Chelsea FC

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• Founded:1905
• Manager:Carlo Ancelotti

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Cole show delights Ancelotti

25 Oct 2009 - 11:52:38

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Carlo Ancelotti described Joe Cole as a "genius" after he took centre stage on his first start for ten months in Chelsea's 5-0 rout of Blackburn Rovers.

Cole has been sidelined since January with a serious knee ligament injury but impressed Ancelotti with a man-of-the-match performance at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

"I was very impressed with him," said Ancelotti. "Joe is a very important player for us. He has fantastic quality in midfield. He is a genius.

"He's a great professional. After 10 months out it's not easy Joe to play like he did. I'm happy for him."

Two goals by Frank Lampard and one apiece from Michael Essien, Didier Drogba and an own goal to open the scoring from Gael Givet secured all three points that put Chelsea back on the top of the table.

Speaking about the performance, the Italian coach added: "Chelsea played very well and it is not easy to play against us when we put great quality on the pitch. Blackburn did what they could.

"I think it was the best performance since I came here, but we have played well in other games.

"I liked this game very much. We played very well and it was a pleasure to see the team play like this."