England

Carlo Ancelotti: Senior Chelsea Players Are At Their Peak

Blues in prime of their lives, claims boss.

Nov 8, 2009 10:16:44 AM

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Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea (Getty Images)

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed suggestions that his squad is too old and has instead claimed his senior players are at their peak.

The Blues possess several players over 30 years of age, including Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, yet the Italian feels that in the modern game, age is no longer as important.

“John Terry is a young player and so is Lampard,” the Chelsea boss was quoted by the Press Association as saying.

“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.”

Ancelotti welcomes Manchester United to Stamford Bridge this afternoon, hoping for the win that will take his side five points clear of the champions.

The Red Devils have failed to win at the home of the Blues since 2002 but the Italian warned his players of the threat that Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, in particular, would offer.

"Berbatov is a good striker. He has a very good partnership with Wayne Rooney,” explained the Chelsea boss.

“Together they are playing with good combination. We have to pay attention to this.

“They are a very good pair, as are Drogba and Anelka.”

Gill Clark, Goal.com UK