Speedy Kalou chases elusive goals at Chelsea

LONDON, Dec 20 (Reuters) Salomon Kalou has enjoyed some distinguished instruction in his fledgling footballing career, from Ruud Gullit and now Jose Mourinho.

Both have given him the confidence to ride out the barren times, when the goals just will not come.

Despite the recent disappointment of missing golden chances for his new side Chelsea, the 21-year-old bubbles with enthusiasm for the game and the contribution he is sure he can make to it.

''I know I will score, I know I will but I don't know when. I just have to be patient,'' Kalou told Reuters in an interview.

''I know they need me. Even if I 'm not in the groove I have to fight to stay in the team.'' The Ivory Coast forward made his name at Feyenoord where he delighted crowds with his speed, touch and killer finish, scoring 35 league goals in 67 appearances and winning the 2005 Johan Cruyff Award for young talent.

He also attracted some high-profile backers, including Cruyff and Netherlands coach Marco van Basten, in his fight for Dutch citizenship to play for the national side at last June's World Cup.

His fast-track bid was turned down by immigration minister Rita Verdonk and an appeal rejected by the Netherlands' Council of State amid much publicity.

Chelsea manager Mourinho, snapped him up in the close season for a fee the Dutch media reported at about 15 million euros.

Chelsea had been tracking him for months, along with several other big European sides. Mourinho even went to watch him play, disguised in scarf, cap and glasses.

''I have no doubts the boy has everything,'' Mourinho said.

''Chelsea need big players and need the best young talent in the world and in Salomon we are getting that.'' FIERCE COMPETITION Competition is fierce, however, at the English champions.

Alongside Kalou, billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich shelled out some 29 million pounds (.92 million) on celebrated AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko in the close season.

Mourinho has described Kalou's compatriot and top scorer Didier Drogba as one of his ''untouchables'' because of his current form.

The pressure is intense. Under Mourinho Chelsea have won back-to-back titles. They are expected to and expect to win.

''Every day in training you have to be 100 percent,'' Kalou said.

''You don't have time to take rest...You need to be focused all the time.

''Before (at Feyenoord) it was easy, playing every game but here it is different...I am learning to be a team player.'' Gullit, a former world player of the year, AC Milan, Chelsea and Netherlands midfielder as well as Chelsea manager, was Kalou's mentor at Feyenoord.

The Ivorian, son of a footballing father, had followed his brother Bonaventure there from the ASEC Academy in Abidjan.

''Ruud Gullit is the one who really gave me the chance and showed me I can be a good player,'' Kalou said.

It was Gullit, the man who brought sexy football and the first trophy in 26 years to Stamford Bridge in 1997, who put Kalou in his favourite position, in the hole behind a leading striker.

RARELY USED Mourinho has used him in a variety of roles, starting him as front man of three in a 1-0 win over Newcastle last Wednesday and bringing him on as winger in the side's comeback 3-2 win at Everton last Sunday.

Kalou missed a couple of sitters against Newcastle but looked lively. Afterwards Mourinho described him as ''a little naive'' in his choices of shots.

However the coach emphasised his confidence that Kalou would learn and improve by putting him on with Chelsea behind at halftime at Goodison Park. Kalou hit the post.

The Ivorian has scored one goal in 21 appearances, mostly as substitute, for his new club.

''I know that they need me. Even if I know I'm not in the groove.

I have to fight to stay in the team,'' Kalou said.

''I feel disappointed because as a striker if you get a few good chances you must score,'' he added.

''When you are a striker and you are not scoring goals you start to tighten up. And when you get the chance, you make the quick decision and sometimes the quick decision is not the best.'' Kalou has a steady head on young shoulders, however.

''It's not like it's an obsession. I know that goals will come.

''Look at Drogba this year, he scores in every game -- there is a moment when every ball you touch goes in. It will come for me soon.'' The striker would like to find his goalscoring boots before internationals in 2007.

After his courtroom failure and move to London, Kalou has pledged himself to the Ivory Coast cause but was injured when the last call-up came in November.

If he is to play alongside his brother, now based at Paris St Germain, and Drogba, he wants to be on top of his game.

''If I am scoring goals it will be nice to play for the national team...I will be in the right frame of mind.'' REUTERS PM ND0924