Makelele enjoying new role
01 Feb 2008 - 09:26:20
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- Makelele enjoying new role
Veteran Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has admitted he is enjoying his new unofficial player-coach role at Stamford Bridge.
Makelele, 34, has made more first-team appearances than he was expecting this season after coming to an agreement with head coach Avram Grant to play only in their most important matches.
However, a spate of injuries to midfielders plus the loss of players to the Africa Cup of Nations has led to Makelele making 18 appearances this season.
But despite entering the twilight of his career, the former France international claims a part-time coaching role has reignited his passion for the game.
"I didn't play too much over Christmas but that was because the manager and me had a deal to keep me fresh and ready for this important time," he said.
"The manager has told me he needs me for the big games to use my experience to do what is needed.
"But my responsibility is no longer just on the pitch. It is in training. It is off the pitch with the group and I am happy when I can do this to give my experience before I stop playing.
"My job now is also to give all my experience to the younger players in midfield and teach them now to improve their game.
"I teach them how to get in positions, how best to move on the pitch and make things difficult for the opponent.
"Players need to know when to pass, when to move and when to keep the ball. All these things are important.
"Now I am in a good position to help the younger players with this and not only make them better as individuals but also to work better for the team."