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Carlo Ancelotti Vows To Pick Strong Team For Champions League Clash At Porto

'Carletto' wants a win and the chance to finish top of the group.

Nov 22, 2009 10:02:46 AM

Carlo Ancelotti - Chelsea (Getty Images)

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Carlo Ancelotti - Chelsea (Getty Images)

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he will field a strong team against Porto on Wednesday night as the Blues aim to seal top spot in their Champions League group.

The two sides meet in Portugal, and although both have already qualified for the knockout stages, the Italian admitted he was hoping to finish top of the pile.

"It's an important game against Porto because we want to be in first position,” he told the News of the World.

“For this it's a decisive game and we have to prepare well, we have to put the best line-up.”

Chelsea warmed up for the game with a convincing 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend and Ancelotti went on to reveal exactly how much work his players had been putting in on the training ground.

“The difference with English players I've noticed since I arrived is that English players like to train every time at 100 per cent,” he continued.

"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. If you ask Brazilian player to train 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 every time 100 per cent. 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.”

The former AC Milan coach also revealed some of his players had found it hard to adjust, in particular, Frank Lampard.

He added: "I think they understood.

"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."

Gill Clark, Goal.com UK

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