Early bath for Kezman

Didier Drogba completed an action-packed game with his first goal for Chelsea after Joe Cole had given them a first-half lead, but afterwards the name on everyone's lips was Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Even 3,718 miles away in Pittsburgh, the shenanigans at Soho Square are the sole topic of conversation. The vexed questions of who did what, where, when and with whom have spawned a national game of Cluedo but for the players themselves there is no mystery to solve. Like captain David Beckham, Chelsea's England contingent are firmly of the belief that their coach should be allowed to stay in his job.

Terry said: "The lads are all behind Sven and we'd like him to stay. He's a very good manager and he's got the full support of each and every player in the squad. We play for him every time we put the shirt on and he knows how to get the lads going. Everyone in the squad speaks very highly of him and, fingers crossed, he'll stay."

With England's first World Cup qualifying match against Austria just five weeks away Frank Lampardfeels that a change of managernow would jeopardise their entire campaign. If nothing else Eriksson has proved himself eminently capable of guiding England to major tournaments and there is a strong feeling among the players that he should be allowed to continue doing his job.

Lampard said: "I'd be upset if Sven went and the players would be upset because he's a good manager and we respect him.

"As far as the players are concerned we're settled under him and want to play under him again.

"We've got good young players in the squad and believe we could have won the European Championship. We're determined to have a good World Cup qualifying campaign and go there and do something.

"Ever since I was a kid I remember the England manager being hounded and it's unfortunate because the manager just wants to manage. I support Sven but haven't been in touch with him because I wouldn't want to interrupt his holiday."

While Eriksson tries to unwind in Sweden Mourinho has no such problems. Although it would be foolish to make too much of a 3-0 win over a Roma side just two weeks into pre-season training, there is no doubt that Mourinho has made his mark. The usual summer lethargy has been replaced by a new enthusiasm, with every player determined to impress in the knowledge that they may not get another opportunity.

It was Cole who made the most of his chance against Roma after finally being given licence to roam behind the front two. The 22-year-old has been much maligned as a performing seal but showed a more productive side to his game last night, creating a goal for himself and several opportunities for others.

After a quiet opening Cole's invention got Chelsea going, playing a one-two with Geremi which he finish with unusual coolness.

Alexei Smertin and Robben came to the fore in a more combustible second half, but Drogba's debut was ultimately disappointing.

Chelsea's £24million recordsigning demonstrated a poor first-touch and missed several good chances before finally tapping into an unguarded goal from close range, but was bizarrely given the man-ofthe-match award.

Perhaps Americans know nothing about football after all.