English Premier League: Chelsea News Update
Alex: Chelsea Are Like Brazil
Brazilian defender Alex believes that the Blues have adopted a style similar to his country, which has ensured them their recent success. Chelsea are top of the English Premier League and have not yet conceded a goal at Stamford Bridge, which is once again becoming a fortress for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Chelsea have had a flying start to the season, not only have they conceded a goal they have an impressive tally of 25 goals from only their opening nine games. Even though Alex is currently sidelined following a thigh injury, he is pleased with his side’s attacking display.
Alex told reporters, “The way we've been playing throughout this year, I would liken us to Brazil. Brazilian teams have the same mentality. They just want to attack. However, there is one difference - here we try to have more composure in defense.”
Cech: Defense Is Essential
Chelsea goal keeper Petr Cech feels defense is crucial to ensure the Blues can duplicate last season’s success. The Blues are top of the league but an Arsenal win over Manchester City saw their lead reduced to five points. Arsenal are not the only competition, Manchester United also won over the weekend and are title contenders.
The Blues performance over the weekend was somewhat justified, instead of their usual goal fest the Blues only managed to score two goals, the reason for which was their mid week commitments. The Blues had an away Champions League fixture against Spartak Moscow, which was bound to take its toll on the players.
Compared to last season the Blues have not done too well, last season saw Ancelotti’s side score 21 goals in their opening five games. However, Cech feels that it is not too late and if his side maintains a solid defense then there is no reason that they can’t win back to back titles.
Cech told reporters, “When you keep a clean sheet you have the biggest chance of winning games. We are not conceding goals at home, but the most important thing is that we are winning those games.” The Cech international has yet to concede a goal at home and will hope to maintain that record.
He added, “You would swap keeping a clean sheet for winning the game every time, but I am pleased all those clean sheets are helping us to win games. Last season our home record helped us to win the Double, so hopefully it will do the same this season.”
Kalou Sets A Target Of Twenty Goals
Ivoirian striker Salomon Kalou revealed that he has set a target of 20 goals for himself this season, he said while talking to reporters after he scored Chelsea’s second goal against Wolves to seal his side’s victory over the weekend. Florent Malouda opened the scoring and this win ensured their lead at the top of the league.
The Chelsea striker has scored six goals this season so far and is determined to beat his goal tally of 14 goals of last season in the Premier League. This season he has paired off nicely with Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba and if he continues his current form he will undoubtedly reach his target.
He told reporters, “I push myself to score 20 goals and that's my target. I've got six already so I have 14 to go. It is a challenge for me and I have to keep myself fit if I want to do it, but I think it is possible. I look to get 10 before the end of December and another 10 after Christmas, but I'm already ahead of the plan.”
Bosingwa Happy To Be Back
Jose Bosingwa, the Portuguese full back, has returned from knee injury and revealed that he was delighted to have finally returned after being out for almost a year. He suffered the injury in the defeat to Aston Villa last season and fittingly made his return against the Villains this season.
He told reporters, “My knee now is okay. After the game against Aston Villa, I felt more confidence with my knee. I feel good and happy. I'm happy because the fans are receiving me very well and I want to give my best for the next games. I need games; I need more competitions. I don't know how many but I need games.”
Tags: