Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Scolari backs winger Malouda

30 Jul 2008 - 07:41:55

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New Chelsea head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is hoping to bring out the best in France winger Florent Malouda, who struggled during his first season at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old scored four goals in 38 appearances for the Blues last term, with Scolari feeling that Malouda was often used out of position.

He said: "I want to know if he stays with us, what is his best position.

"Last season he played in a different position than he did at Lyon. I want him to play on the wing like he did in Lyon, he was wasted last season."

Scolari added that he has learned a lot about his squad during their pre-season tour of the Far East and also admitted that he is close to settling on his first-choice starting eleven.

He added: "I am testing all my players, I only have eleven places available. I need to choose eleven for the game against Portsmouth.

"I need to look at the players and different formations - what position is the best for a player and what position I can use someone in during a game.

"If they try their best, it is my time to decide. I think I have my team for the first game against Portsmouth."