Ancelotti has faith in young striker

By Brian Lofrumento | 4th January 2010

Ancelotti has faith in young striker | read this item

Related News

Following a 2 goal performance against Watford in the FA Cup, Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has suddenly found himself in boss Carlo Ancelotti’s good graces. The Italian manager believes Sturridge can fill the void left by Didier Drogba while the Ivorian is at the African Cup of Nations, and with Nicolas Anelka returning from injury there are encouraging signs in the new year for the Blues.

“It was a good performance and Sturridge played very well,” said Ancelotti.

“Without Drogba, it was important to have him in good condition. He scored two goals and that’s important for a striker, to score.

“But he deserved that. He played very well for the whole match and ’stayed’ well.

“It was important for him. It’ll improve his confidence. He has a lot of potential, and great quality, and he can show that on the pitch in January.

“Anelka will be ready for Saturday,” said Ancelotti. “He’s been training with the team and will do so again this week. He and Sturridge can play together.

“I think that we can do a good January, good performances without the African players.

“I had good answers about other players. Juliano Belletti played very well in central midfield. I think we can do good performances without the other African players.”

How will Chelsea fare this weekend? Have a chance at winning cash in the Premiership Talk Predictions game! Cash is given out each and every week to multiple winners!