Anelka hoping to make impact

France striker relaxed over fight for places

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 5th June 2008

Anelka hoping to make impact

Anelka: Aiming to show what he can do

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Nicolas Anelka is desperate to show what he can do at Euro 2008 but accepts that he faces competition for a starting spot.

The Chelsea striker has been in and out of the France squad for the last decade but has become an established member of the setup in recent months.

He has been overlooked for the warm-up games with Raymond Domenech preferring Thierry Henry and Karim Benzema up front.

However, Anelka is confident that he can make a big impact for Les Bleus in Austria and Switzerland.

"I feel keen to achieve a great Euro," the 29-year-old told L'Equipe.

"This time I want to show what I am able to do in a great competition. I can be better than during Euro 2000. In 2000, what I achieved was awful."

Serene

Anelka insists he is not worried about the prospect of starting France's first game against Romania on the substitutes' bench.

"Karim is a very good player, he will become the best. But I am very serene.

"The coach will make the final decision and we will see on Monday. Anyway, we don't care who will start as we have a very good relationship."

Anelka added: "I am not disappointed to have not started the two friendlies against Paraguay and Columbia.

"Anyway, I was not perfectly fit, I needed to go on working.

"I have needed to find my pace again and it is starting to come."