InterToto a no-no for Melchiot

13 April 2012

Chelsea's Mario Melchiot is determined to ensure his summer break is not cut short by an appearance in the InterToto Cup.

The Dutch defender and his team-mates go to Maine Road tomorrow needing a point to ensure they qualify for the UEFA Cup next season. Failure to achieve that and victory for Sunderland will leave them with the unpalatable prospect of returning to training earlier than usual in a bid to reach the competition via the InterToto.

Melchiot wants a long summer break this year because he's set his sights on playing in the World Cup next summer and he warned his team-mates today that relegated City will be no pushovers despite the fact they have nothing but pride left to play for.

Melchiot said: "Sunderland are vying for a place with us, but they have to worry what we do, not the other way around. Everyone says City are already relegated so they'll not put up much of a fight, but that's rubbish.

"Firstly, because it is their last home game in the Premiership, they will want to put on a good show for their fans, and secondly, because they will be under no pressure, they will be free to play their own game with no worries. That's why I think it will be a really difficult game.

"There is no way I want to be playing in the InterToto Cup this summer. We owe it to ourselves as players to get something out of this season by getting into the UEFA Cup. We deserve that much at least.

"Besides, playing in the InterToto Cup will mean a shorter holiday, and while I am no slouch I am hoping that if my career progresses according to plan I will be playing for Holland in the 2002 World Cup, and that will mean no summer holiday next year.

"So you can't blame me for wanting a decent break this year."

Italian keeper Carlo Cudicini added: "We have to go there thinking we need to win or it will be difficult. We have to fight for the three points and at the end of the game if we have drawn it will be enough."We have to go to City with this mentality."

Coach Claudio Ranieri confirmed yesterday's Standard Sport exclusive that a deal to bring Marseille defender William Gallas is still not close to completion.

Although Chelsea have said he is one of several players they are interested in and talks have taken place with the French club, Ranieri is not contemplating adding to the squad until the summer.

Ranieri said: "We are in Manchester and if you go there you will see we don't have Gallas with us. I never talk to my chairman about money. I just tell him what I want for the team and the rest is up to the club. I know what I want to do, but I prefer to wait until the sea is calm before I go in and that means waiting until the season is over.

"It depends on whether Chelsea are in the UEFA Cup or the InterToto Cup, but I do have two or three players in mind to sign."

Chelsea will be without Croatian midfielder Mario Stanic tomorrow after he suffered a recurrence of the knee injury which has plagued his season.

Spanish defender Albert Ferrer is also out with a back problem, but the former Barcelona right-back hinted he could return to Spain after being frozen out under Ranieri.

The 30-year-old, who played over 300 times for Barcelona, said: "If the chairman does not want me, then I would like to return to Spain. That would be my first choice."

MORE ABOUT

Maine

Sunderland

Sunderland FC

UEFA Europa League

InterToto a no-no for Melchiot

Read More