Anelka in waiting game

Striker waits for Chelsea starting opportunity

Last updated: 16th May 2008

Nicolas Anelka

Anelka: Warming bench

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Watch the UEFA Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester United live on Sky Sports 1 and HD 1 from 6pm on Wednesday 21st May.

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Nicolas Anelka is vowing to be patient and accepts he may start the UEFA Champions League final on the bench.

Anelka, who already has a winners' medal after being part of the Real Madrid team that beat Valencia in 2000, has yet to win a regular first-team place at Chelsea, with Didier Drogba as the main striker.

But the former Bolton man says he is happy to bide his time.

"It is not frustrating, I am new in the club," said Anelka. "The manager wants to play 4-5-1 and I have to stay on the bench.

"I don't know if I will start. You need to ask the manager. Even if I am on the bench, I will have a chance to play and I will do my best.

"I hope one day I will get the chance to play my position in a 4-4-2."

Quality

The France international believes Chelsea have enough quality to beat United and secure the trophy.

"Can we win it? Why not?" said Anelka. "It is going to be very difficult because Manchester United have many big players. In one game, anything is possible.

"We have beaten them. We are confident. It is going to be a good game and we can do the business.

"We know it is a big game because Chelsea have never been in the final before but at the same time we have to keep calm until the day. Everybody is looking forward to it.

"I have nice memories of the final because we (Real) won. It is a special game. There was a lot of pressure but it is good to play this type of game.

"This match will stay in everybody's memories and I hope I will be a champion again.

"All we think about is winning this game. We don't think about losing. We are very concentrated."