Chelsea reveal wings of desire

Chelsea's wing wonders have revealed how the heartache of losing last year's Champions League final is driving them on to win the trophy this season.

Florent Malouda, who scored one of the goals in their 3-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday, has flourished under Guus Hiddink's managerial tenure and Salomon Kalou, who popped up with the winner against West Ham the previous week, has finally begun to realise his full potential.

"Last year, to be in the final, was a very good experience but also bad," said former Lyon winger Malouda. "We are all determined now to get to Rome and win the trophy because we have come close before."
He added: "This now means that our desire is even stronger than it has ever been. The Champions League is a very important competition for any player."

The pair hope to be tormenting the Barcelona defence on Wednesday night in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

But after a majestic attacking display from Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba against Fulham, one of them may well lose out.

Anelka and Drogba both got on the score sheet while Kalou had to be content with a place on the bench and that is where the Ivorian may remain when the team is announced for return clash with the Spanish giants.

Chelsea have a slight advantage going into the second leg after their goalless draw in Spain, but Malouda and Kalou are in unison when it comes to revealing the impetus behind the team's desire to win the Champions League.

Malouda added: "For me, my emotion started at Lyon because we tried to win it but never passed the quarter-finals and now at Chelsea, we have a very good chance because our team is strong.

"We all know going to Rome is going to be difficult but we have ambition and the ability to win the competition. We know we can do it. We need to stay focused on our target and achieve our goal."