Scolari: Terry Absence Not To Blame

Big Phil has dismissed the notion that his suspended skipper has sent the Blues into a defensive spiral.

Jan 4, 2009 9:22:29 PM

More On :  Chelsea, John Terry
CL: John Terry, Chelsea - A.S. Roma (PA)

John Terry was unavailable for Chelsea's FA Cup with Southend United, having picked up a three-match ban for his red card in the stalemate against Everton last month.

The 27-year-old's absence was noticeable, as the Blues were unable to keep out their unfancied opponents despite dominating the game from start to finish.

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However, Luiz Felipe Scolari believes it wasn't because of Terry that his side failed once more at Stamford Bridge, but rather his forwards' inability to make the most of their chances.

"John is captain and he is a very good player, but it is not because he did not play that we drew," the Chelsea manager said in The Daily Mail.

"He is a good player, he is a captain and he is a man who can sometimes change the game on the pitch, because he is a strong man. But it was not because John was not here that we drew.

"Our mistake was not scoring a second goal. We created 15 chances and won all the balls defensively - only one we didn't win. But I believe in these players."

--Mike Maguire, Goal.com

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