"Just call him Michael"

Last updated : 21 November 2009 By Paul Lagan

Chelsea routed Wolves 4-0 yesterday at Stamford Bridge to stay top of the Premier League.

But what did managers Carlo Ancelotti and Mick Mccarthy have to say about their team's performance? 

 

“I just call him Michael,” said Carlo Ancelotti of his two-goal hero Michael Essien.

Previous Chelsea managers have had a few descriptions of the Ghana midfielder - some called him The Beast others The Bison.

But Ancelotti is not the kind of man to put one player ahead of another. I just call him Michael, the Italian reiterated.

Ancelotti was however full of praise for Michael.

“He is one of the world’s most important midfielders - he can play anywhere in midfield.

“He is in good condition too.

“We had a lot of injuries before the game but we still played the same way,” added Ancelotti.

“If in January, we are still playing the same way, then I might not need to buy anyone.

Ancelotti was then asked about Gael Kakuta.

“He is young but has a lot of talent and he showed it. But he must improve and work hard.

“When Kakuta first heard he was banned he had some difficulties. But we had him training with the first team and he is now a lot happier.”

Joe Cole scored his first goal in more than a year. Ancelotti said of the mercurial talent; “Joe is improving with every game. He is getting better all the time and can do a good job for us.”

So there you have it, nothing special form Ancelotti, but nothing Mourinho-esque either.

Just call him Carlo.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said his team was happy to get nought.

“My heart bleeds for Chelsea that they had four players out,” said the Yorkshireman.

“But we had the first chance of the game and had a few good chances throughout the game to score too.

“But when it was two-nil game it was game done.

“The fans were brilliant but we came full of hope and got slapped.

Manchester united and Arsenal may have something to say about the title, but I think Chelsea will win it.

“We are in a relegation battle and I have told my players to prepare for it.

“We are in the bottom three but have to face the likes of Birmingham and Burnley soon, so we must show the same spirit and endeavour against them as we showed against Chelsea.”