Carlo Ancelotti calls for calm from his English stars

Carlo Ancelotti has taken a leaf out of comedian Harry Enfield’s book by telling his English stars: Calm down, calm down!

The Blues boss admits he has been impressed by the technical skills of players such as Frank Lampard, John Terry, Joe Cole and Ashley Cole since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

But he reckons his biggest task ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League game in Porto is getting everyone to take it a bit easier!

Training sessions at Chelsea’s Cobham base are so intense that Ancelotti fears his players could face burn-out.

The Italian said: “The difference with English players I’ve noticed since I arrived is they like to train every time at 100 per cent.

“In Italy, it’s different. If you ask a player in Italy to play 50 per cent you can be sure he trains 50 per cent. 

“An English player is different. He finds it difficult to train slow. He likes to train 100 per cent.

“Sometimes I have to ask them to work a little bit calmer. It’s not easy.

“It’s a little different, but I think it’s important. For the training it’s important to train hard but it’s important also to rest.

That goes against the grain for stars such as Terry and Lampard. But now it appears the players are coming round to a more continental way of thinking.

“I think they understood,” smiled Ancelotti. “Not all the players!  With Lampard it’s difficult to tell him work slow. He likes to work 100 per cent but I’m happy, it’s good for his fitness.”

Chelsea head for Portugal having qualified for the knockout stages and aiming to clinch top spot in their group.