Le Saux backs maturity of former club Chelsea to secure title

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed the 2005 and 2006 champions, now under Scolari's
management, are too old to launch a bid to take the crown away from Old Trafford
after Manchester United's back-to-back title wins.

But former full-back Le Saux, who made over 300 appearances for Chelsea in two
spells at Stamford Bridge, laughed off the comments from Ferguson as simple
pre-season mind games from the veteran United boss.

Le Saux in action for Chelsea

'I played until in was 36 and I think I had my best years between 30 and 34
and I had my own injury history.' Le Saux said.

'When you look at the support system the club has behind them it's like a machine, these guys like many modern athletes will perform at the top level for longer because they have the system behind them.

'I felt I got more time out of my game because I looked after myself.'

After last season's heartache, when Chelsea lost two cup finals and were pipped
to the Premier League title by Ferguson's United, Le Saux feels Chelsea can regroup under Scolari.

The Brazilian has insisted the Blues will challenge for all four trophies at home and abroad, but has set a minimum target of one trophy in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

'I naturally think this is a championship winning team,' added Le Saux, who is now 39.

'The team are built to win and there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn't set their sights on winning everything.

'Whether that is achievable is down to the team and the management and everyone needs some luck on their side. It is going to be a long hard season and I am sure in two weeks' time they will be ready for it.'

Over the summer Portugal duo Deco and Jose Bosingwa, who is set to miss the
league opener due to a thigh injury, have been added to the Chelsea squad, while
veteran midfielder Claude Makelele and defender Khalid Boulahrouz have  exited
Stamford Bridge.

'Time will judge if this team is better. Deco and Bosingwa have been brought in to add a new dimension and add depth to their positions,' said Le Saux.

'You have got international, world-class players in every position and you would think that the more time they spend together, the more they understand and interpret the philosophy of the manager and the longer he is here, all of these things will make the team look better.'