Carlo Ancelotti to Make Tough Choices Ahead of FA Cup 3rd Round
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, said that he had to decide if he should rest some players during the fixture against Ipswich Town or not, as the Blues begin their FA Cup defense.
Under Ancelotti, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 won their first ever double, the Premier League title and the FA Cup, but after a period of poor form the Blues are no longer in the title race. However, they may still have a chance in the cup competition.
The Blues suffered a shock 1-0 defeat from lowly http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wolves-c40952, who were in the relegation zone, which saw them drop nine points below league leaders Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have an amazing lead and a game in hand, which has left them as favorites
to win the league this season.
With the recent slump it was expected that Ancelotti would be sacked soon, as is the case with any manager who fails to deliver at Stamford Bridge. However, this is not to be the case apparently, as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich confirmed that he did not
intend on sacking the former AC Milan manager and still believed he could turn things around for the club. With this new vote of confidence, Ancelotti will be encouraged to make changes to a stagnant side and try and get some results out of the ageing squad.
Reports suggest that the Blues manager could be tempted to give some of the senior players a break for the weekend FA Cup fixture, but understands that it is a big risk at this point in the season.
As mentioned earlier, Chelsea are seemingly in contention for the FA Cup and the Champions League. Elimination from either of these competitions could result in Ancelotti pushing his luck with the Russian owner.
A big change Ancelotti could make in the fixture against Ipswich Town is that of introducing http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Petr-Cech-c29837. Second choice goalkeeper, Ross Turnbull, said he hoped Ancelotti would change the squad around and play him instead of the more experienced
first choice keeper. Turnbull recently turned 26 and will be hoping to get more playing opportunities; having only made two appearances in the Carling Cup and Champions League competition each.
Turnbull mentioned the Champions League fixture against Marseille, where he was expected to be chosen instead of Cech, but things didn't go his way. He said, “Some of the lads who don't play as much thought they might play the away Marseille game but I remember
saying at the time that I thought the manager would put an experienced team out to get some momentum going, so he might do it again for Ipswich. He has to pick what he thinks is best for the club and I respect his decisions.”
Though they may be out of the title race, third or fourth place on the Premier League table is still within reach, which means they will hopefully be able to qualify for a Champions League spot next season. A good run in the cup competitions and a top four
finish is a realistic goal for the Blues this season and Ancelotti would be wise to focus on that instead of chasing the double or treble.
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