Ancelotti - Defence is key to title bid

20 November 2009 17:43
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes he has the best set of central defenders, not just in the Premier League but in all of world football.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference in the build-up to tomorrow's home clash with Wolves, the former AC Milan manager praised his defence who have conceded just two goals in their last six games in all competitions.

Ancelotti said: 'We have fantastic defenders, Carvalho, Ivanovic, Alex and Terry. I think Chelsea has the best central defenders in the world at this moment. I don't want to say we have the best defence but we have four central defenders who nobody else has the quality of. They could all play in any team in the world.'

Five points clear at the top of the league, Chelsea are overwhelming favourites for another three points on Saturday afternoon, and their manager is confident that a strong defence can help bring them trophies come the end of the season.

He added: 'If you want to win a cup or a championship then it is important to not concede goals. If you don't concede a goal, the worst it can be is nil-nil! I think it is the same level as the defence I had at AC Milan. Nesta and Maldini were fantastic in the past but now I am happy to have and train with these defenders.'

Ancelotti's defence might be at full-strength tomorrow but after a troublesome international period, a number of key players are still recovering from injury.

'Tomorrow we are without Lampard, Drogba, Deco and Ballack. There is not a big problem, I think that they will all be ready for the next game against Porto apart from Lampard.'

Although calm about the mini injury crisis which has hit his squad, Ancelotti is wary of the threat posed by visitors Wolves, especially Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle, whose World Cup dreams were dashed by Thierry Henry's hand of god in midweek.

'They have good strikers. I think Doyle will be hungry tomorrow after what happened on Wednesday. They have played well in a lot of games this season.'

When questioned on the Henry debate, the Italian was quick to express his frustration at the incident and the wider impact it could have on the game.

'I am disappointed in that game and the situation because it was important for Ireland and for Trapattoni. It is not good for football. I don't know about technology or what FIFA have to do but I know that the same cannot be repeated.'

With the countdown to the January transfer window continuing and rumours of possible arrivals at Stamford bridge intensifying, the ex Roma player was quick to address paper talk surrounding a deal for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero.

'We haven't spoken about Aguero. Chelsea always look at the best young players for the future but not just Aguero. I like him but I don't want to read other things in the paper tomorrow. I want to read, 'I like Aguero', I want to read this!"

-Joe Strange

Source: DSG