TALKING THE TALK

Last updated : 20 October 2005 By Editor

Who else, but Rio Ferdinand:

“It doesn't worry us what Chelsea do. As long as we are picking up the three points and getting our side of things sorted that's all we can do.

“Chelsea were 1-0 down last weekend and came back to win, getting a little bit of the rub of the green with certain decisions, but we have to make sure we maintain our results and not look at other teams.

“We are looking forward to them coming here. We want to win that game, go out there and put down our title marker and make sure people know that we are still a force to be reckoned with.

“We've got to beat Tottenham, we know that. Spurs have had a good batch of players for a number of years now but they haven't been consistent. This season they seem to have continuity, the players seem to be responding to the manager and they have some consistency there which has been lacking in the past.

“They are not spending 'Chelsea amounts' of money but they are spending good amounts on players and bringing in a lot of home-grown talent too.

"They have been threatening to become one of the big clubs and now they look as if they have the potential to do so - maybe this is their time now.

"We've got to keep tabs on Jermain Defoe, he's always a dangerous player to play against. I know from the England squad that he's one of those players who thrives on scoring and lives for goals.

"Any team would miss a player with Wayne's talent, but I don't think we're relying too much on him.

"He has been brilliant for us this season, but against Lille we also had Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is our top scorer.

"We also had Giggs out there as well so I don't think we're relying too much on Wayne.

"Unfortunately it just didn't click against Lille but that isn't down to one player being missing. We should have the players to cope without Wayne.

"The injuries are just non-stop at the moment. Ryan has been in good form lately, but now he's out too.

"It's disappointing to be left out [by England]. But the most important thing is how you respond. I feel I've responded in a positive manner [like on Tuesday?!?]. Hopefully that will continue to be the case.”