Essien Vows to Go One Better After Signing New Deal

Word of Sir Alex Ferguson's skepticism at whether such a seasoned Chelsea squad boasts the potential for further improvement had yet to filter from Durban to Guangdong Province, yet the message issued from this sprawling city in southern China was still resounding. "We've got the best players in the world," said Michael Essien. "Players who are at the top level are also, like me, all bad losers." Experience, it seems, could prove more of a help than a hindrance.

Luiz Felipe Scolari sends a Chelsea side out for the first time in the steamy heat of Guangzhou this evening and, with Michael Ballack still to return from his honeymoon and Claude Makelele released to Paris St-Germain, there were only two thirty-somethings in what appeared to be the first-choice line-up put through its paces by the Brazilian at the Olympic stadium last night. Deco - granted "veteran" status alongside his compatriot, Ricardo Carvalho - and Frank Lampard, 30, patrolled the midfield diamond as Essien and Mikel John Obi, 25 and 21 respectively, offered energy at their side.

Another of the older players, Juliano Belletti, is absent and does not have a future at Stamford Bridge with Benfica courting his services. Among the reserves drilling at the other end of the pitch here was Franco di Santo, the 19-year-old forward signed from Audax Italiano last season. Indeed, the Argentinian looked rather more convincing in front of goal than the 31-year-old Andriy Shevchenko.

This squad was hurt by their failure to prevail in the European Cup final in Moscow back in May. Sir Alex and Manchester United may wonder "how far that team has got to go" but, under new management, Chelsea's motivation is clear.

"At the beginning, what happened [in the Champions League final] hurt, yes, but not now," said Essien, who has signed a new five-year contract worth about £80,000 a week to signal his own intent. "That is all over. We're coming into a new season and we have to look forwards, not worry about last year. It helps us to have experienced players like Ballack, Lampard and Deco in the team who have played so many big pressure games.

"To train and play alongside that kind of player, you improve a lot. They are world-class players and it's a privilege for me, for example, to work under them and improve every day. There is competition for places, and it's competition which makes you a better player. It's always there. You work really hard and that's what you want. We've got some quality players in the team. They all have that winning mentality. And, fingers crossed, we've got one of the best coaches in the world. Our new boss is really strong. His CV speaks for itself. You need to have a big character to manage Chelsea and I think he has that, so that will help us, too."

Scolari is already making waves. The Brazilian directed the training session at the stadium last night from amidst the bodies undertaking drills and small-sided games. He even acted as a nominal near-post center-half as his forward players worked on corner routines to put into practice against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical tonight. He ended the session, played out in sweltering heat, by jogging through a succession of warm-down laps around the pitch with his assistants, Steve Clarke and Flavio Teixeira.

"He's very similar to [Jose] Mourinho in the way he is hands-on," added Essien. "He likes to talk to his players all the time, but he's a tough guy during the games. It's good to have him on the training pitch telling us what to do. He has his own way and his own technique. That's why we're here to learn. He is strong, and that will help us because there is a big year ahead of us.

"I never wanted to move anywhere and was delighted when the club offered me a new contract because I want to win things here with Chelsea. I'm looking forward to the season ahead. A lot of clubs are signing up some good players this summer, so it will not just be Manchester United up against us. It'll be a difficult season but, for me, Chelsea will win the title this year."

Ghanaian gold

Born Accra, December 3 1982

Nicknames The Bison, The Train

Clubs

Chelsea 2005-present, 143 appearances (14 goals);

Premier League winner 2006, FA Cup winner 2007, Carling Cup winner 2007

Lyon 2003-05, 89 appearances (12);

French champions 2004, 2005,

Bastia 2000-03, 65 appearances (11)

Country

Ghana, 42 appearances (8)

Last 16, World Cup 2006

Third place, African Cup of Nations 2008