Inter coach Rafael Benitez told a press conference in Abu Dhabi on Thursday that his side's final game against African representatives TP Mazembe at the ongoing Fifa Club World Cup would not be walkover for the Nerazzurri, who coasted to final on Wednesday after beating Asia's representatives Seongnam 3-0.
Benitez says he's expecting a tough meeting come Saturday against the Crows.
"It is the first time an African team is reaching a Fifa Club World Cup final, and so for them (Mazembe), it is very important and I think it will be a very tough opponent, if you weigh the level of their determination," the former Liverpool manager was quoted as saying by FootAfrique.
"This team deserves to be where it is at this competition, making it not an easy side to beat. Now, we have two days to prepare for this match. We will do more tactical and psychological preparation than physical tactics."
Mazembe won their matches – Pachuca (1-0), Internacional (2-0) – to qualify for the final.
Inter coach Rafael Benitez told a press conference in Abu Dhabi on Thursday that his sides final game against African representatives TP Mazembe at the ongoing Fifa Club World Cup would not be walkover for the Nerazzurri, who coasted to final on Wednesday after beating Asias representatives Seongnam 3-0.
Benitez says hes expecting a tough meeting come Saturday against the Crows.
It is the first time an African team is reaching a Fifa Club World Cup final, and so for them (Mazembe), it is very important and I think it will be a very tough opponent, if you weigh the level of their determination, the former Liverpool manager was quoted as saying by FootAfrique.
This team deserves to be where it is at this competition, making it not an easy side to beat. Now, we have two days to prepare for this match. We will do more tactical and psychological preparation than physical tactics.
Mazembe won their matches Pachuca (1-0), Internacional (2-0) to qualify for the final.
Platinum Stars will be eager to build on their victory over SuperSport United when they host Santos at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The win lifted Dinaledi above Matsatsantsa into tenth place and will be delighted that Mbulelo Mabizela came through the match unscathed and will feature.
Santos are one place and one point better off than their hosts and head coach Boebie Solomons will be hoping for a performance which will lift his side into the top eight.
Ricardo Skippers and Mogogi Gabonamong boost The People's Team's squad as they return from suspension.
However, Erwin Isaacs and Eleazar Rodgers will both miss out again due to respective injuries.
Coach: Massimiliano Allegri Star player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Possible last 16 opponents: Tottenham, Schalke, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk Previous competition best: Winners 1963, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007 Odds: 20-1
ARSENAL (England)
Manager: Arsene Wenger Star player: Cesc Fabregas Possible last 16 opponents: Schalke, Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid Previous competition best: Runners-up 2006 Odds: 11-1
BARCELONA (Spain)
Coach: Pep Guardiola Star player: Lionel Messi Possible last 16 opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, Roma, Marseille, AC Milan or Arsenal Previous competition best: Winners 1992, 2006, 2009 Odds: 9-4 favourites
BAYERN MUNICH (Germany)
Coach: Louis van Gaal Star player: Franck Ribery Possible last 16 opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, Valencia, FC Copenhagen, Marseille, AC Milan, Arsenal Previous competition best: Winners 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001 Odds: 16-1
CHELSEA (England)
Manager: Carlo Ancelotti Star player: Didier Drogba Possible last 16 opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, Valencia, FC Copenhagen, Roma, AC Milan Previous competition best: Runners-up 2008 Odds: 5-1
FC COPENHAGEN (Denmark)
Coach: Stale Solbakken Star player: Dame N'Doye Possible last 16 opponents: Tottenham, Schalke, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk Previous competition best: Champions League group stage. Odds: 150-1
INTER MILAN (Italy)
Coach: Rafael Benitez Star player: Diego Milito Possible last 16 opponents: Schalke, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk Previous competition best: Winners 1964, 1965, 2010 Odds: 22-1
LYON (France)
Coach: Claude Puel Star player: Yoann Gourcuff Possible last 16 opponents: Tottenham, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk Previous competition best: Semi-finals 2010 Odds: 80-1
MANCHESTER UNITED (England)
Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson Star player: Wayne Rooney Possible last 16 opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille, AC Milan Previous competition best: Winners 1968, 1999, 2008. Odds: 8-1
MARSEILLE (France)
Coach: Didier Deschamps Star player: Lucho Gonzalez Possible last 16 opponents: Tottenham, Schalke, Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk Previous competition best: Winners 1993 (subsequently stripped of title) Odds: 100-1
REAL MADRID (Spain)
Coach: Jose Mourinho Star player: Cristiano Ronaldo Possible last 16 opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille, Arsenal Previous competition best: Winners 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002 Odds: 7-2
ROMA (Italy)
Coach: Claudio Ranieri Star player: Daniele De Rossi Possible last 16 opponents: Tottenham, Schalke, Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk Previous competition best: Runners-up 1984 Odds: 50-1
SCHALKE (Germany)
Coach: Felix Magath Star player: Manuel Neuer Possible last 16 opponents: Inter Milan, Valencia, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille, AC Milan, Arsenal Previous competition best: Quarter-finals 2008 Odds: 80-1
SHAKHTAR DONETSK (Ukraine)
Coach: Mircea Lucescu Star player: Eduardo Possible last 16 opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, Valencia, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille, AC Milan Previous competition best: Champions League group stage Odds: 66-1
TOTTENHAM (England)
Manager: Harry Redknapp Star player: Rafael van der Vaart Possible last 16 opponents: Lyon, Valencia, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille, AC Milan Previous competition best: Semi-finals 1962 Odds: 16-1
VALENCIA (Spain)
Coach: Unai Emery Star player: Aritz Aduriz Possible last 16 opponents: Tottenham, Schalke, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk Previous competition best: Runners-up 2000, 2001 Odds: 50-1
Odds provided by William Hill, correct as of December 14.
His performance may have included a missed penalty, but such was the impact made by Didier Drogba on Chelsea's 1-1 draw at Spurs this weekend that he earns a place in the FanHouse Team of the Week.
The line-up, selected by our reporters at every Premier League game, is spearheaded by the Ivorian who started by watching proceedings from the bench but came on as a half-time substitute to re-ignite his team and - who knows? - possiblly their season.
A "game changing performance" said our man at the match and who are we to disagree as we pull together a team in which midfielders dominated.
In fact, not only do we have to name five midfielders in our side this week but Blackpool's Charlie Adam and Bolton match winner Stuart Holden both scored nine-out-of-tens and fail to crack the starting XI.
That was a tough call for our panel of judges but then the competition was so strong in that area
Date: 15th December 2010 at 12:02 pm | Written by Tom Jones
Chelsea star Michael Essien is one of the best central midfielders in the Premiership. He is right up there with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Manchester United's Paul Scholes and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas or even Samir Nasri amongst others. He gives drive to the Chelsea midfield, typifying what it means to be a box-to-box midfielder. He's Chelsea's creative force in the middle of the park, chips in with some spectacular goals and is not afraid to get stuck in. However, it is this last point that leaves some question marks surrounding Essien. Is Michael Essien a dirty player? Against Tottenham at White Hart Lane he made a dubious challenge on Gareth Bale, planting his studs right on to the winger's shin. The commentator was quick to point out that Essien has history as far as nasty challenges are concerned, but surely this is part and parcel of being a tenacious midfielder? You're unlikely to go a season without making a bad challenge, just ask Paul Scholes, he seems to be dishing them out every week! Just because Essien is a great player, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't identify the negative parts of his game. Whether he has a nasty streak only Essien himself really knows, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for all he brings to the Premier League. He should watch his tackles, though, as it doesn't take much to earn a reputation as a dirty player, something commentators are already starting to pick up on, and another bad challenge in the coming weeks would see more criticism come the midfielder's way. Buy Chelsea Last 16 Champions League tickets here!
However, I'd much rather focus on the other side of Michael Essien, the side that makes him a great player. He was by far Chelsea's stand out performer on Sunday, as he is for the Blues week-in week-out, and was at the centre of much of the Premier League Champions' play. Right from the off he was spraying the ball around the park and struck a couple of early shots as clean as a whistle. His stats from the match were something to behold, too! Essien was the highest Picklive points scorer by far in the Tottenham v Chelsea Premiership encounter. His 86 points included 81 completed passes, almost twice as many as any other Chelsea player, five shots on target and ten interceptions (you can see the Picklive stats in full here). His all-round game makes him one of the first name on Carlo Ancelotti's team sheet, as he should be on yours when playing the LIVE fantasy football phenomenon that is Picklive. There are undoubtedly two sides to Michael Essien. The Chelsea midfielder is one of the shining lights of his generation, yet the Ghanaian international lets himself down from time to time with bad challenges. Removing the nasty strike from Essien, though, may well make him a lesser player, and personally as long as he keeps his bad tackles to a minimum, I think his outstanding play more than makes up for it.
Date: 15th December 2010 at 12:02 pm | Written by Tom Jones
Chelsea star Michael Essien is one of the best central midfielders in the Premiership. He is right up there with Liverpools Steven Gerrard, Manchester Uniteds Paul Scholes and Arsenals Cesc Fabregas or even Samir Nasri amongst others. He gives drive to the Chelsea midfield, typifying what it means to be a box-to-box midfielder. Hes Chelseas creative force in the middle of the park, chips in with some spectacular goals and is not afraid to get stuck in. However, it is this last point that leaves some question marks surrounding Essien. Is Michael Essien a dirty player? Against Tottenham at White Hart Lane he made a dubious challenge on Gareth Bale, planting his studs right on to the wingers shin. The commentator was quick to point out that Essien has history as far as nasty challenges are concerned, but surely this is part and parcel of being a tenacious midfielder? Youre unlikely to go a season without making a bad challenge, just ask Paul Scholes, he seems to be dishing them out every week! Just because Essien is a great player, it doesnt mean that we shouldnt identify the negative parts of his game. Whether he has a nasty streak only Essien himself really knows, but Im willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for all he brings to the Premier League. He should watch his tackles, though, as it doesnt take much to earn a reputation as a dirty player, something commentators are already starting to pick up on, and another bad challenge in the coming weeks would see more criticism come the midfielders way. Buy Chelsea Last 16 Champions League tickets here!
However, Id much rather focus on the other side of Michael Essien, the side that makes him a great player. He was by far Chelseas stand out performer on Sunday, as he is for the Blues week-in week-out, and was at the centre of much of the Premier League Champions play. Right from the off he was spraying the ball around the park and struck a couple of early shots as clean as a whistle. His stats from the match were something to behold, too! Essien was the highest Picklive points scorer by far in the Tottenham v Chelsea Premiership encounter. His 86 points included 81 completed passes, almost twice as many as any other Chelsea player, five shots on target and ten interceptions (you can see the Picklive stats in full here). His all-round game makes him one of the first name on Carlo Ancelottis team sheet, as he should be on yours when playing the LIVE fantasy football phenomenon that is Picklive. There are undoubtedly two sides to Michael Essien. The Chelsea midfielder is one of the shining lights of his generation, yet the Ghanaian international lets himself down from time to time with bad challenges. Removing the nasty strike from Essien, though, may well make him a lesser player, and personally as long as he keeps his bad tackles to a minimum, I think his outstanding play more than makes up for it.
Michael Essien: Chelsea have the quality to beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane
Last Updated: Sunday, 12 December 2010, 14:46 GMT
Michael Essien
Michael Essien believes Chelsea have the necessary quality in their squad to take three points away from Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
The two sides meet in a London derby on Sunday, with the Blues enduring a bout of bad form as they have registered only one victory in their last six games in all competitions.
And with Spurs four points behind and threatening to undermine Carlo Ancelotti's charges' push to retain the Premier League title, the Ghana international believes that his side can bounce back from their barren run and return to winning ways at the Lane.
"It is always very difficult to go to White Hart Lane," Essien said on the club's official website. "But we do have the players to do it.
"We just have to play our game, concentrate on our football and come out onto the pitch with a winning spirit. The game plan is simple, go out there and get the three points.
"We focus on the game, not the crowd. We know they will be singing and shouting and it's down to us to concentrate, play our football and try to win the game. We have to get ourselves back to winning ways."
With Arsenal set to take on Manchester United on Monday, a victory over Spurs would temporarily send Chelsea to the top of the table.
Source: Daily Guide - Daily Guide
The popular Ghanaian phrase 'money swine' was given expression over the weekend when Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien spent a whopping £14,000 on a guitar.
The Ghanaian purchased the Gretsch guitar, bearing the signature of popular rock star Bono of U2, at an annual charity dinner organized by Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba for his foundation.
The U2 frontman recorded a video message and said: "I bet you are all waiting for me to make a worthy and meaningful speech about all the good work Didier has done in Africa. Well, all I have to say is... who let the drog out? who, who, who, who!"
The charity dinner witnessed the attendance of celebrities including musician Akon, Chelsea stars Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Ashley Cole.
Also in attendance were Arsenal teammates Emmanuel Eboue, Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna.
The evening got hysterical when Eboue led the charge over monitors, clambering on stage as a former Pussycat Doll performed Don't Cha.
He skipped through security and started dancing. Soon, around half of the footballers and their pals were on stage too, trying to impress with their moves.
It was a top night at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, where Didier Drogba raised more than £300,000 for equipment at a hospital he has built in his native Ivory Coast.
Pepsi are donating $1 for every time @FoundationDrogba is retweeted on Twitter.