Ancelotti rejects age concerns

Chelsea boss backing players to prolong careers

Last updated: 7th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ancelotti rejects age concerns

Ancelotti: Backing squad

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea's players are at the peak of their careers, with several more good years to come.

There have been suggestions that some of Chelsea star performers are past their best, with the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack all the wrong side of 30.

Ancelotti does not share this opinion, having guided an ageing AC Milan side to glory during his time in charge at the San Siro.

The Italian tactician has no concerns about the fitness of his players and insists 28-year-old skipper John Terry can lead the team into a golden era.

"John Terry is a young player and so is Lampard," said Ancelotti. "When one player is 30 years old, he is at the centre of his career.

"Ten years ago he was an old player but now with the physical training, the age of 30 is the best moment of a player's career."

Cole praise

While Terry and Lampard are firmly established as senior players for both club and country, Joe Cole will have to work hard to get back into England contention after a long injury lay-off.

The midfielder has only just come back from a serious knee problem and Ancelotti feels he can catch the eye of Fabio Capello and secure a new deal with Chelsea.

"I have not spoken to Fabio Capello about Joe Cole," said Ancelotti. "Joe has to continue to improve and he will have an opportunity to return to play in the national team.

"Joe has quality but he is also dynamic. His return is very important for the club. We want to keep Joe and he wants to stay with us. There will not be a problem with his future.

"Because of that I can say we don't need other players. Joe is in very good condition. He is playing with consistency."