Source: Team_Talk
Ancelotti explains Cole departure
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti says Joe Cole's departure from the club was not for footballing reasons but because of the player's wage demands.[LNB] Cole's contract at Stamford Bridge expired at the end of June and he has subsequently left the club as a free agent after failing to reach a new agreement with the Blues.[LNB]Ancelotti admits he is disappointed to have parted with a player of Cole's calibre, but claims the situation had nothing to do with him.[LNB]"The problem was economic," said the Italian.[LNB]"It was a problem between the club and Joe Cole, not me. We spoke about this but when the problem is with money, it is not my problem.[LNB]"It is difficult to keep a player all the time in one squad.[LNB]"I think Joe Cole, like Michael Ballack and Julian Belletti, did a fantastic job. I want to thank them but now is the time to change."[LNB]Ancelotti, who guided Chelsea to a Premier League and FA Cup double last season, is hoping his side can push on in 2010/11 despite seeing considerable experience head through the exits.[LNB]He has also revealed that the Champions League will be a top priority after they fell at the last 16 stage to Inter Milan last term.[LNB]"Our aim is to do better than last year in the Champions League," added Ancelotti.[LNB]"We went out too early last season. It is not easy to be competitive in every competition.[LNB]"If it's possible then we want to repeat what we did last year in the other competitions."[LNB]Cole has been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City since the season ended, with Liverpool the latest club said to have enterered the race to sign him.