Chelsea's manager Carlo Ancelotti recalls the season so far
In what was an action packed opening season for Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian had claimed that it was all normal and very much part of the charisma and lifestyle that a top ranked football team in associated with.
The season saw a possible League and Cup double, a shock Champions League exit, besides the unveiling of the private lives of Chelsea players, yet nothing seems to budge their coach.
A win over Wigan Athletic on the weekend would secure Chelsea's first title since 2006 and a win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup final six days later would earn the Londoners their first domestic Double. For their coach however the only thing that matters is the performance on the field, as he brushes aside the controversies. "Really, I didn't have strong problems to resolve, it was normal," Ancelotti told reporters as at the club's training ground.
"We lost some games and had a difficult moment after Manchester City and Inter (Milan) defeats but we moved on very quickly." He said the antics of John Terry, who had an affair with the girlfriend of former team mate Wayne Bridge, and Ashley Cole, whose marital problems were also front-page news, had no impact. "I think that was not a problem for me, they were personal issues," he said. "Ash and John Terry were able to keep these problems outside the training ground and I never spoke about the personal problems.
One occasion when he did speak with all his players was in the much-publicized March meeting that followed the Inter defeat and a flat performance in a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers five days later.
However, having lost at Wigan in September and aware that another defeat or even a draw opens the door for United to snatch the honors by beating Stoke City, Ancelotti was far from counting his chickens.
"We are in a very good situation, we can decide our destiny at home but Wigan is a good team, they've beaten us so we have to pay attention," he said.
"To be champions we have to play as we did against Stoke (in last month's 7-0 win) and against Liverpool (in last weekend's 2-0 Anfield success).
"The league is a little bit different (from what I expected)," said the Italian, who also said he expected Joe Cole to remain at the club despite media transfer speculation.
"I found a fantastic atmosphere. I have a great consideration for this championship, not only because of the quality of the teams but also the atmosphere, the stadiums."
Ancelotti said he felt his team has had an outstanding season and they deserve their current standing. Chelsea have enjoyed tremendous success this season including wins over the bigwigs like reigning champions Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool home and away this season.
The Italian thinks his team would be worthy champions and that owner Roman Abramovich would be pleased with the success and the style in which it has been achieved.
"I think Roman will be happy with this team. We are playing good football, showing good fair play on the pitch," he said.
"If we are able to win (the title) it could be considered a fantastic season."
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