Ancelotti still eyeing Premier League title

15 January 2011 08:00

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed retaining the Barclays Premier League with Chelsea this season would be the greatest achievement of his career.

The Blues' worst slump in the top flight for almost 15 years has seen them blow a five-point lead to lie fifth, nine points behind leaders Manchester United having played a game more.

But Ancelotti will not give up the title without a fight and said: "Yes, it would be fantastic (to win the title). It wouldn't be easy to do that, but we can try. We needed 86 points to win it last year. This year, the team will need less. 80 points is enough."

Even so, Chelsea would need to win at least 14 of their remaining 17 games to reach that target, and Ancelotti added with a hint of understatement: "It'll be tough."

While retaining the title could be beyond them, it is unthinkable Chelsea will fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Yet, the same could be said for Liverpool last term when they finished seventh.

Then-manager Rafael Benitez promised a top-four finish just over a year ago and ended up with egg on his face and ultimately his P45.

Ancelotti was not about to fall into the same trap.

"I don't like to promise because I have to stick with that promise," he said.

"I don't want to bet because I don't like to bet, but we have the possibility to stay in the top four."

Source: PA