Essien says Ancelotti's Champions League experience will boost Chelsea's Euro dream

14 August 2009 11:30
Michael Essien insists new boss Carlo Ancelotti can help Chelsea achieve their Champions League ambitions.[LNB]Chelsea have reached five semi-finals and one final in the last six years and are desperate to win European football's top trophy.[LNB]Essien believes the Italian coach, who won two Champions League titles with AC Milan, has all the credentials to lead the Blues to glory in Europe.[LNB]'We are already enjoying his company and methods,' said Essien. 'Everyone knows we have been in five Champions League semi-finals in six years and one final.[LNB] Up for the scrap: Essien says he is more hungry than ever for European success[LNB] 'We are desperate to win the biggest trophy in club football and I strongly believe our new boss can help us do it.[LNB]'He has been there, done it and got the shirt for it and we are already getting the vibe from him.[LNB]'The squad has been together for a long time and we are all yearning and hungry for more trophies.'[LNB]Chelsea begin their Barclays Premier League campaign under Ancelotti against Hull at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.[LNB]Striker Nicolas Anelka could be the next player to discuss a contract extension with the club.[LNB]Track record: Ancelotti has won the Champions League twice with AC MIlan [LNB]Anelka, 30, has played for five clubs in the last seven years but has settled in west London and scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season.[LNB]The France frontman has been particularly impressive in pre-season when he played alongside Didier Drogba.[LNB]Both Drogba and winger Florent Malouda agreed new contract extensions this summer and Anelka, who has two years left to run on his current deal, may be next in line.[LNB]I think we will be having talks with Chelsea next week about Nicolas' contract,' said his agent Doug Pingisi.[LNB]'Nicolas has two years left on his present contract and I think Chelsea would like to extend it.[LNB]'We plan to sit down and have talks with Chelsea about Nicolas' future.'[LNB]Drogba suspects the title race will be more keenly fought than ever in the coming season.[LNB]However the Ivory Coast international believes Chelsea can come out on top at home and in Europe.[LNB]'The fact that the Chelsea squad has not changed much is a good thing,' Drogba told L'Equipe.[LNB]'It will be our biggest asset this season. The Premier League is harder and harder every year, and the new season will be more difficult without a doubt.[LNB]'For the last three seasons Manchester United have won the title and they have deserved to.[LNB]'But we will be doing our best to change that. Of course they are the team to beat, but we showed in the Community Shield that we can do that.[LNB]'Personally, I feel fine at Chelsea and I want to win titles here.[LNB]'I want to win the Premier League title again, but my main priority is (winning) the Champions League. I am convinced we can do that this season.'[LNB] CHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail