Source: Team_Talk
Cole eyes back-to-back titles
Ashley Cole believes winning back-to-back titles with Chelsea would rank as one of the greatest achievements of his career.[LNB] The England full-back has won the Premier League on three occasions - twice with Arsenal and once with the Blues - but has yet to enjoy a successful defence of the title.[LNB]The 29-year-old's hopes of achieving that feat look bright in the wake of Chelsea's strong start to the new season, which has seen them establish a two-point lead at the top of the Premier League.[LNB]Chelsea won their first five league games but a run of one win in three has served as a timely reminder that Carlo Ancelotti's men will not have it all their own way, despite the indifferent form of traditional rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.[LNB]"I've never won back-to-back titles so I would say it's very hard," Cole told ESPN. "Chelsea, of course, have done it before and that's what we're aiming to do this season.[LNB]"I think every year the teams seem to be getting tougher. I think this year will be the toughest year, and if we do win it I think it will probably be one of the greatest achievements that I've ever done."[LNB]Despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa this weekend, the opening weeks of the season have nevertheless produced an impressive return of 23 goals in eight games for Ancelotti's side.[LNB]And Cole admits the sequence is a far cry from the often cagey displays during the Jose Mourinho era.[LNB]"Sometimes people get carried away and expect us to win by four or five every game," he added.[LNB]"Before, when we used to go two up, we would sit back a bit and be happy with 2-0. But now, with the players we have, we want to kick on and score more goals.[LNB]"We do seem to be playing a little bit more fluent and our movement's better. I think that's showing in how many goals we're scoring."[LNB]Cole attributes the team's new attacking outlook to the influence of Ancelotti.[LNB]He said: "I don't what it is with Carlo, he seems to be one of the lads but he knows of course when to be serious. But he joins in at training and everyone enjoys having him around.[LNB]"When you have someone like that around you it makes you want to fight and win for them. He brings out the best in a lot of us."[LNB]Cole will turn 30 in September and admits he is already giving some thought to how many years he has left at the highest level of the game.[LNB]"I'd like to say four, but you never know," he said. "I've got good young players behind me at Chelsea and I hope one day they can get more games and one day take my place.[LNB]"But at the minute I'm just taking it year on year and seeing how the body is, because I'm 29 but I feel like 35 or 40.[LNB]"It's hard getting up in the mornings, but I hope to have another four years and hopefully win a few more medals and win the Champions League.[LNB]"I've got three more years at Chelsea and I'd love to finish my career here."
