Chelsea skipper John Terry insists manager Carlo Ancelotti has his full support
Chelsea and England captain John Terry has offered support to manager Carlo Ancelotti, after rumors that the Italian manager would be sacked at the end of the season.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 international said he did not think Ancelotti deserved to be sacked and should be given the chance to see out the remainder of his contract, which will expire at the end of next season.
Terry felt it was unfair to decide Ancelotti’s future based on the current season, which was undoubtedly the worst since Roman Abramovich took over the club.
The Blues suffered their worst slump in over 15 years, which saw them exit the Carling Cup and FA Cup competitions early on in the season.
They also slipped off the top of the English Premier League table to fifth place, some 15 points behind league leaders Manchester United.
Their ability to finish in the top four of the Premier League was questioned, as the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur occupied third and fourth place.
Having made it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Chelsea faced Manchester United in the European competition and were eliminated by their Premier League rivals.
The Champions League exit ended their chances of securing silverware this season, which led to speculation about Ancelotti’s future.
While many would like to blame the former AC Milan manager for the disappointing season, Terry did not hold Ancelotti responsible.
The Chelsea skipper believed there were other factors that had contributed to Chelsea’s decline, which had ultimately resulted in the trophy less season.
Terry said while speaking to reporters, “He's got my full support. I love Carlo. He won the double in his first year and this season the injuries and releasing players has been tough for him.”
Terry insisted he had not forgotten Ancelotti’s first season at the London club, with the Italian having led the Blues to their first ever domestic double.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 won the English Premier League and the FA Cup, making and breaking various records along the way during Ancelotti’s debut season at Chelsea.
Unfortunately, he was unable to recreate his success during the second season, which could very well end his reign at the Bridge, sooner than expected.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Terry-c18895 believed the departure of some experienced players during 2009 had weakened the squad significantly, the effects of which became apparent after a year.
The summer of 2009 saw http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Deco-c10735 leave the London club, with no replacements arriving.
Ancelotti had to make do with a less than sufficient squad but managed to do a very good job, leading them to the double.
Terry admitted the squad was better while Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho was in charge of the club, with more options available.
The Blues skipper said, “When (Jose) Mourinho was here we had a big squad but we miss that. Somewhere in between where we are, and what we had, would be ideal.”
The only signings Ancelotti made after his first season were midfielders http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707 in the January transfer window.
The late arrival of Luiz and Torres was not enough to help the squad recover from their slump and in the end the Italian had to rely on the previously existing players to help the side back into the top three.
Chelsea are currently at second place on the Premier League table, six points behind Manchester United. They have done well to close a gap of 15 points in just over two months, an impressive feat.
John Terry said he fully supported Ancelotti and believed the manager could have done better with an improved squad.
Chelsea take on Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge and then travel to Goodison Park in a clash against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Everton-c13019 in their last two Premier League fixtures for the season.
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