Ancelotti hits back at Harry: Chelsea are on a par with Manchester United

18 September 2009 23:35
Carlo Ancelotti insists Chelsea are on the same level as ManchesterUnited despite Harry Redknapp's dig at the Blues ahead of Sunday'sclash with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]Spurs boss Redknapp claims Chelsea have a long way to go beforethe club are big enough to be classed in the "same bracket asManchester United".[LNB]Chelsea's chief-executive Peter Kenyon quit the club this week -five years after he vowed to "turn the world blue" by 2010, and fouryears after he pledged to make the Blues "the world's number one club"by 2014.[LNB] Blues on top: Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea side get the better of United in the Community Shield - upsetting Patrice Evra (right) along the way[LNB][LNB]But since Roman Abramovich took control of the club in 2003,Chelsea have struggled to win the Champions League - despite reachingfive semi-finals in the last six seasons. But Ancelotti insists there is parity between them and United.[LNB]  "Chelsea are on the same level as Manchester United, as a club and as a team," declared Ancelotti.[LNB]"The only thing is that Manchester has more tradition in respect toChelsea, but this means that for us it can be a very good motivation tostart this season very well."[LNB]Former chief operating officer Ron Gourlay has been installed asthe new chief-executive but Ancelotti took time out to pay tribute tothe work of the outgoing Kenyon.[LNB] Tracksuit manager: Carlo Ancelotti (centre) shows his Italian style in training with Chelsea this week[LNB][LNB]His departure also puts the spotlight back onto the club's sporting director Frank Arnesen.[LNB]The Dane is responsible for the academy at the club and in the wakeof FIFA's transfer ban for inducing youngster Gael Kakuta to breach hiscontract with Lens two years ago, his position is expected to comeunder further scrutiny.[LNB]But Ancelotti said: "The role of Frank Arnesen is sporting director and he is working very close with me. I have a good relationship with him and we want to do the best for the club.[LNB]"Peter Kenyon did a very good job but I didn't know him very well.I spoke with him in the period that I've been here but he leaves afantastic team and club and he worked very well for Chelsea."[LNB]Claim: Harry Redknapp[LNB]Ancelotti insists that Chelsea are certainly not an unbeatablecommodity as they prepare for their toughest test of the season againstTottenham on Sunday.[LNB]The Italian coach has guided the Blues to six straight wins - fivein the Barclays Premier League and one in the Champions League - butthey will face a revitalised Spurs at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]Their north London rivals have lost just once this season andRedknapp's side are certainly capable of putting a dent into Chelsea'sfine start to the campaign.[LNB]Ancelotti's side are top of the table going into the game but theChelsea coach is fully aware that Spurs can put the first blemish onhis English record.[LNB]"I have never seen an unbeatable team," said Ancelotti. "Chelsea is not unbeatable but we are doing well.[LNB]"I am not surprised by our start to this season. I had one monthbefore the start of the season to know the players, their mentalattitude and their quality.[LNB]"I know the rivalry between the two teams and how important thismatch is for the fans. We have to pay attention to this and we want towin.[LNB]"I saw Tottenham's last games and they have started very well. Forme it was a surprise, they played very well against Liverpool andManchester United.[LNB]"They lost that game but they have good style and quality players.In attack, Jermain Defoe is a very dangerous striker and Aaron Lennonis a very quick player. We have to pay attention to this because they can cause us difficulties in the game.[LNB] Threat: Ancelotti are wary of Tottenham striker Peter Crouch (right)[LNB][LNB]"But we are in a very good condition and have a very good feelingabout our play. We have the possibility to win this important match.[LNB]"I said last week that this is a very important moment of theseason and we have started very well with victory over Stoke and Portoand we want to continue this.[LNB]"Tottenham will play two strikers that we will have to control. Weknow the quality of Peter Crouch, Lennon and Defoe. They can bedangerous because they are very quick. We don't leave the possibilityfor them to counter-attack against us.[LNB]"We want to start at the top of the league and maintain thisposition and if possible, improve the distance between us and thesecond placed team."[LNB] Spurs boss Harry tells Chelsea they're a long way off matching Man UtdALL THE WEEKEND'S PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWSChelsea sign keeper despite transfer ban: Delac paid until move in 2011Diamond geezer: Obi relishing new role in Ancelotti's new-look midfieldCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail