Indonesia do not fear fans

INDONESIA do not fear a hostile reception from Malaysian fans in the final first leg at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow when they attempt to win the AFF Suzuki Cup for the first time.
After winning all five of their matches so far, albeit each one in Jakarta, Indonesia are considered the favourites with the added advantage of having beaten Malaysia 5-1 in the preliminary stage.

"It's no problem, it's the same for us whether we are playing in Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta.," said Indonesia team manager Andi Darussalam, standing in for coach Alfred Riedl at the pre-match press conference in Bukit Jalil yesterday.


"We are used to playing here and Bambang (Pamungkas) has experience playing here from his days with Selangor."

Indonesia have reason to be confident as they have not lost to Malaysia in their past five meetings here, dating back to 1989.

Andi however played down the fierce rivalry between Malaysia and Indonesia and hoped the match will be played in the right spirit.


"After playing each other in Jakarta, both teams are familiar with each other and we are looking forward to a classic clash on Sunday (tomorrow).

"This is a football match for 90 minutes and there is nothing else to it. We are all friends, from the same background. We should not bring politics into it," added Andi, in attempting to defuse the distaste for the Malaysian team by a segment of the Indonesian fans.

Riedl's absence from the press conference is probably to deflect attention and pressure away from him to deliver the trophy after falling at the last hurdle three times in a row from 2000 to 2005.


The Austrian however did speak to the Malaysian press after yesterday's training session at the National Sports Complex and despite having his injured players back in training, was reluctant to say if he would play them.

Tournament top scorer Cristian Gonzales was earlier reported to have suffered a groin strain but showed no ill effects from the supposed injury.

Skipper Firman Utina is likely to lead his team out tomorrow while winger Oktovianus Maniani has also recovered although both Riedl and Andi said the latter's participation tomorrow is still in doubt.                        

    

Muslim, Fadhli impress

THE improving performances of young centre-backs Muslim Ahmad and Fadhli Shas in the AFF Suzuki Cup have not come as a surprise to Young Tigers coach Ong Kim Swee.
The two players are the youngest defensive combination in the tournament and both have impressed as their steady performances at the back helped Malaysia into the final for the first time in 14 years.

National youth coach Kim Swee has overseen their development at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 levels and believes their international exposure under national coach K. Rajagobal will benefit the national team in the long run.


"I'm not surprised as they have been playing together for some time and are exposed to international matches at age-group level.

"The stints in Slovakia have also helped them and given them the chance to break into the national team. I must say Raja made a daring decision to put two raw players into the first team, not many coaches would have done that.

"Fadhli especially, since he is only 19, but I have worked with him since he joined us from Bukit Jalil Sports School at 17 and Muslim too has been knocking on the door for some time.


"What they need to do now is to be consistent in their performances and they will improve over time," said Kim Swee yesterday.

Fadhli made his first senior international start in the calamitous 5-1 defeat to Indonesia in the opening group match but has grown in stature since then playing alongside the 21-year-old Muslim.

"Muslim and Fadhli can go on to be our main centre-backs just as how Santokh (Singh) and (Datuk) Soh Chin Aun used to be (in the 1970s and early 1980s).


"They can be role models not just to their teammates (in the Olympic squad) but also to other players. There are three players who are capable of taking the places (of the legends)," added Kim Swee, who also included reserve centre-back Faizal Muhammad in his assessment.

Give us a break, plead Premier League bosses

LONDON: Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini added his voice to calls for the English Premier League to follow their European counterparts and introduce a winter break.
With Spain, Italy and Germany enjoying a Christmas and New Year rest, English clubs face the prospect of four games in a 10-day period which could play a major role in the destination of the title.

Tomorrow's Boxing Day programme marks the start of the gruelling schedule.


"In England, Boxing Day is very important game," said Mancini. "But maybe English players need a rest sometimes.

"It might not be Boxing Day but maybe in January you could have a week off for all the players. That would be a good opportunity for them."

Mancini's fellow Italian Roberto Di Matteo, who coaches West Brom, has backed the Eastlands manager.


"We're not living in the Middle East or Africa. We live in England, in Northern Europe, so let's have a winter break," said Di Matteo.

"Every year it snows, the pitches are frozen, training pitches are frozen, it's not safe for supporters, so let's have a break.

"This weather we are having now shouldn't be out of the blue because geographically it's where we are and the chances of it happening are high.


"In March we have two games. Can we not put another game in there, even though it's an international break?

"Why not put one or two at the end of May when the pitches are beautiful and people will flock to the stadium.

"I know of the Boxing Day tradition but you will still get packed stadia later in the year because it's a better climate and people will enjoy it more."

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti slammed the Premier League fixture planners as his side prepare to play twice in three days over Christmas.

Ancelotti's team, who trail leaders Manchester United by three points, will play a crucial clash against title rivals Arsenal on Monday before a home match against Bolton two days later and the Italian is unhappy with the champions' workload.

Bolton host West Bromwich Albion tomorrow as part of the traditional Boxing Day schedule, while Chelsea have to wait another 24 hours before their fixture at Arsenal as the game is being shown live on television in England.

That means Owen Coyle's players will have an extra day to ease their aching limbs before travelling to Stamford Bridge to face the Blues and Ancelotti believes that gives Bolton a significant advantage.

"I want to say something about the Bolton game because we won't have the possibility to recover," Ancelotti told reporters on Thursday.

"We'll have two days, compared to Bolton who, unfortunately, play on the 26th. We play on the 27th. That's not a good thing, to have one day less to recover. I'm not happy about that."
  

Mourinho: I am No 1, not del Bosque

ROME: Jose Mourinho said on Thursday he deserved to be named coach of the year and not Spain's World Cup winning coach Vicente del Bosque.
The ever immodest 47-year-old Real Madrid coach told the Gazzetta dello sport that he firmly believed he had achieved more in 2010 when he was in charge of Inter Milan than the Spanish handler, who delivered Spain their first world title when they beat the Netherlands 1-0 in July's final.

"Me, I've made my choice. 11 months work, 57 matches played, three titles including the most important of all, 'THE' tournament, the Champions League (plus the Italian Cup and the Italian league title)," said Mourinho, who left Inter for Real in the summer.


"I have won everything, I could not do any more than that, equally so for the players."

Mourinho, whose successor as coach of Inter Rafael Benitez was sacked on Thursday, also defended his Dutch playmaker at Inter Wesley Sneijder, who was not even nominated for the Ballon d'Or, an award which according to Gazzetta will go to Barcelona's Spanish playmaker Andres Iniesta.

Sneijder to many people's amazement including that of UEFA president Michel Platini was not even on the shortlist despite his inspirational play for Inter last term and then outstanding performances for the Dutch at the World Cup.


"If the winner is Iniesta, who unhappily was not able to play for the first five months of the year because of injury, but after that played six matches and scored a goal in South Africa (the winner in the World Cup final), then anything can happen in the year of a World Cup final and the rest counts for nothing," said Mourinho, whose only serious reverse this year was the 5-0 hammering by Barcelona in their first 'clasico' meeting of the season at the end of November.

"I can understand if there was a debate if the trophies were shared, but when one has won everything?

"What can one say? I would prefer to win the match on Sunday than the Ballon d'Or," he added.


The Ballon D'Or will be announced in Zurich on Jan 10.

  

McClaren gets vote of confidence from board

BERLIN: Former England coach Steve McClaren received the dreaded vote of confidence from the board of struggling Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg on Thursday.
The 49-year-old's position had become increasingly precarious after a a winless run of seven Bundesliga matches - which leaves the 2009 champions in 13th place just four points above the relegation zone - and reached its nadir with a 3-1 German Cup home defeat by Second Division Cottbus on Wednesday.

However, the board gave McClaren, who is in his first season in charge after a successful spell at Dutch side Twente where he guided them to the title, backing after a heated two hour meeting on Thursday.


The players had already been punished for their poor run by having their Christmas holidays shortened.

McClaren, whose unsuccessful tenure as England coach ended when they failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and earned himself the unwanted moniker of 'the wally with the brolly' as he watched England lose at home to Croatia in the pouring rain, had expressed his frustration after the Cottbus defeat.

"I am angry and frustrated," said the former Middlesbrough manager, who was best known for being assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.


"We have problems in the dressing room, and on the pitch. This club needs changes to be made.

"Which ones? I don't know, it is not for me to judge, no-one knows what will happen in the days to come, but it is imperative that a clear signal is sent."
  

Moyes hails 'youthful' Cahill

LIVERPOOL: Everton boss David Moyes hailed Australian talisman Tim Cahill as a born-again player on Thursday.
Cahill grabbed his ninth goal of the season in Monday's 2-1 win at Manchester City, topping an overall display which prompted goalkeeper Tim Howard to describe him as a Goodison Park legend.

Moyes was equally forthcoming in his praise for a player who will leave for the Asian Cup in Qatar in the first week of January.


"In my time here we have not had an awful lot to shout about but I think Tim Cahill is one who could stand up and say he has really played his part in this period," said Moyes, whose side host Birmingham on Sunday and visit West Ham two days later.

"A few weeks ago I saw a drop in his energy and I was a bit worried about him.

"But the other night he was back to his best. He was back to being young, youthful, working really hard for the team. He always gives his full self and because of that he is appreciated."


Meanwhile, Moyes is keen to tie midfielder Steven Pienaar to a new contract.

The South African is in the final year of his present deal and has persistently been linked with other clubs.

That has led to suggestions Moyes may sell next month to avoid losing him for nothing but the player was this week quoted saying how much he likes Everton.


Moyes said: "I have always said if Steven wants to stay we would be delighted to help him.

"I don't think anyone at Everton can question Steven's attitude or desire in the games.

"We have got to hope between now and the end of the season we can make something else happen."

Out for win, not revenge

THERE are no two ways about it. Malaysia need to win the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup final to have any hope of lifting the trophy for the first time.
With memories of the 5-1 opening match mauling still fresh in the minds of both teams, tomorrow's encounter at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil takes on added significance.

There is talk of a revival of Malaysian football following the young national team's run to the final after a horrible start and for once, the fans will be out in full force in support of coach K. Rajagobal's side.


Few, if any, had expected the team to reach this far but now that they are here after 14 years, Rajagobal wants an all-out effort from his players to return to a time when winning trophies at regional level was a matter of course for the national side.

"Any coach, if you asked, would say they want to win. Now that we have come so far we want to seize the opportunity," said Rajagobal at the pre-match press conference in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

"We want a positive result, and by positive it means we are going for a win. We have no choice because we have to go back to Jakarta for the second leg where nothing is guaranteed.


"I want the players to do well and get the win."

Rajagobal, who expects a closely contested and exciting match, played down any thoughts of revenge for the Dec 1 embarrassment in Jakarta.

"We know what we have to do and both teams already know each other well. There are some areas we need to put greater emphasis on but I cannot disclose that now.


"We are ready for the final and I think it's going to be a very exciting match," said Rajagobal, who can expect his team to play in front of an 85,000-strong crowd tomorrow.

Indonesia enter the final with a 100 per cent record but all five of their matches have been played in the comfortable confines of Senayan.

"I don't think it will be an advantage for us whether they have played away or not. But we'll see how they adapt to the situation of playing without strong crowd support and whether they can play their normal game," added Rajagobal.

Rajagobal confirmed that only winger Khyril Muhymeen Zambri is unavailable because of a knee injury but would not say if Amirulhadi Zainal, who has just returned to training, also from a knee injury, will play tomorrow.

Ashaari Samsudin is on standby to start on the right and the rest of the lineup should be the from the eleven who drew 0-0 with Vietnam in Hanoi last Saturday.

Japan name squad for next month’s Asian Cup

TOKYO: Japan manager Alberto Zaccheroni yesterday announced his squad for next month’s Asian Cup, with CSKA Moscow midfielder Keisuke Honda chosen to lead the Blue Samurai in Qatar.

Honda scored two goals in the World Cup in South Africa in June as Japan reached the knockout stage in their best World Cup performance on foreign soil before losing to Paraguay on penalties in the last 16.

Honda is one of the eight Europe-based players Japan’s squad, with Lierse SK goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, defenders Yuto Nagatomo of Cesena, Atsuto Uchida of Schalke, and Maya Yoshida of VVV Venlo joining him.

Midfielders were Daisuke Matsui of FK Tom Tomsk, Makoto Hasebe of Wolfsburg, Shinji Kagawa of Borussia Dortmund, who was named as the most valuable player in the German league’s first half.

The team also includes Hajime Hosogai, who has signed a contract with German side Bayer Leverkusen.

“The Japanese team has been improving in 2010 with the excellent result in the World Cup and the men’s and women’s gold medals in the Asian Games,” said Zaccheroni, the former boss of AC Milan.

“We should keep the momentum. But our ultimate goal is the 2014 World Cup. The history of Japanese football does not end at the Asian Cup. I want to help the young players improve a lot through the tournament.”

The Japan Football Association has set their goal at the Asian Cup on finishing in the best three at the Asian Cup, which will qualify them for the next Asian Cup.

Japan will play Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria in the preliminary Group B competition, starting from Jan 7 to 29.

Japan, three-time Asian Cup champions, are hoping to regain the title they lost in 2007.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Lierse SK/BEL), Shusaku Nishikawa (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo)

Defenders: Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers), Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo), Masahiko Inoha (Kashima Antlers), Yuto Nagatomo (Cesena/ITA), Tomoaki Makino (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke/GER), Maya Yoshida (VVV Venlo/NED), Gotoku Sakai (Albirex Niigata)

Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Daisuke Matsui (FK Tom Tomsk/RUS), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg/GER), Jungo Fujimoto (Shimizu S-Pulse), Takuya Honda (Shimizu S-Pulse), Hajime Hosogai (Urawa Red Diamonds), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Yosuke Kashiwagi (Urawa Red Diamonds), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund/GER)

Forwards: Ryoichi Maeda (Jubilo Iwata), Tadanari Lee (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse).


    

Platini set to retain UEFA post

LONDON: UEFA president Michel Platini is poised to be re-elected to the post after European football’s governing body said on Thursday that no other candidates had been put forward.

The election will take place on March 22 at the UEFA Congress in Paris and such is 55-year-old Platini’s popularity that it will come as no surprise he is standing unopposed.

“Only one candidate has been announced: current UEFA president Michel Platini will be seeking a second four-year term of office from 2011 to 2015,” UEFA said in a statement.

Platini, who succeeded Lennart Johansson as president in 2007, is one of soccer’s greatest players and helped France win the 1984 European Championship. He was national team coach between 1988 and 1992.

His election platform for his first term was based on inclusivity and fairness and he has gone a long way to meeting those objectives.

His idea of making the Champions League less elitist, giving a chance for smaller countries to compete with the giants of the game, has generally been well received.

He has also tackled the huge money problems facing the European game with the financial fair play rules which are being phased in and which say clubs must live within their means.

Irish lock O’Connell loses appeal

LONDON: Irish international lock Paul O’Connell lost his appeal against a four-week ban for striking an opponent during a European Cup clash on Thursday.

The Munster forward, who captained the British and Irish Lions in South Africa last year, was sent off for lashing out at Ospreys’ number eight Jonathan Thomas on Dec 12.

A three-man appeals panel found that O’Connell, who was red-carded in his comeback match following a groin injury, had not demonstrated the original decision had been in error or that it should be overturned or varied, and therefore dismissed the appeal.

O’Connell can play again from Jan 10.

He will miss Munster’s next three Celtic League games, but will be available for the twice-European champions’ final two European Cup pool games away to Toulon and at home against London Irish.

Ajax beat Alkmaar to reach Dutch Cup quarters

ROTTERDAM: Miralem Sulejmani struck three minutes before halftime to earn Ajax Amsterdam a 1-0 home win over 10-man AZ Alkmaar in the fifth round of the Dutch Cup on Thursday.

In the third match under command of coach Frank de Boer, Demy de Zeeuw set up Sulejmani who finished with a superb chip while Alkmaar’s Pontus Wernbloom was sent off 18 minutes before time.

On Tuesday, Twente Enschede thrashed Vitesse Arnhem 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals, while PSV Eindhoven and Utrecht followed on Wednesday by beating Roda JC Kerkrade and second division side Volendam respectively.

The other four fifth-round matches were postponed until Jan. 18.

Dutch Cup round of 16 first leg: Ajax Amsterdam 1 AZ Alkmaar 0, Roda JC Kerkrade 1 PSV Eindhoven 3, Utrecht 1 FC Volendam 0. 

    

Highly-rated Benin star wants out of PSG

PARIS: Classy Benin international attacking midfielder Stephane Sessegnon insisted on Thursday he saw no option but to leave high flying French giants Paris Saint Germain thereby alerting several interested English Premier League clubs.

The 26-year-old – who signed for PSG for 8mil from Le Mans in 2008 – told L’Equipe that he could not stay and play for coach Antoine Kombouare after being insulted by him at training on Tuesday.

“The coach insulted me,” said Sessegnon, who has been capped over 30 times by his country and also captained them.

“I believe that a coach cannot call one of his players ‘a**hole’ or call him ‘a s**t player’ as was the case with me on Tuesday. There that is what he said to me, I am not going to cover up what he said.

“Under these conditions, it appears to me that it is impossible to continue to play for Paris. Impossible.”

Sessegnon, who was nominated in the player of the 2008/09 season awards after a memorable debut campaign for PSG, said that he had been astonished by the personal nature of the attack by Kombouare, a former PSG central defender who as coach guided them to last season’s French Cup.

“It has gone too far,” he said referring to his relations with the coach.

“I had so much respect for him, he was someone I really appreciated, but what he said has really hurt me.

“He has his character, I have mine. But here, this has gone beyond repair ....” added Sessegnon, who reluctantly signed a year’s extension to his contract at the end of last term when several English clubs were seeking his services.

Kombouare, who cut his teeth coaching Valenciennes before PSG took him on in 2009, denied that he had used such language in his row with the player.

“I accept that the discussion was animated but never would I permit myself to insult him in such a manner,” said Kombouare.


      

Benitez could not meet Moratti’s impossible demands

ROME: Rafael Benitez paid the price for his failure to meet impossible expectations on Thursday when he was fired as coach of Inter Milan after less than six months in the hot-seat.

Two trophies and qualification for the second round of the Champions League simply weren’t enough to keep his demanding boss Massimo Moratti – the Inter president – happy.

And filling the boots left by Jose Mourinho simply proved beyond the Spaniard’s capabilities as his unhappy tenure in Italy suffered a quick death.

Whether or not Moratti and Inter have taken the right decision remains to be seen but the feeling amongst many people is that Benitez had accepted a poisoned chalice.

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal intimated as much ahead of his team’s visit to Roma in late November when he said that part of Mourinho’s reason for leaving the Italians after just two years in charge was because he would never be able to emulate his early achievements.

Mourinho won Serie A in his first season and followed that up with the first ever treble in Italian football in his second year, landing the Italian league, cup and Champions League.

It was the greatest season in Inter’s proud history and their first success in Europe’s premier club competition in 45 years.

Mourinho had achieved everything he was brought to the club to do and he walked out as the Messiah, an eternal hero to Inter fans whose place could never be taken.

Benitez, who enjoyed great success with Valencia and then followed that up with an achievement of sorts at Liverpool, walked into the great void vacated by Mourinho with a near impossible task ahead of him.

In a way it was tantamount to the task facing the man who one day replaces the incomparable Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United – although Mourinho has already made it clear that he would relish such a challenge.

And that task was made all the more complicated by the fact that he did so in a post-World Cup year, when most of Inter’s players would be suffering not only a success hangover but also from the effects of an extended summer’s work.

That Benitez failed, in a way, is more indicative of the unforgiving nature of football management, especially in Italy, than his own shortcomings.

Not only were his players fatigued from their previous exertions but Benitez was also soon faced with an injury crisis that would have challenged any coach at any team.

And whereas Mourinho was unequivocally backed in his transfer dealings, Benitez was given nothing.

Inter’s form was patchy at best despite winning both the Italian Supercup and Club World Cup, ending the year in seventh in Serie A and finishing second to Tottenham in their Champions League group.

But by then Moratti had become used to success and the man who fired Roberto Mancini after three straight Serie A titles lost patience with Benitez.

His successor’s task will be no easier but at least he won’t be burdened by having to follow Mourinho, instead he’ll be following the perceived flop that was Benitez.


      

Chelsea-MU tie set for March 1

LONDON: Chelsea and Manchester United’s Premier League heavyweight showdown has been tentatively rescheduled for Tuesday, March 1 after being postponed due to a frozen pitch at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.

The new date is subject to neither team being still involved in FA Cup fifth-round replay action.

If the league title rivals are out of the competition, they could instead face each other on a Cup weekend.
      

Wenger tells his Gunners to step it up

LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called on his players to end their poor run of results against the Premier League’s best teams as they prepare to face Chelsea on Monday.

Wenger’s men have suffered five straight defeats to the Blues in recent games, leaking 13 goals in the process.

Fresh doubts about Arsenal’s ability to mix it with the best sides were raised last week after a 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Wenger insisted that while he was not concerned by Arsenal’s form in crunch matches, it was time for the Gunners to step up.

“Of course we have a point to prove given our record against the big teams,” Wenger said Thursday. “You have to show that you are up to the level expected from you in these games.

“We don’t really think about the record because the statistics are history and every game is a new start. Every player has lost a game before he has won one. One day, he wins. We have to make sure for us that day is on Monday.

“Our statistics recently are against us because we have a very young team.”

Wenger believes all that is preventing his team from putting together a serious title challenge is confidence.

“It’s good to feel that there is no difference between both teams but it’s better to beat them and we are conscious that we have to add something that is a cold, determined attitude and belief that was missing a little bit.

“Having said that, at Chelsea and Man United this season, we conceded first to unbelievable goals so it’s important that we are tight defensively against them,” Wenger said.

Meanwhile, Wenger ruled out a dramatic return to action for injured centre-half Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian defender, who is suffering from an Achilles injury, will not return until January. 


    

Van der Sar likely to quit end of season, says Ferguson

MANCHESTER: Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar looks likely to retire at the end of the season, manager Alex Ferguson said on Thursday.

The 40-year-old Dutch keeper’s retirement has been on the cards for some time and United have been preparing to have to fill some big boots by bringing in Dane Anders Lindegaard who will be registered with the club in early January.

“We’re planning for it to be possibly Edwin’s last season,” Ferguson told a news conference.

Asked if there might be a coaching role for Van der Sar, the manager replied: “He’ll be someone of interest in terms of his knowledge and standing in the game, but we haven’t discussed that yet.”

Van der Sar, who in 2009 set an English league record of minutes without conceding a goal when he went more than 21 hours unbeaten, has been key for United since his arrival in 2005 from Fulham.

The Dutchman was quick to say the secret to his success was hard work from everyone, Van der Sar has helped United to three Premier League titles. 

Ancelotto says Arsenal are scared of facing Drogba

COBHAM: Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has taunted title rivals Arsenal by insisting the Gunners are scared of facing Didier Drogba.

Ancelotti is convinced Arsene Wenger’s defenders won’t relish the prospect of their latest meeting with Drogba when the champions travel to the Emirates Stadium for a crucial London derby on Monday.

Drogba has now scored an amazing 13 goals in 13 matches against Arsenal after his fine strike inspired Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Wenger’s team earlier this season.

After struggling for several weeks due to malaria, Drogba finally showed something like his best form in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham and Ancelotti believes the Ivory Coast striker will once again have a key role to play at Arsenal next week.

“I think they are a little bit afraid of the performance of Drogba because he has done very well against them,” Ancelotti said.

“This is not the reason that will decide the game but if Drogba plays at his best, we’ll have more opportunity to win.”

Ancelotti’s men will make the short trip across London to face Arsenal in confident mood despite a run of five league games without a win.

Chelsea have enjoyed some impressive results against the Gunners in recent years and, although the hosts can boast many attacking talents, Ancelotti expects his team to take advantage of weaknesses in the Arsenal defence.

“Every game has its own story,” Ancelotti said. “Arsenal have fantastic ability and are able to play fantastic football. Maybe they concede something defensively, so we have to use our ability to find the right space to create difficulty in their defensive line.

“It is an important game obviously. Both teams are involved in the fight for the title and either can win this game.

“It will be an exciting game. I’m happy to play this game because we have moved on after our bad moment.”

Ancelotti’s players will have gone 15 days without a game by the time they face Arsenal following the cancellation of last weekend’s meeting with Manchester United.

That has given Ancelotti time for some valuable extra training with his squad. Even more importantly, Frank Lampard has been able to hone his fitness after three months out of action due to injury.

The England midfielder, who had hernia surgery and then a groin problem, should start against Arsenal and Ancelotti said: “The advantage was we trained well and improved our condition. We used this time well. It was a good time for us and now we are ready to play.

“The important thing is the players are fit and able to play. Lampard will be excited to play after a long time out. He can give fantastic support to the team with his performances.

“We had a problem with a lot of injuries. For this reason we had a bad moment.

“When you are not in a good moment it is difficult to put young players in because we don’t want to put responsibility on their shoulders.

“Now it is different because we have a lot of players in good condition. We can play this game at our best.”

Ancelotti, who will give his players the day off on Christmas Day, knows Chelsea can ill-afford to drop more points over the busy festive period after slipping three points behind leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand on the Blues. 

Suzuki Cup, Malaysia vs Indonesia

ZAINAL Abidin Hassan was once named the best player in the region. He played an instrumental role in coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan’s side, who were the finalists in the inaugural Asean Football Federation (AFF) tournament in 1996.

Thailand won the tournament with a solitary goal by Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang. Despite finishing second best, the Malaysian players could still hold their heads up high, especially skipper Zainal, who walked away with the “Player of the Tournament” award.

It was the last time that Malaysia stamped a mark in the biennial championship. Malaysia are back in the final for a second time after 14 years – thanks to coach K. Rajagopal’s boys, who beat overwhelming odds to set up showdowns with Indonesia for the Suzuki Cup.

Zainal sizes up the two teams and he picks the Malaysian Tigers to triumph over the Indonesians.

GOALKEEPER DEFENCE MIDFIELD ATTACK CONCLUSION

MALAYSIA 8

INDONESIA 8

ROOKIE Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is in great form. I am impressed with this young man. He is only 21 and has made great strides playing in the senior national team.

He was named the best goalkeeper and young player in the national football awards last month. He featured in the Asian Games in Guangzhou last month and has continued with his strong performance in the Suzuki Cup.

He has what it takes to be a top-notch goalkeeper. The Indonesian keeper, Markus Harison, has the experience and has showed a safe pair hands in the tournament, conceding only two goals in five matches.

I would go 50-50 in this position.

*Ratings out of 10

Defence

MALAYSIA 7

INDONESIA 8

INDONESIA have been more stable in defence. Perhaps, it is in their experience hands that gave their side the advantage over Malaysia in the group match.

The young Malaysian backline boys succumbed under pressure and committed individual mistakes to hand Indionesia a thumping win (5-1).

But they are more organised now with the two central defenders, Mohd Muslim Ahmad and Mohd Fadhli Shas, clicking well.

Indonesia have a strong rightback in seasoned campaigner Muhammad Ridwan, who has the extra ability to play an overlapping role. The 30-year-old Muhd Ridwan has two goals to his credit, including one against Malaysia.

This is where Indonesia hold the edge because of their more ambitious players.

Midfield

MALAYSIA 8

INDONESIA 7

MALAYSIA hold the trump card in the engine room. This is their main weapon against Indonesia – to break down their opponents at the centre of the field.

Malaysia look more solid in this department and the players high workrate also gives them additional support and legs to go on the offensive and defensive whenever the need arises.

Nippy wingers S. Kunalan and Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal are fast while Safiq Rahim is commanding and calls the shot in central midfield.

Indonesia look vulnerable in this area and if Malaysia exploit this weakness, half the battle is won.

But Malaysia have to be cautious of speedy youngster Okto Maniani. Indonesia also have ball winners in Arif Suyono and Firman Utina

Attack

MALAYSIA 8

INDONESIA 8

BOTH teams are quite level and have their aces in the pack for the final. Indonesia have seasoned strikers Christian Gonzales (34) and Bambang Pamungkas (29).

Age may not be on their side but the difference in these two top-notch finishers is their ability to take chances well.

Malaysia’s Norshafrul Idlan Talaha and Mohd Safee Sali may be short on international experience but they have combined well to pull their resources together.

They have also been effective, thanks to the energetic midfield players.

Indonesia have scored in all five matches without fail. It will be interesting to see what Malaysians can offer in the first-leg final in front of their home fans.

Conclusion

WE let slip a golden chance to become champions in Singapore 14 years ago. It was a stroke of luck that Thailand scored an early goal and held on to it.

I want to share that moment to our boys. We were so close to winning the hen Tiger Cup.

It was a game, which we dominated but could not find the elusive goal. We had a strong team, then.

I hope Malaysia will be remembered as champions in the AFF series and not just as the bridesmaid to Thailand in 1996.

We want to be champions. My wish is for Malaysia to end 2010 on a winning note.

Go out there and play – for pride!

Head to Head between Malaysia and Indonesia:

AFF CHAMPIONSHIP

1996: Malaysia 3 Indonesia 1 (s-final)

1998: Did not meet

2000: Did not meet

2002: Did not meet

2004: Indonesia 1 Malaysia 2, Malaysia 1 Indonesia 4 (Indonesia won s-final 5-3 on aggregate)

2006: Did not meet

2008: Did not meet

2010: Indonesia 5 Malaysia 1 (group)

SEA GAMES (since 1959)

1977 (K. Lumpur): Malaysia 1 Indonesia 2

1979 (Jakarta): Indonesia 0 Malaysia 0; Malaysia 1 Indonesia 0 (final)

1985 (Bangkok): Malaysia 2 Indonesia 0 (bronze)

1987 (Jakarta): Indonesia 1 Malaysia 0 (final)

1989 (K. Lumpur): Malaysia 2 Indonesia 0

1991 (Manila): Indonesia 2 Malaysia 0

1995 (Chiang Mai): Indonesia 3 Malaysia 0

1997 (Jakarta): Indonesia 4 Malaysia 0

1999 (Brunei): Indonesia 6 Malaysia 0

2001 (K. Lumpur): Malaysia 2 Indonesia 1

2005 (Manila): Malaysia 1 Indonesia 0 (bronze)

MERDEKA TOURNAMENT (since 1957)

FINAL MEETINGS

1961: Indonesia 2 Malaya 1

1969: Indonesia 3 Malaysia 2

Past final results:

* 1996-2004: Tiger Cup; 2006: AFF Cup, From 2008: Suzuki Cup

* Two-leg final from 2004

1996: Thailand bt Malaysia 1-0

1998: Singapore bt Vietnam 1-0

2000: Thailand bt Indonesia 4-1

2002: Thailand bt Indonesia 6-4

2004: Singapore bt Indonesia 5-2 on agg

2006: Singapore bt Thailand 3-2 on agg

2008 : Vietnam bt Thailand 3-2 on agg