Ancelotti Prefers Intelligent Benayoun Over Cole
Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager revealed that new signing, the former Liverpool player, Yossi Benayoun understands his tactics better than former Chelsea player Joe Cole. Joe Cole went on to Liverpool on a free transfer after England’s disappointing World Cup campaign. Ancelotti however, did not waste time in replacing the Blues star, within days of his departure; Benayoun took his place at the cost of £6 million.
Joe Cole left London, breaking thousands of hearts in the process. Even though Cole was missing for a large part of the successful 2009-2010 season, he did play an important role in the matches that he was featured in. In his last few games at Chelsea, he had become a sort of a “super sub”. When he was brought on, the game would change drastically in the favor of the Blues, with Cole either setting up or scoring a match deciding goal. He did exactly that by scoring against Manchester United, a lovely flick from the back heel that hit the back of the net. That goal not only showed his potential but also secured Chelsea's league title.
Many Chelsea fans have cried out against the move, saying it would have been better to keep Cole than get Benayoun who is significantly older. But coach Ancelotti thinks otherwise. He said that he believed that Benayoun could prove to be much more useful to Chelsea than injury prone Joe Cole. “Joe Cole is quicker than Benayoun but Yossi is better tactically. He understands what I tell him. Yossi is a very intelligent player. He knows everything about the game.” Ancelotti told reporters.
Ancelotti admitted that Joe Cole was younger and had the potential to become a regular in the Chelsea squad, but because of his constant injuries and inability to take orders, he had been unable to guarantee his place in the starting eleven. Combined with that was his unreasonable demand for an increase in wages, which would ensure he was earning as much as Chelsea stars; Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. Lampard, the vice captain has been consistent throughout the season, maintaining his average of 20+ goals per season and played an important role with the leading scorer, Drogba to earn Chelsea the Premier League and the FA Cup. Chelsea’s first double.
Ancelotti was expected to spend big in the summer transfer market, but so far has disappointed, his only new signing being Benayoun. Fans have criticized him, but he is confident of his decision having evaluated Banayoun on the training pitch. It is anticipated that he will make a surprise move before the transfer window closes on 31st August. Despite Chelsea managing well without Joe Cole last season, there is a need to strengthen the squad, with the likes of Michael Ballack, Deco and Belletti leaving the London club.
Joe Cole has disappointed Chelsea fans, not by joining Liverpool, but by his comments after the transfer was complete. Cole was reported to have said “When I knew Liverpool were interested it was a no-brainer because they are the biggest club in the country”. He went on to say Liverpool was a “massive club” and completely denied money being the motivation behind his move. He expressed his desire to play alongside the Liverpool greats; Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina and said he admired the atmosphere of Anfield. He has lost the respect of the Chelsea fans, and has yet to earn that of the Reds. Cole would be wise to realize that the world’s “biggest club” will not guarantee him a place in the starting team if his bad luck with injuries continues.
"Cole and Benayoun are different players and everyone has their own opinion, but we are happy to have Yossi here at Chelsea." Ancelotti said. A inside source revealed Benayoun was set to start against Manchester United in the Community Shield this Sunday. Benayoun will be eager to impress, he has already said how he is enjoying life at Chelsea. Like Joe Cole, he did not bad mouth the club or the fans, he did however blame former manager, Benitez for his exit. He was right in doing so, in his six years in charge, he managed to win the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup in 2005 and the FA Cup and Community Shield the next year, in 2006. Since then, Liverpool have failed to win any silverware, and last season didn’t even finish in the top four, ending their season with the disappointing number seven place.
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