Source: SKY_Sports
Anelka enjoying Blues system
Nicolas Anelka has praised Carlo Ancelotti for implementing a system that keeps everyone happy.
The Chelsea manager has favoured a diamond formation in midfield with Anelka up front alongside Didier Drogba.
The Blues are currently sweating on Drogba's fitness after he was forced off with a calf injury in the 3-0 victory over Tottenham on Sunday but Anelka insists he can play the lone attacking role if needed.
"We miss him (Drogba) when he's not around," said Anelka. "We miss his physical impact and things are definitely different without him.
"I usually play behind him, in midfield almost. But against Porto I was up front on my own, not that that's anything new for me as I must have played about 15 games like that last season."
Anelka believes he is playing with more freedom under Ancelotti and credits the Italian's rotation policy as being a key factor behind Chelsea's superb start to the season.
He said: "I am playing more freely now. I played with that system at Fenerbahce and it allows me to ask for the ball at my feet and to get up front with Didier at the same time.
"That's the position I prefer playing in because I can get more involved in the game. The more I get on the ball, the better I feel and the more I can express.
"Ancelotti rotates the squad, which is new at Chelsea. Everyone gets to play a part and everyone is happy, even if they just get to play 20 minutes.
"We really like him as a coach and as a person too. You can feel that out on the pitch and you really want to work hard for him. He's laid back, he talks a lot and he knows exactly what he's doing.
"It makes things easier when you've got a coach like that, someone who's calm and who shows you that he's in control.
"He won the league and the Champions League with Milan. He's been there and done it."
