Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has refused to be drawn into "mind games" with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Manchester United manager suggested on Sunday that the title was the Blues' to lose in the wake of his side's 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers, citing the west London club's easier run-in as one just reason.
But Ancelotti declined the opportunity to make too much of the Scot's claims.
"I hope that Alex is correct," Ancelotti said in his press conference before Tuesday's clash with Bolton Wanderers.
"Maybe before you can say it will be easy, but I haven't played an easy game this season.
"To play and win at Blackburn is not easy. They're a strong team at home. They drew against United, and that was a good result for us, but only if we win tomorrow."
Ferguson is well-known for attempting to use mind-games to gain an advantage against opponents, and has gained success against the likes of Kevin Keegan in the past, but the former AC Milan boss seems reluctant to rise to the bait.
"No, it's mind games. Ferguson is clever," Ancelotti noted.
"On paper we are favourites against Bolton, but only on paper. It's normal that Chelsea will win in theory, but we need to go out and achieve this.
"The title is in our hands. We are able to do our best, to maintain this level, we can win it.
"Maybe, if we are able to do this on Tuesday, it could be a very important step towards winning the title."
Ancelotti also revealed that club captain John Terry has spoken to Aston Villa midfielder James Milner to check on his progress, after a rash challenge in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final 3-0 win had left the midfielder injured.
"I think the yellow card was right," the Italian said of the controversial tackle.
"I saw the tackle on the television. John touched the ball before making contact with Milner.
"I know that Terry called Milner and, for Milner, it was okay. I think the decision of the referee was right."
A club spokesman subsequently confirmed the defender had texted Milner, but had not felt the need to apologise for the tackle.
The Manchester United manager suggested on Sunday that the title was the Blues' to lose in the wake of his side's 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers, citing the west London club's easier run-in as one just reason.
But Ancelotti declined the opportunity to make too much of the Scot's claims.
"I hope that Alex is correct," Ancelotti said in his press conference before Tuesday's clash with Bolton Wanderers.
"Maybe before you can say it will be easy, but I haven't played an easy game this season.
"To play and win at Blackburn is not easy. They're a strong team at home. They drew against United, and that was a good result for us, but only if we win tomorrow."
Ferguson is well-known for attempting to use mind-games to gain an advantage against opponents, and has gained success against the likes of Kevin Keegan in the past, but the former AC Milan boss seems reluctant to rise to the bait.
"No, it's mind games. Ferguson is clever," Ancelotti noted.
"On paper we are favourites against Bolton, but only on paper. It's normal that Chelsea will win in theory, but we need to go out and achieve this.
"The title is in our hands. We are able to do our best, to maintain this level, we can win it.
"Maybe, if we are able to do this on Tuesday, it could be a very important step towards winning the title."
Ancelotti also revealed that club captain John Terry has spoken to Aston Villa midfielder James Milner to check on his progress, after a rash challenge in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final 3-0 win had left the midfielder injured.
"I think the yellow card was right," the Italian said of the controversial tackle.
"I saw the tackle on the television. John touched the ball before making contact with Milner.
"I know that Terry called Milner and, for Milner, it was okay. I think the decision of the referee was right."
A club spokesman subsequently confirmed the defender had texted Milner, but had not felt the need to apologise for the tackle.
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