Carlo Ancelotti admits to Chelsea's woes
Chelsea’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti and his squad have been under fire by the media and fans alike due to the Blues’ run of poor on-field performance that has been stretched into December.
On-field form:
The month of November began with Chelsea defeating Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Champions League competition. Blues managed to score a fabulous four goals against their Russian opponents, with the final score line resting at 4-1. The match took place on 3rd
November and Ancelotti’s team have not seen four goals in a match since. The London based club last scored four goals against an opponent in the English Premier League all the way back in September, against Blackpool and managed to keep their clean sheet.
Their recent results have seen two draws against mediocre middle of the table teams such as Newcastle (occupying the 11th spot) and Everton (sitting on the 15th spot). Both draws saw a score line of 1-1. Chelsea have been defeated in three games
out of seven in November and have won only one league game against Fulham on 10th November, with an unspectacular result (1-0). The Blues were thrashed by Sunderland at Stamford Bridge three goals to nil and failed to find their form against Birmingham
who beat the Blues by a goal to nil.
Off-pitch issues:
Many argue that the team’s on the field performances were a reflection of Stamford Bridge’s off the pitch issues. The untimely decision to show assistant manager Ray Wilkins’ the door was announced on the 12th of November, two days after Chelsea’s
derby win and two days before Chelsea’s thrashing by Sunderland. Chelsea players and managers of other teams spoke to the media concerning Ray’s departure from the Blues club, with the assistant manager of local rivals Tottenham Kevin Bond suggesting that
perhaps the team were reacting against Wilkins’ sacking. Bond explained that “I'm sure there'll be a lot of people upset about that - and quite rightly so - but you have to get on with your job.” Wilkins was the first out of two managerial staff members to
be sacked, with Frank Arnesen following.
The Sporting Director was booted off the Blues’ boat on the 27th of November, but confirmed that he will continue working in his position until the current football season comes to an end. The sudden offloading of both Arnesen and Wilkins saw
the media and fans alike question Ancelotti’s position as manager and whether the Blues' slump in form would result in him being shown the door as well. The claim that out-of-contract-soon Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola would replace Ancelotti at the bridge
was completely rejected by Carlo who made it clear in a statement to the press explaining that he was only in charge of technical matters at the Bridge and that “We are not interested. We focus on our training and our matches."
Carlo’s concerns:
The latest headlines concerning the Blues speak of Carlo’s concern for the Blues’ current position. Chelsea were knocked off the top by title rivals Manchester United and recently dropped down to the third position in the Premier League table after this
weekend’s matches. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal now sit on top, with Manchester United in second place, but with a game in hand. One point separates all three title contenders (including Manchester City in the fourth position but with 29 points). Upon being questioned
for reasons concerning his side’s slump in form, the Italian refused to blame individual performances, instead he emphasized on ‘team spirit’ by explaining “We have to stay together and not be searching to find out who is guilty. Usually when you have a difficult
moment you want to find out who is to blame.” He elaborated upon his point by claiming “It's a moment in which we are all not doing enough to win games. We have to do more because this is the only way that I know.” He spoke of his involvement with Chelsea’s
consecutive drawing and losing in the league and how it affects him, saying, "No, I'm not relaxed at all and I don't sleep well. I maintain confidence in my players. I maintain trust. But it's not a good moment, not for them or for me."
The players have echoed Ancelotti’s sentiments, with many first team players speaking to the press. Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel talked of how opponents had successfully managed to break down Chelsea’s way of play, explaining “Before, we could find
a ball in behind for our strikers and we have the players in our team who can search for the strikers whenever they make a run.” He added, “Teams are now trying to run with our strikers or stay goal-side, which makes it difficult for the rest of us to find
those balls in behind all the time.” Chelsea play Tottenham Hotspur in their next league fixture and the Blues boss has challenged his players to step forward and has hailed the game as a “great opportunity to show our character.”
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