Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti handling players with view to long season ahead

28 October 2009 10:55
Chelsea face Bolton Wanderers in tonight's Carling Cup fourth round and Ancelotti has left out John Terry and Nicolas Anelka, while Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba will start on the bench. [LNB]With Chelsea involved in the Champions League and with most of the squad expected to feature in next summer's World Cup, Ancelotti has said that he will have to pace his players. [LNB]"It's very important to prevent injuries," said the former AC Milan manager. "In the last year, not only with Milan but a lot of clubs, they put their attentions into prevention of injuries and recovery, not only on the work-load. [LNB]"That's the difference between now and 20 years ago. When I played, it was work, work, work every day. These days you work hard with intensity, but it's also important to give the players rest to prevent injuries. This is our way. [LNB]"We used this in Milan and we're using it now at Chelsea. When I arrived here I found a very good situation here already. Chelsea have been doing that."[LNB]Ancelotti believes that system will aid England's World Cup campaign. He added: "I think, at the end of May, John Terry and Frank Lampard will be in very good condition and will do a fantastic World Cup."[LNB]The changes mean that Daniel Sturridge, signed from Manchester City in the summer, will get his first start for Chelsea and the manager said: "It's a moment for Sturridge to play and I hope he does the best on the pitch. We have trust in his quality, have trust in him. [LNB]"He didn't have the possibility in the last few months to play, but I would like to see him at his best."[LNB]Alex, the Brazilian defender who has not featured this season, also starts and Ancelotti added: "He was injured 40 days ago. He's been working very well and played the last game for the reserves. And now he's ready to play. He's a very important player for us. He's young, very strong physically and a very good defender."[LNB]

Source: Telegraph