Despite heavy security, great access was provided to the media for the Manager press conference and for the player mixing area outside of locker rooms.

Inter manager Jose Mourinho appeared very angry as he left the field and did not show up at the press-conference. In his place was Assistant Manager Daniele Bernazzini who spoke to the media with his Italian translator. The first question to him was obvious.

Q: “Daniele, why is Jose not here?”

A: Jose wants to give opportunities and space to other personnel to talk to media during pre-season as this is not possible to do during regular season.

When asked about Inter’s lackluster performance in the match in general Daniele said

“This is an opportunity to play some young players and get them some action. It was a well played game; they just weren’t able to make themselves dangerous enough on attack. Those two goals came from somewhat casual situations that could have been avoided.” When asked about the Ibrahimovic situation and speculation on where he may be going, Daniele said the club has no comment.

Q: “Daniele, is Viera going to Tottenham?”

A: Viera played a great game and trains very well. Unfortunately last year was filled with injuries. I had to play him further upfront with Mancinni due to necessity of other players being injured.

With this Daniele said his goodbyes and Ancelotti soon arrived for a more lengthy conference.

Q: “Ancelotti, how satisfied are you with tonight’s match?”

A: Very satisfied, we played very well and had excellent defense.

Q:”Carlo: will you continue using this tactic throughout the season?”

A: Yes, very good system. Like offensive midfielder and left and right backs pushing up the field.

Q: “Carlo: Will Frank Lampard be your Kaka at Chelsea? Will he be center of your team?”

A: “They are different players, but Frank Lampard worked very well. Kaka and Lampard have same importance for the team. Lampard can be center of Chelsea since he can play all positions, but I want to use him in offense.”

Q: “Has the Chelsea Club improved since Seattle?”

A: “Yes, good control of game, this is how Chelsea should work.”

Q: “How far is club from where it should be for Premiership (had to be translated for Lotti)

A: Pretty much at necessary level.

Q: “Did you meet with Jose?”

A: “No did not meet because was too busy.”

Q: “Brilliant performance from Drogba today, is it time for new contract?”

A: “Definitely”

Q: “Deco and Carvahlo are important, will they remain with Chelsea?

A: “Yes, they will remain.”

Q from Alex Bogatiryov – Soccerlens.com: “Carlo – do you see Andriy Shevchenko as part of Chelsea’s future?

A from Carlo Ancelotti: “Shevchenko is a great striker who unfortunately did not play today. We have many strikers; felt Drogba needed this opportunity to play. Shevchenko will start in next match.”

Q: “Is there a big difference between Premier League and Seria A?”

A: “There is no big difference.”

Conference was over and I headed to the player mixing area. Lampard had no comments but I had a chance to introduce myself to the Captain John Terry who was kind enough to sign autographs and have a few words with me. I got right to the point with my question:

Q from Alex Bogatiryov – Soccerlens.com: “John – are you going to Manchester City?”

A: “I promise that I will let you know in a couple of days…”

Q from Alex Bogatiryov – Soccerlens.com: “Deco, are you happy that you remained at Chelsea instead of going to Inter?

A: “After today’s match – yes, glad to be at Chelsea.”

As the team buses were leaving the Rose Bowl stadium, Ancelotti and John Terry appeared to be having a serious discussion.