Ancelotti calm about Chelsea future

08 April 2011 16:00

Carlo Ancelotti has insisted his job as Chelsea manager did not depend on turning around the club's Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United.

Wednesday's first-leg defeat to United at Stamford Bridge has left the Blues in danger of finishing without a trophy for only the third time since Roman Abramovich's takeover. On both other occasions, Abramovich sacked the manager, despite Claudio Ranieri and Avram Grant leading the side to the Champions League semi-finals and final, respectively.

Ancelotti said: "I don't think the decision on my future at the club rests on whether or not I win the Champions League. The club knows me very well, knows my behaviour, and they will take their decision on that. Until now, the support is totally 100%. I don't have a problem with this."

Crashing out of the Champions League would not be the only black mark against Ancelotti this season. Chelsea also suffered early exits in both domestic cup competitions and trail United by 11 points in the Barclays Premier League - albeit with a game in hand - in fourth place.

Both Ranieri and Grant managed to finish second when they were given the boot, although Ancelotti can point to having won the double last season, while much of what has gone wrong this term has been beyond his control.

Rumours persist the signing of Fernando Torres was one of Abramovich's whims but Ancelotti has always denied this, insisting it was a collective decision. However it came about, the Italian has been left with a £50million misfit, who appears unable to slot into either of Chelsea's preferred formations.

But Ancelotti said: "I don't think it's a problem with the shape."

He also dismissed captain John Terry's assertion Torres' record-breaking price tag may be weighing heavily on the Spaniard.

"I was a player and the players, I think, don't think about the money, about the transfer money or salary," he said.

"This is not a good moment for Fernando. But he has the support first from himself - his confidence - and from his manager and team-mates."

Source: PA