Football News
Three selection headaches facing...Carlo Ancelotti
Three wins from three, 14 goals scored and none conceded makes for a pretty formidable start to Carlo Ancelotti’s second season as manager of Chelsea but then, having won the double last time out, the Italian has raised the bar rather high for himself at Stamford Bridge.
With the new season still in its infancy, Sport.co.uk takes a curious glance at Chelsea’s squad and wonders what exactly Ancelotti has in mind in terms of getting the maximum from his hugely talented Blues squad.
What do you think, Chelsea fans? Are there any changes to personnel that you’d like to see Ancelotti make? What is the bare minimum you expect from this season? Have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the page…
First choice right-back?
The news that Branislav Ivanovic, so impressive last season, could be out for up to six weeks with a back complaint is tempered by the imminent return to action of long-term absentee Jose Bosingwa. While Bosingwa and Ivanovic are arguably the two best right-backs in the league, Paulo Ferreira has a chance to cement a place during the interim period. Factor in the ability to play at right-back of 18 year-old Jeffrey Bruma, who yesterday signed a new four-year deal to keep him at the club, and a fascinating battle for an unfashionable position is on the cards.
Central midfield
Assuming that Frank Lampard and Michael Essien are given starters, then it’s tempting to see the strong and disciplined Jon Obi Mikel as being the best foil for their attacking inclinations - however, at £17m, Ramires has clearly not been brought in as back up. The answer, of course, is that old adage ‘horses for course’ but the opportunity is there nevertheless for someone to establish themselves on a Lampard/Essien level. And, with the likes of Josh McEachran and Nemanja Matic waiting in the wings, the rotation could soon extend beyond the ‘Big Four’ of the Chelsea engine room.
Yossi Benayoun
As he did at Liverpool, the Israeli midfielder has assumed the role of a bit part player so far at Stamford Bridge but his frequently impressive contributions could be harder for Ancelotti to ignore than they were somehow for Rafael Benitez. With Florent Malouda now a fixture on the left-hand side, Benayoun might be set to challenge Nicolas Anelka for a place in the side, unless he can force a way in at central midfield.