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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti bemoans poor finishing against Newcastle United
Italian boss feels Frank Lampard and John Terry are big losses
28 Nov 2010 17:39:00
By Greg Stobart at St James' Park
Carlo Ancelotti believes his side need to start finding the net away from home and maintains the absence of John Terry and Frank Lampard has affected Chelsea's recent results.
The Premier League champions went a goal down against Newcastle United after a calamitous mistake between Alex and Petr Cech enabled Andy Carroll to pounce. Salomon Kalou levelled for Chelsea before the interval but the visitors were unable to secure a winner after the restart.
Ancelotti's men have picked up just one point in their last three league games, which has subsequently knocked them off top spot, and the Italian has bemoaned his side's inability to convert chances.
“We are not happy. Happy for the performance – we didn’t start well and conceded a goal too easily," said Ancelotti.
“The reaction was good. The end of first-half and second-half was good. We had total control of the game but to win we needed to convert our chances.
“We have to keep going, stay focused and try to win. But at the moment we’re not able to convert our chances.
“We played good football. Sometimes we’re unlucky and sometimes we need to focus more on our shooting.
“It’s important to respond [now we’re not top]. It’s an opportunity to show our character and personality. It’s a motivation to do better.
“I’m disappointed with the last four games. To score one goal away is just not enough."
Ancelotti also hinted Chelsea's recent dip in form could be down to the absence of influential captain Terry and midfielder Lampard. Although, the Italian looks set to miss another key player as Alex requires surgery on a knee injury.
“They are very important players. Not just technically, but they have personality and character which we need.
“Terry and Lampard will start to train with the team next week. I hope that both will be able to play against Everton – John Terry more than Lampard.
“It was absolutely the same as Birmingham last week. It’s important we didn’t lose even if I think we deserved to win.
“To concede another goal at the start of the game was not good behaviour. I played 4-4-2 to stop them from putting in easy crosses to Carroll and also to play Ramires in the middle.
“That’s why I changed the shape.
“Now we have to arrange for Alex to have the operation this week. He will go to Brazil for surgery tomorrow.
Recent reports have suggested Ancelotti may leave in the summer and the man to replace him is Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola. But the Italian was quick to refute any speculation regarding his future at Stamford Bridge.
“You don’t have to ask me [about Guardiola].
“The coach is the last to know if these things happen. But I know Pep Guardiola.
“We’re not interested in what’s happening off the field. Sometimes this happens in a season.
"We have to be able, go forward and stay strong.”
Ancelotti also praised the form of striker Salomon Kalou who secured a point for Chelsea.
”Kalou worked very hard so for this reason he was not sharp or fresh with the chances. I can’t say anything to him because he’s the only player who has scored in four away games.”
Carlo Ancelotti believes his side need to start finding the net away from home and maintains the absence of John Terry and Frank Lampard has affected Chelsea's recent results.
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The Premier League champions went a goal down against Newcastle United after a calamitous mistake between Alex and Petr Cech enabled Andy Carroll to pounce. Salomon Kalou levelled for Chelsea before the interval but the visitors were unable to secure a winner after the restart.
Ancelotti's men have picked up just one point in their last three league games, which has subsequently knocked them off top spot, and the Italian has bemoaned his side's inability to convert chances.
“We are not happy. Happy for the performance – we didn’t start well and conceded a goal too easily," said Ancelotti.
“The reaction was good. The end of first-half and second-half was good. We had total control of the game but to win we needed to convert our chances.
“We have to keep going, stay focused and try to win. But at the moment we’re not able to convert our chances.
“We played good football. Sometimes we’re unlucky and sometimes we need to focus more on our shooting.
“It’s important to respond [now we’re not top]. It’s an opportunity to show our character and personality. It’s a motivation to do better.
“I’m disappointed with the last four games. To score one goal away is just not enough."
Ancelotti also hinted Chelsea's recent dip in form could be down to the absence of influential captain Terry and midfielder Lampard. Although, the Italian looks set to miss another key player as Alex requires surgery on a knee injury.
“They are very important players. Not just technically, but they have personality and character which we need.
“Terry and Lampard will start to train with the team next week. I hope that both will be able to play against Everton – John Terry more than Lampard.
“It was absolutely the same as Birmingham last week. It’s important we didn’t lose even if I think we deserved to win.
“To concede another goal at the start of the game was not good behaviour. I played 4-4-2 to stop them from putting in easy crosses to Carroll and also to play Ramires in the middle.
“That’s why I changed the shape.
“Now we have to arrange for Alex to have the operation this week. He will go to Brazil for surgery tomorrow.
Recent reports have suggested Ancelotti may leave in the summer and the man to replace him is Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola. But the Italian was quick to refute any speculation regarding his future at Stamford Bridge.
“You don’t have to ask me [about Guardiola].
“The coach is the last to know if these things happen. But I know Pep Guardiola.
“We’re not interested in what’s happening off the field. Sometimes this happens in a season.
"We have to be able, go forward and stay strong.”
Ancelotti also praised the form of striker Salomon Kalou who secured a point for Chelsea.
”Kalou worked very hard so for this reason he was not sharp or fresh with the chances. I can’t say anything to him because he’s the only player who has scored in four away games.”
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