tribalfooball.com - September 20, 2006
John Terry has hailed the impact made by new Chelsea teammate Khalid Boulahrouz.
The Dutchman, signed from Hamburg for ?7million, has been impressive at right-back even though he is a centre-back.
Chelsea have conceded only one goal in the four games he has played and he has been error-free.
Skipper Terry said: "He's a great player and a great lad to have around.
"We call him The Assassin. On the pitch he has been different class, playing out of position.
"If he can do that for us and give us that option to play centre-back and right-back it's going to be great for us defensively."
Manager Jose Mourinho reckons The Assassin is also doing a good job of protecting his team-mates.
He said: "He's giving me what I was waiting for.
"I feel safe having him in the squad because he gives me protection because he can play at centre-back or right-back. But at the same time he's safe defensively.
"He is the player of the no mistakes. He plays safe in the game and gives us a lot of security. I'm pleased with him."
he is not that good offensively though
Chelsea boss Mourinho,Captain Terry hails Essien
tribalfooball.com - September 21, 2006
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Ghana star Michael Essien for his early season form.
Mourinho said: "Everything is perfect defensively. Offensively he has more qualities and scored his goal.
"From a disciplinary point of view, he is completely clean. He has not one single yellow card.
"This is because everything is about the strength of his body not about bad fouling or actions in the game."
Essien has responded to the intense competition in the centre of Chelsea's midfield although Michael Ballack will miss Saturday's trip to neighbours Fulham through suspension.
Essien said: "If you play at a club like Chelsea, there will always be competition. For me it's not a problem. I'm very happy here.
"You have to expect this kind of thing. And it makes you a better player.
"Last season was my first in the Premiership and I think I've developed a lot since then and gained lots of valuable experience.
"The more you play, the more you keep developing and improving."
Skipper John Terry has also been impressed with Essien since he returned from the World Cup.
Terry said: "Michael Essien has started the season really well. He's been one of our best players so far this season."
Yes I agreed that Essien is one of the best chelsea plyaer currently and Carvalho and Drogba look sharp too
Cech: Chelsea better this season
tribalfooball.com - September 21, 2006
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says they're a stronger team than last season's model.
"14 Chelsea players were playing in the World Cup in Germany so there was not enough time for preparation," Cech told Sport.
"Some of them had a longer vacation, some of them had a shorter vacation.
"A few lads, for example Makelele, Ballack, Shevchenko and Lampard, have joined the team later and they had to manage things during ten days, things that normally take more time.
"Approximately three quarters of our squad played in Germany. That simply must make an impact.
"Absolutely no [Chelsea are not at 100 percent], but our performances are better from match to match, we did well on Sunday," Cech added.
"We won even though we played almost 45 minutes with one man down.
"The biggest weakness of Chelsea is probably time, if there are new signings we all need a month to get used to each other, we are doing that on the fly.
"On the other hand we have such quality players that we can manage it and so we have won some points, that is a good sign.
"Then [when we get used to each other] we will be even stronger.
"I believe it will happen as soon as possible, we are improving step-by-step.
"I believe yes, [Chelsea will be stronger], some new top-class players have come in here; Ballack, Shevchenko or Cole.
"And there are some more ones; Mikel and Boulahrouz.
"All of them are playing for their countries, they took part in the World Cup finals.
"Moreover they fit well in the team."