Michael Essien talks Champions League, the 2018 World Cup, Chelsea's Premier League hopes and whether Manchester City can remain unbeaten throughout this season...
Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien believes Chelsea have an excellent chance of finishing the Premier League season in the top four but fears that Manchester City might not be for catching.The 35-year-old Ghanaian made 187 Premier League appearances in a Chelsea shirt and landed two Premier titles for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
Chelsea, currently managed by Antonio Conte, reside in third place in the Premier League, 11 points behind front-runners Manchester City. Last year's champions are unbeaten in the league since a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on October 14 and registered back-to-back victories against Swansea and Newcastle last week at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Essien, speaking at an event with William Hill Plus, told our man Danny Archer:
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Q: Who was the best player you played with at Chelsea?
A: Frank Lampard
Q: What was your best achievement in football?
A: Winning my first Premier League title in 2006. My goal against Arsenal was another nice moment and is up there.
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Q: Who was the biggest drama queen at Chelsea?
A: Didier Drogba
Q: Who was the Chelsea DJ and best dancer
A: Definitely Michael Essien and I'd play reggae before matches.
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Q: Who was the best player you've played against
A: Steven Gerrard
Q: Will Manchester City go unbeaten this season. Are you impressed with Pep Guardiola's side
A: It's a difficult one they've started the season really well. I'm very impressed with the side he has put together. They started last season well but they didn't finish so good but in his second year, it is going much better, he has done his homework and they are playing very well.
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Q: Do you see Manchester City along with the other English clubs including Chelsea being creditable Champions League contenders?
A: They are both up there in the Champions league this year. If they work hard ,we will see what happens.
Q: Your idea of the Champions League winner:
A: I hope the British teams can stop the Spanish dominance the Champions League and Manchester City and Tottenham look sure to have a good chance in this year's competition.
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Q: Where will Chelsea finish this season?
A: I would love to say first but it will not be easy. They will hopefully definitely finish in the top four.
Q: Chelsea had a shaky start to the season but they're in good form at the moment?
A: Yeah they started slowly but they've been racking up wins. Their confidence is back and they are playing well. When you've got straight wins, you want to keep going?
Q: Rumours circulated at the start of the season about Antonio Conte leaving the club, do you think he will still be there at the end of the season?
A: He did a great job last year and there were rumours coming into this season, but he has ended up staying and I think it's always going to be tough the year after being champions but I hope he stays on.
Q: You've been in a situation where you've won the League and other teams then start to rebuild, how do you cope with that?
A: Pressure is always there but you just have to win your games and keep going.
Q: World Cup draw was made last week, who do you think will win the competition?
A: I would go for Germany. They have good players and a strong squad in lots of areas.
Q: What chance do you give England?
A: You hope England can do well and all the fans have been waiting a long time for England to do well at a major tournament so they could have a chance here.
Q: What about the South American sides?
A: With Argentina, I don't know why they struggled to get to the finals as they have such a good squad. Messi helped get them there this time so they have a chance as well as do Brazil.
Q: Ronaldo or Messi?
A: I would go for Ronaldo as I had a chance to play with him at Real Madrid.
Q: Favourite current Chelsea player?
A: I like Hazard and Morata has made a good start. Chelsea is not an easy place to come particularly following on from Drogba and Costa but he has done really well so far.
Michael Essien was speaking at a William Hill Plus event - access online funds in shop and cash-in shop bets on mobile, more info at williamhillplus.com