Source: SKY_Sports
Ancelotti offers Cole support
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists Joe Cole has an important role to play in his plans this season.
The England international endured an injury-hit 2008/09 campaign, restricting him to just 19 appearances in all competitions.
A knee problem picked up during an FA Cup clash with Southend in January forced him to undergo surgery, and he is yet to regain full fitness.
Much has changed at Chelsea since he suffered the knock, with Luiz Felipe Scolari having made way for temporary coach Guus Hiddink and now Italian tactician Ancelotti.
The former AC Milan chief has experimented with a new 'diamond' formation during Chelsea's recent US tour, breaking away from the tried and tested 4-3-3 system favoured by his predecessors.
Maturity
The new approach has cast further doubt over Cole's future in West London, with sceptics uncertain as to where he would fit into the new-look Blues set-up.
Ancelotti, though, insists the playmaker will play his part in the 2009/10 campaign, believing the talented 27-year-old would be an ideal option to play just behind a front two.
"I like football so know everything about Joe Cole," he said.
"I know all about the top players. He's perfect to play behind the strikers and has the maturity.
"He's very good at playing in a small space and is a good dribbler. I will wait until he's recovered from injury and then try him."
