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John Terry believes the 4-0 romp against Atletico proves his team have the strength in depth that struggling Liverpool can only dream of.
The skipper was thrilled with the way Chelsea coped without the suspended Didier Drogba, and contrasted that with the way Liverpool struggle without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
Terry says Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has a tough job to turn their season around after seeing his side lose their last four games in all competitions - with the looming prospect of facing Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday without the injured Gerrard and Torres.
Asked if Benitez's men will be out of the title race if they lose against United, Terry (right) replied: "I'm not sure, but when Stevie and Torres get injured they seem to be very short in the squad they've got.
"We're very fortunate at Chelsea. Since Roman Abramovich came, we have had a lot of strength in depth in the squad - like with Salomon Kalou scoring twice against Atletico with Didier Drogba being out.
"People said we would struggle without Didier, but we didn't. If you take Torres out of their team, who do they bring in? It's difficult.
"We have players that are not here only to make up the numbers, but players that are fighting and working hard every day in training to come in and really prove themselves."
Terry insisted Kalou's two-goal performance last night will have put first-choice strikers Nicolas Anelka and Drogba under pressure, saying: "Salomon seems to always come in and do well. Didier knows that the players behind him are working hard and wanting his place, the same goes for Nico. When Salomon comes in and does well, it gives the manager a real problem."
Reader views (9)
But the facts are we hav Abramovich and its not our fault we have an owner willing to invest in the club - just pure jealousy - and over the last 5 years it is just a fact that Benitez has bought some real turkeys!
- Melly, Cartagena, Colombia
As usual liverpool fans are crediting roman abramovich with the team and squad that the superblues have at their disposal. granted he provided the money but it was and is his own money , he didnt have to mortgage the club to buy decent players a la mssrs hicks and gillette.
also money alone does not win leagues . it takes guts courage and commitment , some things you wont see in a lot of benitez signings. And dont be fooled by all the ex liverpool players going on about benitez turning things around. liverpools league is over and its still only october. come on the CHELS.
- James Collins, waterford , rep. of ireland
I don't think anyone's denying the fact that Abramovich helped Chelsea assemble the squad they have, Terry clearly says it above.
It's clear Liverpool don't have depth. Gerrard's Liverpool through and through but does Benitez bring out the best in any players who doesn't have Spanish as a first language? Does he belong in the Premiership? Definetely a great manager but not sure he's suited to this league, after 5 or so years without really achieveing anything domestically. Can't really think of a better replacement for him, but Liverpool don't seem to be getting anywhere at the moment and haven't been for a while.
- Shaun, Lond, Englnad
chelsea's strength in depth...kalou, hilario, obi and....em....em.....
- Lanre Oladipo, lagos, nigeria
Take Roman Abramovich out of the equation and Chelsea would have been bankrupt. Down in League 1 with Leeds.
- Mick, London, England
For a team that doesnt have a Roman Abramovich you have certainly spent some money, if Rafa had bought quality instead of mediocre you too would have strength in depth. So stop bleating on about what we bought look at your own buys.
- Mdmick.Desilva@Gdcm.Com, wallington england
Nice for JT to give the big-up to Salomon Kalouless, but he must know that the hapless Ivorian does not present any selection problems for Ancellotti if Drogba and/or Anelka are fit and available to play. I seem to recall Fleck, Sutton and Kezman receiving similar very well meaning but slightly disingenuous support.
He may not be as bad as Voronin, but he's simply not up to the standard.
- Neil, Bedford, England
Its Not that we dont have depth in the Squad at Liverpool..we simply dont have Roman Abramovich! Take him out of the equation then Chelsea wont have the depth they have now!
- Marco, south africa
OK JT, let's see what happens to Chelsea's strength and depth during the African Nations Cup when you can't buy anyone!
- Wizdom, Crystal Palace, London
