Essien backs Nations Cup switch
Afp, London
Chelsea's Ghana midfielder Michael Essien wants to see a change in the international calendar which would allow the African Nations Cup to move to a new date.The next edition of the tournament, held every two years, will take place in Ghana in January 2008 and is the top prize in African football. But it means around a month out of Premiership action for those picked, with Chelsea braced to lose Essien, Didier Drogba, Mikel John Obi and Salomon Kalou. Essien believes that making it an out-of-season competition like the European Championships would have the support of players who do not want to miss a chunk of the Premier League campaign. "If they can change it would be good for us, we the players and it would be good the clubs too," said Essien. "You have to leave in January which is a difficult month for the club, but you have to leave and go and help your country. If they can change it would be good for us." Boss Jose Mourinho has planned for the loss of his African players as Chelsea look to win the title back from Manchester United, although Essien and Drogba in particular have been seen as vital to their challenge.
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