea can appeal and we can get that (the ban) down a little bit because we want those two players for the campaign next year.”

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Hiddink dances into sunset with message for Chelsea

May 31, 2009

LONDON (AFP) – Guus Hiddink admitted Chelsea’s riotous dance party after the FA Cup final was the perfect way to end his brief reign, but the departing Blues manager wants his side’s victory over Everton to signal a more sedate period at Stamford Bridge.

Hiddink joined Chelsea’s stars in a wild dressing room celebration at Wembley on Saturday, which saw even Roman Abramovich lose his inhibitions and throw a few shapes alongside Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and company.

A first trophy for two years does that kind of thing to a club who had grown used to such occasions during Jose Mourinho’s reign.

But, while Hiddink was delighted to savour every moment of a perfect farewell before resuming his role as Russia coach on a full-time basis, the Dutchman believes it is the Mourinho era that Abramovich must recreate if Chelsea are to enjoy more champagne-soaked celebrations in the future.

Since Mourinho was eased out after a bitter power struggle in September 2007, Chelsea have been through three managers and Abramovich is set to appoint a fourth, most likely AC Milan’s Carlo Ancelotti, in the next week.

Hiddink believes that constant change has had a negative effect on the players and he wants Abramovich to stick with his new man for the good of the squad.

"We had a nice dance party with everyone participating, the players and the staff," Hiddink said. "We have a multi-cultural squad and you must see the African players; to see Essien break-dance is a joy.

"I did some good moves, the African way. At least that’s what I was thinking!

"Roman danced with us. He is not a man of many words but he was in the middle of the party.

"It was emotional in the dressing room because we were aiming for this cup.

"We had this beautiful African dance, then I gathered the players and technical staff in another room because I won’t get another opportunity now to speak to them.

"I gave a five minute speech to thank them in a rather emotional way for the way we have worked together in the last four months.

"Now I think stability is a big need for the club. They have had too many changes in the past years and they recognise that themselves.

"They need a long-term strategy so that they can build a team and keep up their high performance.

"The players know what they are capable of. This victory might be the foundation for the future. They have shown they can do it."

After falling behind to Louis Saha’s 25 second opener, the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, Chelsea gradually overpowered Everton.

Didier Drogba equalised with a header from Florent Malouda’s cross in the 21st minute and Frank Lampard gave Chelsea their fifth FA Cup when he drove a long-range shot past Tim Howard after 72 minutes.

Hiddink refused to rule out managing another Premier League club, or even Chelsea, in the future, but for now he will visit his father before focusing on leading Russia to the 2010 World Cup finals.

He will always have a place in the hearts of Chelsea’s players and fans after one of the most successful caretaker manager spells of all-time.

When Hiddink replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari in February he took over a squad in danger of stagnating, but his direct, open approach produced a run of just one defeat in his 22 matches.

And were it not for some dubious decisions by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, Hiddink would have taken Chelsea to two finals.

He admitted that controversial defeat was the only disappointment of his time in England.

"It would have been even more perfect if we had been somewhere a few days ago playing in another big final," Hiddink said.

"That is the only regret I have. I would have loved to play Man Utd in the Champions League final, but it did not happen.

"I feel sadness to be leaving because the attitude from everyone was superb. On the other hand leaving with silverware gives a feeling of satisfaction.

"This is the best way. You can say goodbye easier with a cup."

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Drogba want to make amends for Barca ref rant

May 29, 2009


LONDON (AFP) – Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has offered to make a second apology to referee Tom Henning Ovrebo for his wild-eyed rant after Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final exit to Barcelona.

Drogba has already said sorry to Ovrebo once since the spectacular meltdown at Stamford Bridge but he has been charged by UEFA, the European game’s governing body, and is keen to make it clear how much he regrets the incident.

Ovrebo was criticised by Drogba and his Chelsea team-mates for rejecting four penalty appeals in the second leg clash.

Drogba was given a yellow card by the Norwegian official as he confronted him after the game and UEFA have since accused him of making offensive and insulting remarks towards the official.

Drogba, who is preparing for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Everton, insists he will apologise again if that’s what it takes to restore his battered reputation.

“The game has gone (Barcelona) and everything is finished,” he said. “I have apologised and if I have to, I will do it again. But now my objective is to win the FA Cup.

“I have played some games after that one and I think the spirit of the team and the way my friends and the club supported me was great.

“The FA Cup is a different competition but the good thing is that even though we are out of the Champions League the spirit has always been good and we are together.

“We were fighting for three trophies a few weeks ago and now we only have one. So we will do our best to win it.

“Some seasons you win more cups than the others, and I hope this year will have the same ending as when we beat Manchester United in 2007.

“Everybody thinks it is going to be an easy to game for Chelsea but we have to give a lot of respect to Everton, because of the way they finished the season. We have to concentrate.”

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Euro anger can help Chelsea in FA Cup final: Hiddink

May 27, 2009


COBHAM (AFP) – Guus Hiddink expects Chelsea to use the pain of their Champions League defeat by Barcelona as motivation to win Saturday’s FA Cup final against Everton.

Hiddink and his players are still so frustrated by the controversial nature of their European exit that many vowed not to watch Wednesday’s final between Manchester United and Barcelona.

The Blues felt they were harshly treated by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, who turned down four strong penalty claims before Andreas Iniesta scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.

The agony lingers at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea have a chance to finish the season on a high note by winning their first trophy for two years.

Hiddink, who will be in charge for the final time before resuming his role as Russia coach on a full-time basis, is determined to mark his spell with a trophy and wants his players to use the Barca match as a spur to success.

“Of course you can play out of anger. It is always good to use that. The internal motivation is high in the team,” Hiddink said.

“Bit by bit, day by day I’m getting rid of the anger from the Barcelona match a little bit, but if you push the right button in my soul you will find a bit of anger.

“Chelsea did a great performance in the second leg and we know this injustice. You can cope better with the injustice if you lose for football reasons.”

Hiddink’s relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich was key to his decision to help out Chelsea on an interim basis and he admitted the Russian had consoled him after the Barca defeat.

“After the Barcelona game I was not in the best state of mind. Then I had a conversation with Roman and he said be proud, because we made a good impression on the world, especially in the second game,” Hiddink said.

“But we knew what the situation was. I had a full commitment in Russia. It is very obvious that we should continue over there.”

Although the FA Cup was low on Chelsea’s list of targets at the start of the season, Hiddink is adamant a Wembley victory this weekend is more than just a consolation prize.

“A final is never an anti-climax. You have to be in finals at a big club and we are very happy to be there,” Hiddink said.

“To play a final with worldwide attention and win some silverware is perfect.

“Analysing this season, they would have liked to fight until the end for the title and be in the Champions League final. But the Cup is not a second prize.”

Hiddink, who is boosted by the return to fitness of England midfielder Frank Lampard and Brazil defender Alex, could be replaced by AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian is reported to have agreed a three-year contract with Chelsea, although the deal is yet to be rubber-stamped.

Hiddink is confident he will be leaving a squad, who with an injection of youth, are capable of competing with Manchester United next season.

“I’ve enjoyed being here and working with the guys. They have responded well and they are still eager to get a lot of prizes,” Hiddink said.

“The board know they have to renew the squad a little bit. Some are at the age of 30 but they are still ambitious. They need some younger players alongside them.

“If you have a direct but demanding relationship they will respond. I expected to have to fight with big names to get them on the right track to perform but there was no such fight needed.”

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Chelsea faces UEFA disciplinary on June 17

May 22, 2009


GENEVA (AFP) – UEFA said Friday that Chelsea as well as Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa will face European football’s disciplinary body on June 17 following incidents in the Champions League tie against Barcelona.

The governing body said it had started disciplinary proceedings against the London club over the “improper conduct of players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters”.

Drogba and Bosingwa also face proceedings “for being in breach of the principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee by making offensive comments,” UEFA added in a statement.

Drogba faces potentially severe sanctions over his confrontation with Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after Barcelona’s injury-time goal sent the London side crashing out of the Champions League semi-final last month.

His case was further aggravated by him screaming an obscenity into a television camera about the official.

UEFA examined both the referee’s and the delegate’s reports before it decided to refer the case to its Disciplinray and control Body.

The club and both players have until May 29 to file their submissions in the case.

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