Ancelotti keeps pressure on United

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has warned Sir Alex Ferguson that his side will pounce on any slip-ups as the Premier League title race heats up.

Leaders Manchester United are 10 points clear of Chelsea but Ancelotti admits his side are in a ‘dream position’ following their collapse late last year.

Chelsea won just twice in November and December and won only five out of 16 matches between November and February – but they remain in with a chance of retaining their title.

“Three months ago, around November and December, it would have been a dream to arrive in this situation,” Ancelotti said.

“I don’t know what we can do until the end of the season but we have a chance to fight and do our best.”

“We have a chance to fight for the title but it is not in our hands. We have a possibility if Manchester United lose some points – and we will be ready.”

“There is a good atmosphere in this team and I’m happy.”

Yossi Benayoun remains sidelined for Chelsea ahead of their trip to Stoke on Saturday. The midfielder has been out for most of the season with an Achilles injury although he did feature for Israel in their 2-0 win over Georgia in midweek.

But Ancelotti said: “He needs to train properly and improve his condition but in 10 days he will be ready to play.”

Chelsea have no other injury worries for the trip to the Britannia, with Fernando Torres expected to keep his place in attack despite not scoring in his first seven matches at the club.

“There are moments in your career when you don’t score. In my experience I had (Hernan) Crespo, (Andrey) Shevchenko and Inzaghi and there were times they couldn’t score,” he said.

“But it is important to not lose confidence. Torres played very well against Manchester City. He didn’t score but he played well – it doesn’t matter if he scores or not but I think he will soon.”

“The team put in a great performance against Manchester United and Manchester City – fortunately we didn’t need goals from the strikers but in April we may need them. I am sure they can score.”

Fri 1 April, 2011

Ancelotti keeps pressure on United

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has warned Sir Alex Ferguson that his side will pounce on any slip-ups as the Premier League title race heats up.

Leaders Manchester United are 10 points clear of Chelsea but Ancelotti admits his side are in a ‘dream position’ following their collapse late last year.

Chelsea won just twice in November and December and won only five out of 16 matches between November and February – but they remain in with a chance of retaining their title.

“Three months ago, around November and December, it would have been a dream to arrive in this situation,” Ancelotti said.

“I don’t know what we can do until the end of the season but we have a chance to fight and do our best.”

“We have a chance to fight for the title but it is not in our hands. We have a possibility if Manchester United lose some points – and we will be ready.”

“There is a good atmosphere in this team and I’m happy.”

Yossi Benayoun remains sidelined for Chelsea ahead of their trip to Stoke on Saturday. The midfielder has been out for most of the season with an Achilles injury although he did feature for Israel in their 2-0 win over Georgia in midweek.

But Ancelotti said: “He needs to train properly and improve his condition but in 10 days he will be ready to play.”

Chelsea have no other injury worries for the trip to the Britannia, with Fernando Torres expected to keep his place in attack despite not scoring in his first seven matches at the club.

“There are moments in your career when you don’t score. In my experience I had (Hernan) Crespo, (Andrey) Shevchenko and Inzaghi and there were times they couldn’t score,” he said.

“But it is important to not lose confidence. Torres played very well against Manchester City. He didn’t score but he played well – it doesn’t matter if he scores or not but I think he will soon.”

“The team put in a great performance against Manchester United and Manchester City – fortunately we didn’t need goals from the strikers but in April we may need them. I am sure they can score.”

Fri 1 April, 2011

Chelsea Are Not Interested In Neymar Says Carlo Ancelotti

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says signing Santos forward Neymar is not in the club’s plans.

The 19-year-old declared it would be his dream to play at Stamford Bridge and was subject of

Europa League clash hurt City: Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti believes the fact that Manchester City played on Thursday handed his Chelsea side the advantage in Sunday’s 2-0 home win.

David Luiz’s header and an excellent individual effort from Ramirez secured an important victory for Chelsea as they seek to secure a Champions League qualification place for next season.

Chelsea boss Ancelotti praised the efforts of his players, but also acknowledged that City may have been left underprepared after meeting Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League on Thursday.

“It was a very difficult game,” Ancelotti said.

“We played a good game – we had focus, spirit and a good attitude.”

“First half we had to be quicker in front to get the right solution. Defensively we were good.”

“Man City lost a bit of power because they played on Thursday.”

John Terry’s imminent return to the England captaincy in next Saturday’s European Championship qualifier against Wales was cast into doubt when the centre back appeared to struggling with an injury in the second half.

But according to Ancelotti, the 30-year-old will be fit to play for his country at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

“He doesn’t have a problem to play for England,” Ancelotti said.

City boss Roberto Mancini also felt a lack of recovery time after the Dynamo encounter was a factor in the loss.

“We played a good game. But we played three days ago against Kiev,” Mancini said.

“In the last 20-25 minutes we were so tired.”

The visitors were without Carlos Tevez, but Mancini refused to use the absence of the captain as an excuse.

“Carlos is a good player, but (Edin) Dzeko and Balotelli are good players,” he said.

“After 70 minutes it was normal that Chelsea had more possession.”

“After that we conceded a goal and it changed.”

Sun 20 March, 2011

Europa League clash hurt City: Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti believes the fact that Manchester City played on Thursday handed his Chelsea side the advantage in Sunday’s 2-0 home win.

David Luiz’s header and an excellent individual effort from Ramirez secured an important victory for Chelsea as they seek to secure a Champions League qualification place for next season.

Chelsea boss Ancelotti praised the efforts of his players, but also acknowledged that City may have been left underprepared after meeting Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League on Thursday.

“It was a very difficult game,” Ancelotti said.

“We played a good game – we had focus, spirit and a good attitude.”

“First half we had to be quicker in front to get the right solution. Defensively we were good.”

“Man City lost a bit of power because they played on Thursday.”

John Terry’s imminent return to the England captaincy in next Saturday’s European Championship qualifier against Wales was cast into doubt when the centre back appeared to struggling with an injury in the second half.

But according to Ancelotti, the 30-year-old will be fit to play for his country at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

“He doesn’t have a problem to play for England,” Ancelotti said.

City boss Roberto Mancini also felt a lack of recovery time after the Dynamo encounter was a factor in the loss.

“We played a good game. But we played three days ago against Kiev,” Mancini said.

“In the last 20-25 minutes we were so tired.”

The visitors were without Carlos Tevez, but Mancini refused to use the absence of the captain as an excuse.

“Carlos is a good player, but (Edin) Dzeko and Balotelli are good players,” he said.

“After 70 minutes it was normal that Chelsea had more possession.”

“After that we conceded a goal and it changed.”

Sun 20 March, 2011

Ancelotti calm on Chelsea future

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists he will see out his contract with the London club as speculation intensifies over his future.

The 51-year-old’s deal expires at the end of next season and despite reports he could return to Serie A – where he has previously been in charge of AC Milan, Juventus and Parma – he is adamant he will remain at Stamford Bridge.

Speculation has linked Ancelotti with a return to Roma, where he made 171 appearances as a player, after the recent departure of Claudio Ranieri – a former Chelsea boss himself.

But Ancelotti said such a move is not on the horizon.

“I’m very well in London, I have another year of contract and I intend to stay here,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Here you can breathe. In Italy, if a team goes bad, the fans are waiting outside the stadium and insult you. I could not stand it.”

“Training Roma has always been my desire, which I have expressed several times, but it doesn’t mean that it should be realised tomorrow.”

The Italian is in a bullish mood despite Chelsea’s league woes.

The reigning champions are in fifth place on the table and 15 points behind leaders Manchester United, who they host on Tuesday. But with his side already having one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals, Ancelotti still has his heart set on silverware.

“The season is not yet over. Of course, our journey so far has not been satisfactory,” he said.

“The objective is to reach the top four in the Premier League and then there’s the Champions League.”

“My team, after two negative months, is recovering. I really think will be a nice spring for us.”

Tue 1 March, 2011

Ancelotti calm on Chelsea future

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists he will see out his contract with the London club as speculation intensifies over his future.

The 51-year-old’s deal expires at the end of next season and despite reports he could return to Serie A – where he has previously been in charge of AC Milan, Juventus and Parma – he is adamant he will remain at Stamford Bridge.

Speculation has linked Ancelotti with a return to Roma, where he made 171 appearances as a player, after the recent departure of Claudio Ranieri – a former Chelsea boss himself.

But Ancelotti said such a move is not on the horizon.

“I’m very well in London, I have another year of contract and I intend to stay here,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Here you can breathe. In Italy, if a team goes bad, the fans are waiting outside the stadium and insult you. I could not stand it.”

“Training Roma has always been my desire, which I have expressed several times, but it doesn’t mean that it should be realised tomorrow.”

The Italian is in a bullish mood despite Chelsea’s league woes.

The reigning champions are in fifth place on the table and 15 points behind leaders Manchester United, who they host on Tuesday. But with his side already having one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals, Ancelotti still has his heart set on silverware.

“The season is not yet over. Of course, our journey so far has not been satisfactory,” he said.

“The objective is to reach the top four in the Premier League and then there’s the Champions League.”

“My team, after two negative months, is recovering. I really think will be a nice spring for us.”

Tue 1 March, 2011

Ancelotti sings praise for Blues

Under-pressure Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti saw cause for encouragement during his side’s 2-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen.

English Premier League champions Chelsea have struggled for consistency this season – they are 12 points off the pace in their title defence and surrendered the FA Cup with a penalty shootout defeat at home to Everton on Saturday.

Chelsea face Wigan on Saturday ahead of a challenging match against league-leaders Manchester United on Tuesday, but Ancelotti believes some confidence has been restored with a comfortable 2-0 win over Danish champions Copenhagen in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday.

“It was good result, a good performance,” Ancelotti said.

“We were focused for this game, prepared well and the mindset was good. My players worked hard and played good football.”

“The result is good but it’s just the first half and we have to pay attention to the second leg. We are focused because we want to be the best.”

“We have to be able to move on quickly after the bad results and we were able to because we played some really good football: we have to continue to stay focused.”

Expensive striker Fernando Torres showed glimpses of promise but is yet to break his Chelsea duck, leaving Frenchman Nicolas Anelka to pick up the slack with both goals at the Parken Stadion.

“Anelka did a fantastic job and scored two goals,” Ancelotti said.

“Torres did very well because the key to the game was the work of the strikers. He was always dangerous and unlucky he didn’t score but he played a fantastic game.”

“If we are able to maintain the same level we have a chance to win against Manchester United.”

Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken admitted that the odds were now stacked against his team progressing to the quarter-finals.

“It will be extremely difficult to go on in the competition now, particularly with Zdenek Pospech suspended,” Solbakken said.

“Too many of my most prominent players failed to hit their peak: they did OK, but were not at their very best. Furthermore, we made too many mistakes and hit too many inaccurate passes.”

“We lost to a better team. Based on the possession and opportunities, the result was well deserved. Maybe we were a bit too optimistic about our chances before the game. We had some problems with Chelsea’s pace at certain points, but that was to be expected.”

Wed 23 February, 2011

Terry: Ancelotti has our backing

Chelsea captain John Terry has rejected speculation that coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to be dismissed by owner Roman Abramovich.

With the side underperforming and a distant fifth on the English Premier League table, speculation has mounted throughout the season that Ancelotti may pay the price for poor results on the pitch.

A penalty shootout defeat to Everton on Saturday that ended the club’s defence of the FA Cup has reportedly pushed the Italian manager further towards an exit from Stamford Bridge.

But centre-back Terry insists the players have no doubts about the long-term future of their coach.

“I don’t know why I’m answering the question really because there’s no speculation,” Terry said.

“The players are 100 percent behind the manager, he’s got total confidence in us and that will remain the same.”

“We believe in the manager and the players that we have can go on and win the (Champions League) competition.”

Ancelotti also remained defiant, insisting the press would be wise to defer judgement until the end of the campaign.

“I say to you journalists wait, because the season is not finished yet and a lot of times I have been able to manage these situations,” Ancelotti said.

“I’d like to remind you of 2010 – it was the same situation and the Italian journalists know this. Wait, the season is not finished. This could be the best season in the memory, it could be the worst. I don’t know, but wait. Chelsea has not died, it is still alive.”

Tue 22 February, 2011

Terry: Ancelotti has our backing

Chelsea captain John Terry has rejected speculation that coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to be dismissed by owner Roman Abramovich.

With the side underperforming and a distant fifth on the English Premier League table, speculation has mounted throughout the season that Ancelotti may pay the price for poor results on the pitch.

A penalty shootout defeat to Everton on Saturday that ended the club’s defence of the FA Cup has reportedly pushed the Italian manager further towards an exit from Stamford Bridge.

But centre-back Terry insists the players have no doubts about the long-term future of their coach.

“I don’t know why I’m answering the question really because there’s no speculation,” Terry said.

“The players are 100 percent behind the manager, he’s got total confidence in us and that will remain the same.”

“We believe in the manager and the players that we have can go on and win the (Champions League) competition.”

Ancelotti also remained defiant, insisting the press would be wise to defer judgement until the end of the campaign.

“I say to you journalists wait, because the season is not finished yet and a lot of times I have been able to manage these situations,” Ancelotti said.

“I’d like to remind you of 2010 – it was the same situation and the Italian journalists know this. Wait, the season is not finished. This could be the best season in the memory, it could be the worst. I don’t know, but wait. Chelsea has not died, it is still alive.”

Tue 22 February, 2011

Chelsea Boss Carlo Ancelotti Linked With Vacant Roma Manager Post as Claudio Ranieri Resigns

4 comments by Christian Bailey on February 21st, 2011

Stamford Bridge boss linked with return to former stamping ground.

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Ancelotti gives up on Chelsea title dream

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admits his team have very little chance of winning the Premier League title as they prepare to face Fulham on Monday.

The defending champions are rocking after losing to Liverpool last week in Fernando Torres’ first match for the club and now Ancelotti is having to reset his targets with Chelsea 10 points behind leaders Manchester United.

“It’s difficult to think we can come back to fight for the title, it’s better to think game by game,” he said.

“We have to reach minimum fourth place. To close the gap is very difficult; we have to be honest about this. But the most important step is to be fourth in the table and fight with the other teams.”

Ancelotti admitted he was shocked at the way his side, seemingly back in form, lost to Liverpool last week.

“I think it was a surprise the defeat against Liverpool because I saw in the days before the game that the team trained well with motivation and power,” he said.

“But now we have to look forward to Fulham and maintain high our confidence; you have to have confidence when you play above all the Champions League.”

“Our aims now are very clear, we have Champions League, we have FA Cup and we have to close the gap. It’s difficult to close the gap but we have to reach fourth to keep Chelsea in the Champions League.”

New boy David Luiz, signed from Benfica for 21 million pounds, will make his full debut for the Blues in Monday’s game at Fulham.

The Brazilian defender has been told he will face Mark Hughes’ side as Chelsea bid to recover from their loss to the Reds last week.

“He will start. David Luiz is a very good defender because he has ability and skills to play all the positions in the back four. He can play centre-back, right-back, he hasn’t played left-back but he has the ability to play there,” Ancelotti said.

“He’s Brazilian so he has very good technique. He can help us to build our play better from the back. I think he will be one of the best defenders in the world in the future.”

“He’s young but he already has fantastic experience because he played in Benfica, he played in the Champions. Sadly he cannot play in the Champions League for us but he can show his quality in the Premier League and FA Cup.”

Chelsea expect to go into the match at Craven Cottage with no new injury problems after the international break.

“The players came back yesterday, they don’t have a problem. Everything is ok. Just (Jose) Bosingwa has a little problem and we hope to recover him in time. Some players played 90 minutes but we have time to prepare them.”

Fri 11 February, 2011

Chelsea Plan £30m AC Milan Raid as Ancelotti Lines Up Long Term Torres Strike Partner

13 comments by Christian Bailey on February 4th, 2011

Stamford Bridge boss hopes to sign San Siro youngster.

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ANCELOTTI QUIET ON TORRES LINK

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti did not want to answer questions about his club’s pursuit of Fernando Torres after their FA Cup fourth-round clash at Everton.

The Londoners are thought to be preparing a second bid for the Liverpool striker after an initial offer, thought to be worth

Ancelotti craves elusive away win

Chelsea will need to be at their best to grab a first Premier League away win since October at Bolton on Monday, says manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The reigning champions sit in fourth place on the league table and the Italian knows Bolton will pose a very physical threat to his defenders.

“We haven’t won away since October so it will be important to perform well at Bolton,” Ancelotti said.

“They are playing a lot better this season and they have more confidence. They have a clear idea of football and they are using their big strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander very well.”

“We need to win away and to say that this bad moment is definitely gone. We look a lot better in training, the players are fitter and playing with more confidence.”

“Obviously the most important thing is the results we get on the pitch. It doesn’t matter if I think that things are better, we have to get a result.”

Big names Frank Lampard and John Terry are both doubts for the clash at the Reebok Stadium.

“We have a little problem with Frank Lampard. He is having some treatment and didn’t train on Thursday,” Ancelotti added. “I hope he will be ready to play against Bolton on Monday.”

“John Terry had a little problem with his back and he did a different training session to the other players.”

Fri 21 January, 2011

Ancelotti craves elusive away win

Chelsea will need to be at their best to grab a first Premier League away win since October at Bolton on Monday, says manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The reigning champions sit in fourth place on the league table and the Italian knows Bolton will pose a very physical threat to his defenders.

“We haven’t won away since October so it will be important to perform well at Bolton,” Ancelotti said.

“They are playing a lot better this season and they have more confidence. They have a clear idea of football and they are using their big strikers Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander very well.”

“We need to win away and to say that this bad moment is definitely gone. We look a lot better in training, the players are fitter and playing with more confidence.”

“Obviously the most important thing is the results we get on the pitch. It doesn’t matter if I think that things are better, we have to get a result.”

Big names Frank Lampard and John Terry are both doubts for the clash at the Reebok Stadium.

“We have a little problem with Frank Lampard. He is having some treatment and didn’t train on Thursday,” Ancelotti added. “I hope he will be ready to play against Bolton on Monday.”

“John Terry had a little problem with his back and he did a different training session to the other players.”

Fri 21 January, 2011

Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Believes Carlo Ancelotti On Verge Of Chelsea Sack

1 comment by Mr Neutral on January 17th, 2011

Intriguing take on Stamford Bridge affairs by Spurs boss.

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Ancelotti backs Blues to rebound

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has again insisted he is not feeling the pressure despite his side’s continuing form slump.

The Blues have won only once in their last nine Premier League games and Ancelotti’s men will be looking to turn their fortunes around at home against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Chelsea thrashed Ipswich 7-0 in their third-round FA Cup tie on Saturday and Ancelotti is hopeful they can repeat that performance against the Lancashire side.

“It was very important. It was not the Premier League, but the FA Cup which is another story,” he said.

“We haven’t had a good performance in our last Premier League games, but now’s the time to come back and try to close the gap.”

“This is the aim for the next game. We can’t say that everything is ok now because we need to have more examination. This game will be a very important exam for us.”

Chelsea currently lie fifth on the table and are nine points adrift of leaders Manchester United having played a game more, but Ancelotti has shrugged off claims that owner Roman Abramovich has lost faith in him.

“I’m relaxed because I think the players have had a difficult moment, obviously, but I feel they’re good, professional and have done everything to move on quickly,” he said.”I feel the players are very close to me, and the club is the same. I have spoken to the owner a lot of times.”

“I think he’s not happy with the results of the team, but this doesn’t matter. He knows what the difficulties are, and he hopes – like us – to look forward to try and beat Blackburn tomorrow.”

Along with Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun will also miss Saturday’s game with knee and Achilles’ injuries respectively.

Fri 14 January, 2011

Ancelotti backs Blues to rebound

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has again insisted he is not feeling the pressure despite his side’s continuing form slump.

The Blues have won only once in their last nine Premier League games and Ancelotti’s men will be looking to turn their fortunes around at home against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Chelsea thrashed Ipswich 7-0 in their third-round FA Cup tie on Saturday and Ancelotti is hopeful they can repeat that performance against the Lancashire side.

“It was very important. It was not the Premier League, but the FA Cup which is another story,” he said.

“We haven’t had a good performance in our last Premier League games, but now’s the time to come back and try to close the gap.”

“This is the aim for the next game. We can’t say that everything is ok now because we need to have more examination. This game will be a very important exam for us.”

Chelsea currently lie fifth on the table and are nine points adrift of leaders Manchester United having played a game more, but Ancelotti has shrugged off claims that owner Roman Abramovich has lost faith in him.

“I’m relaxed because I think the players have had a difficult moment, obviously, but I feel they’re good, professional and have done everything to move on quickly,” he said.”I feel the players are very close to me, and the club is the same. I have spoken to the owner a lot of times.”

“I think he’s not happy with the results of the team, but this doesn’t matter. He knows what the difficulties are, and he hopes – like us – to look forward to try and beat Blackburn tomorrow.”

Along with Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun will also miss Saturday’s game with knee and Achilles’ injuries respectively.

Fri 14 January, 2011

Ancelotti staying upbeat

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted his side will finish in the English Premier League’s top four and clinch a Champions League spot.

The reigning Premier League champions have slumped to fifth place in the league table, but Ancelotti is confident they can re-launch their title bid at Wolves on Wednesday.

“It is important to end up in a Champions League position, but we have the skills and ability to stay in the top four without a problem. I’m not worried at all,” he said.

After just one win in their last eight league games, Ancelotti’s men are now six points adrift of leaders Manchester United.

But the Chelsea manager is adamant his side still has enough time left to retain the title, and is eyeing the trip to Molineux as a good opportunity to turn the Blues’ fortunes around.

“I think we have enough time to come back and fight for the title. It’s not easy closing the gap, but we will try. We are improving and the team is close to moving on. We have to keep going but I have confidence that the team will improve,” he said.

“We will win.”

Ancelotti has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match, and is tight-lipped on buying any new players in the January transfer market.

The Italian also brushed aside speculation linking the club with a move for David Beckham.

He said: “I think that he is a fantastic professional player but we are not interested. We already have good players in this position.”

The Blues have only scored nine goals in their last nine league games, but Ancelotti is hopeful his strikers will return to form at the right time, starting at Molineux.

“Didier (Drogba) has started to score, Malouda scored against Bolton and I think their bad moment is behind them. I am also hopeful that Anelka will start to score,” he said.

The Chelsea manager also rubbished reports linking striker Daniel Sturridge with a loan move away from Stamford Bridge

Ancelotti said: “He has not asked me to go on loan. If he did ask me, I would say ‘no way’.”

Tue 4 January, 2011