Sunday, April 4, 2010

Reaction: Nothing Is Decided Yet

Carlo Ancelotti's side were undoubtedly brilliant on Saturday as we beat Manchester United on their home soil but the Italian was keen to point out nothing has been decided with regards to the title race yet.

Although the three points takes us back to the top of the League, Ancelotti knows anything can happen and wanted to make it clear the race is not yet won.

'Nothing was decided in this game,' insisted Ancelotti.

'It was an important week for us because we were away to a very strong team. But now we must stay focused and maintain composure. It [the win] is very important for our confidence but nothing is decided yet.'

Chelsea have been on fire in our recent clashes, scoring 14 goals in three games since drawing 1-1 away to Blackburn, a game that followed our exit from the Champions League.

'We had a very good reaction against Portsmouth and Villa, we drew against Blackburn and came back and played well.

'We played well in the first half on Saturday, Manchester United wanted to put pressure on our midfield but we have built a very good reaction after that defeat to Inter.'

It seems every cloud may truly have a silver lining as the end of our European campaign allowed us a whole week to prepare solely for today's fixture.

'We didn't have a match during the week so we had the possibility to maintain a good condition and improve our condition and play for this game.

'Our aim was to keep the intensity. We had the possibility to play with a high tempo and we did this very well. We maintained good pressure in midfield and we didn't give Manchester the possibility to play how they wanted.'

Following the result, the opposition manager was forced to admit Chelsea are best placed to win the Barclays Premier League.

'Chelsea are favourites now, there's no question about that,' said Alex Ferguson.

'There are five games left, they're two points ahead and have four goals in goal difference against us, they are in the right position.

'We could win the next five games and still not win the League, it's simple as that,' added Ferguson. In fact Chelsea are three goals better off than the second-placed team.

Saturday’s team was unchanged from that which faced Villa last weekend, with Didier Drogba once again taking up a position on the substitute bench.

Having only trained twice this week, Ancelotti knew Drogba would benefit from a rest but always planned to introduce the winning goalscorer deep into the second half.

'He was not 100 per cent but I knew he was very important for this game,' admitted Ancelotti. 'I preferred to play him at the end of the match when he would be fresh and he did well.

'It is not important to start the game. It is important to play in the game and play well.

'Nicolas [Anelka] played 60 minutes, Didier 30 minutes. Maybe next time Didier can play 60 minute and Nicolas 30 because they are both fantastic strikers.'

Another man who commanded attention during the fixture was Joe Cole, who netted his second league goal of the season in front of the Man United fans.

It was a Cristiano Ronaldo-like back heel that put the Blues ahead as Cole proved his critics wrong.

'He worked very hard against Evra, he scored a goal and this goal was the key to opening up the game.

'He did very well. He is fit and he only has to improve his confidence. This goal for him is very important because he also played very well against Aston Villa.'

Finally, with calls for offside reverberating around Old Trafford after Drogba's winning strike, Ancelotti understandably avoided commenting of the official's performance.

'Offside is when the linesman's flags goes up and also penalties come from when the referee whistles,' reported the Italian.

'But I don't want to comment on these decisions. I am happy we pressed without the ball and kept possession and controlled the first half. The second half was difficult but I am happy.'

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