Chelsea Win In Malaysia

A goal in each half saw the Blues secure a relatively easy victory over a Malaysian side consisting mostly of under-23 players with a few experienced campaigners thrown in to bolster the side.

However, Scolari’s side got off to a slow start in the match and could have gone behind early on however Zainal dragged his shot wide after only two minutes.

It was left to Nicolas Anelka to open the scoring mid-way through the first half after being put through by Joe Cole. His left footed shot was struck well giving Helmi, the Malaysian keeper, little chance.

Chelsea began to gain the upper hand and Lampard and Deco combined well at a free kick, but the former Barcelona player’s volley couldn't beat the Malaysian goalkeeper.

It wasn’t until the second half that the Blues managed to double their lead, substitute Ashley Cole scoring eight minutes after coming on at half time.

Scolari had used the break to fresh up his side with several substitutions: Alex, Malouda, Ashley Cole and Ferreira replacing Carvalho, Wright-Phillips, Bridge and Joe Cole.

However, some good work from Frank Lampard saw him lay the ball off to Ashley Cole whose neat turn and finish made it 2-0.

The Malaysian side had their chances in their second half, their best opportunity falling to Zaquan, however he was unable to beat Petr Cech who ensured yet another clean sheet for his side.

Andriy Shevchenko replaced Deco late in the second half but couldn’t increase Chelsea’s lead, indeed Essien had the Blues’ best chance however he couldn’t beat Helmi and the match finished 2-0.

Chelsea now head to Russia where they face Lokomotiv Moscow on Friday as their pre-season preparations continue.

Cudicini Still Happy At Chelsea

Cudicini has been at Stamford Bridge for eight seasons, having joined from Castel di Sangro in 1999.

He was initially first choice for the Pensioners, winning the Premier League’s best goalkeeper award in 2003, but lost his place when Petr Cech was signed from Rennes in 2004.

The Italian has subsequently found himself kicking his heels on the Chelsea bench while Cech has gone on to become one of the game’s top stoppers.

However, the 34-year-old insists that he is still satisfied with life at the club, and will be dependable when called upon in the event of another Cech injury.

The Czech international has suffered of considerable afflictions over the past two years, including horrific skull and face injuries.

Cudicini told The Daily Mail: “I know I have to be ready when the team needs me.

“I am trying to train every day as if I was playing. Of course I'd like to play more but this is normal.”

Cole To Receive Bumper New Deal

Cole was one of the Blues’ best performers last season, his dynamic displays on either flank keeping the likes of Florent Malouda and Shaun Wright-Phillips mired on the bench.
Oft criticised in his early days at Stamford Bridge – most notably by his manager at the time, Jose Mourinho – the former West Ham man has toned down his showboating antics over the past year or so and upped his output considerably.
This transformation was highlighted during the Champions League final in May, when Cole tracked back relentlessly all game to help stifle the influence of Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
The England star has picked up where he left off during pre-season, his fine form in Asia making a significant impression upon new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.
And so the 26-year-old is set to be rewarded for his all good work with a new five-year deal, which will supposedly boost his weekly wage from £60,000-per-week to £80,000.

Cole will begin discussions with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon upon returning to London next week.

Grant: Chelsea Now Stronger Than Utd & Arsenal

Avram Grant is tipping Luiz Felipe Scolari, the man who replaced him as Chelsea manager, to bring success to Stamford Bridge.

"In the last few months, there have been big changes at Chelsea," Grant told the Bangkok Post after delivering a lecture to Thailand Premier League representatives in Bangkok.

"I think they are now better than Manchester United or Arsenal. Scolari is a good coach and can bring success to Chelsea.

"Chelsea have a good chance of winning the Premier League."

Grant himself narrowly missed out on three trophies after being promoted to succeed Jose Mourinho last September. Chelsea were pipped by two points in the Premier League title race by Manchester United, who also beat the Blues in a penalty shoot-out after extra-time in the final of the Champions League, while Tottenham beat the Blues after extra-time in the Carling Cup final.

That record convinces Grant he is not a bad manager.

"When I took over Chelsea after Jose Mourinho was fired, the English press and some Chelsea players did not believe in my ability," he said.

"But I proved that to them in the last two or three months when Chelsea nearly won three competitions."

It was an exciting campaign with a disappointing outcome for Grant, who was sacked a few days after the Champions League defeat; but Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou believes Scolari will guide the Blues to the top honours.

Chelsea owner Roman Aramovich is hoping the Brazilian 2002 World Cup-winning coach will bring success withy attacking flair toi the West Londoners.

Chelsea have warmed up for the challenge by beating Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals 4-0 and Chengdu Blades 7-0 during their Asian tour, and Ivory Coast forward Kalou said of Scolari:

"I have a very good impression of him. He is a great trainer and I enjoy working with him and I believe we can do something big for Chelsea this year."

The Blues have moved on to Malaysia for their final game in Asia, while Kalou has joined up with the Ivory Coast Olympic team in Hong Kong in preparation for the Beijing Games

Kalou, 22, will miss the start of the Premier League season as a result, but is confident he will return to Stamford Bridge fully fit for the European club season.

"Playing competitive football will definitely help me for the new season as I am playing at a good level and I feel that when I arrive back in England I will be ready," Kalou said.

"The Olympics is something I have always wanted to play in.

"It is one of the biggest events of the year and if you see the names of players who are taking part you can see it is very important.

"I am starting to get used to the humidity now and I feel with some more training we will all be ready for the Olympics."

Cech: We'll Get It Right This Time

The Czech keeper used the occasion of Chelsea's first return to Moscow since the night of John Terry's infamous penalty miss to extol the virtues of redemption.

"You can turn the page and go on because you have to do it, but of course the defeat stays in your mind for quite a while - and the best way to forget about the memories from the losing Final is to get to another one," Cech told the club's official website.

"Only like that do you forget about the defeats in finals and we still have plenty of time to do it.

"What happened in Moscow happened in the past and we are coming looking to the future because the two games will be important for us to prepare for the start against Portsmouth.

"So we come here only for this purpose. I can't talk for everyone else, but for myself it is in the past and the new season starts and I am only looking forward."

Chelsea are in Moscow to take part in the Russian Railways Cup, which will see them take on hosts Lokomotiv on Friday, before squaring off against either AC Milan or Sevilla on Sunday.

Anelka To Scolari: Get Robinho

The Blues have made no secret of their desire to lure Robinho away from the Santiago Bernabeu, and have supposedly had an official bid of over £30million turned down by los Blancos, who are thought to be demanding nearer £50million.

Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, a known admirer of the Brazil star, is keen to encourage competition on the flanks, and has challenged the likes of Florent Malouda and Shaun Wright-Phillips to win back a place in the starting XI.

Anelka is similarly eager to see the wide roles accounted for, as he has voiced his dissatisfaction at being regularly deployed on the wings by Avram Grant last term.

And the Frenchman believes Robinho would be an excellent addition at Stamford Bridge, pointing in particular to the 24-year-old's versatility.

"He can play everywhere, he's a very good player," said Anelka. "He can score, he can give some assists. He's always good for a player like me - a striker - and for Chelsea."

Kalou Defends Olympic Decision

Salomon Kalou's (pictured right) wisdom has been called into question of late. The Chelsea striker will take the risk of going to the Olympics with the Ivory Coast U23 squad, rather than seek to get off on the right foot with new Stamford Bride gaffer Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Thus, he'll miss the start of the Premiership campaign as last season's Premiership, Carling Cup and Champions League runners-up seek further improvement under former Portugal boss Scolari.

However, at 22-years-old Kalou is within his rights to go, although the Beijing tournament isn't officially recognised by FIFA.

Now, Kalou himself has played down fears over his Olympic involvement.

He said: "Playing competitive football will help me for the season as I am playing at a good level.

"I feel that when I arrive back in England I'll be ready."

The winger has scored 14 goals for the Blues in 63 appearances since moving from Dutch club Feyenoord in 2006.

However, he's clearly keen to continue to cement his place in the Ivorian consciousness, having netted 6 times in just 8 games.