Cole thanks Scolari

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has thanked coach Luiz Felipe Scoalri for his good form of late.

Cole has been back to his best this season, adding defensive prowess to his attacking abilities, and winning over the fans who were earlier sceptical about his abilities.

Much of this is down to Scolari, who has employed a system where the full-backs are given license to support the attackers from the flanks.

“The manager changed the way we play, he wants the full-backs to attack. People used to say that was my game and I’m really enjoying attacking again,” the England full-back told media persons.

“This is the best I have played since I came to Chelsea. He has given me a lot more opportunity to get forward. We have shown that the more me and [Jose] Bosingwa get forward, it is hard for the opposition to mark us.”

Chelsea have lost ground to league leaders Manchester United lately, but Cole still remains confident of his team’s title chances: “If we keep cleans sheets we will always have the firepower to score at the other end. We’re not in a bad position and we think we’ll turn our form around.”

Scolari faces Chelsea Exodus

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has been unable to bring in new faces in the transfer window, and now he faces a player exodus from Stanford Bridge, as after Carlo Cudicini’s move to Tottenham Hotspur, Florent Malouda may leave for Juventus and Bratislav Ivanovic could be on his way to Fiorentina.

It was expected that Juventus would move for Malouda at the end of the season, but some reports suggest that he could well move to Turin on loan till the summer. Malouda has failed to find his feet in the Premier League, and his departure will be of no surprise to anyone.

Ivanovic, on the other hand has received very few oppurtunities in the presence of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Alex since his move to Chelsea. He is set to join Fiorentina, as his agent has met with officials from the Florence based club.

“I have met with [Fiorentina director of sport Pantaleo] Corvino today and we will meet again as soon as possible,” Ivanovic’s agent, Vlado Borozan, told media.

“We are negotiating terms to take Ivanovic to Florence; the lad wants to play for Fiorentina and the club have showed they want the same thing.

Lampard is the best: Scolari

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari hailed Frank Lampard as the best midfielder in the world, after the Chelsea No.8 popped up with an injury time winner against Stoke on Saturday.

“Frank is a part of the history of Chelsea,” Scolari was quoted as saying. “Today was his 400th appearance. I think his family will remember for life this goal in the last minute. He’s a man who is fantastic. If one day, maybe after two or three years, I go back to a national team and have a chance to vote for the best player in the world I will vote for Lampard.

“He’s not only a player, he’s a man. He likes his job, he likes to play. Every day what you need he gives to you. Before I had pressure, now I don’t have pressure thanks to him.”

The win ensured that Chelsea would not suffer back-to-back defeats following their 3-0 loss to League champions Manchester United.

“It’s important to win because we win three points. We showed spirit and heart and tried to draw, tried to win. I think the group today it’s more together than before. And that’s important.

“It’s the first time this year that we’ve scored in the last minute, although we’ve conceded some. After that every player was together.”

Drogba could be sold: Scolari

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has hinted that striker Didier Drogba could be sold in the January transfer window.

The Ivorian has endured a torrid last few months at Stamford Bridge, culminating in him being dropped against Stoke on Saturday. His performance against Manchester United in the 3-0 defeat was poor, and that seemed to have convinced the Chelsea managemnet that he is past his best.

Speaking about Drogba, Scolari said: “Sell him? It’s my choice but I think if someone offers a lot of money, the club might accept it. He still trains very hard and could be in my side next week – but I make the decisions.”

Scolari defends Carvalho

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has refuted claims that the club is plagued by unrest, and that there are factions in the dressing room. British paper The Sun, in a story earlier this week described the club’s problems, with Portuguese international Ricardo Carvalho the latest player to come out against the coach.

Reportedly, Carvalho is unhappy at the decision to employ a zonal marking defensive system, as it is a strategy that has so far been proved costly, with Chelsea conceding goals from set-plays at Manchester United and, even League One side Southend.

Scolari, though denied these claims, at a pre-match press conference today: “They [journalists] do not know what they are talking about when they write about Ricardo Carvalho.”

Chelsea will be looking to follow up their 4-1 FA cup win over Southend with a victory over Stoke City, whom they play at Stamford Bridge.

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