Source: Daily_Mail
Carlo Ancelotti remains bullish on Chelsea's Champions League hopes
[LNB]Carlo Ancelotti fought his way out of the gloom on Monday night to insist Chelsea were still 'alive' and aiming for a Champions League triumph at Wembley that would be the greatest day in the club's history. [LNB]They have not won since the arrival of ?50million record signing Fernando Torres, who will start against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night, but captain John Terry said his team-mates should 'man up' and resist the pressure growing on the manager.[LNB] Smiles better: Torres and Terry share a joke during training on Monday evening [LNB] Ancelotti said: 'The season is not finished. Wait, this could be the best season we can ever remember. Chelsea have not died. We are still alive. The Champions League is the most important competition.' [LNB]Last season's Double winners are 12 points off the pace in the Barclays Premier League, out of the FA Cup and in danger of finishing outside the top four. But Terry claimed the surrender of the two trophies won last May could focus minds on winning the trophy which has eluded them - and save Ancelotti's job. [LNB] On the right track: Carlo Ancelotti (right) says Chelsea's season is far from finished[LNB]Terry said: 'This is our main focus and, hopefully, we can win this trophy at Wembley. We're still in a big competition, and we're determined.[LNB] 'We have to man up a bit and, as a group, take responsibility. The players are 100 per cent behind the manager. He has complete confidence in us, and we do in him. We aim to stay together and start winning games.[LNB] 'We've still got a small chance in the league and we're going to keep fighting. It would be disastrous for the football club if we didn't qualify for the Champions League.' [LNB]Terry revealed he is losing sleep over the prospect of Tottenham and Manchester City finishing above his side.[LNB] Key role: Blues midfielder Lampard will be expected to play a big part against the Danish side on Tuesday night[LNB]'That's obviously the worst thing to think about, looking at Spurs and City,' he said. 'They're playing well and picking up points at a crucial time.[LNB]'We missed out on the Premier League for three years when Man United won it, and it hurt. That's what I lose sleep over, watching other teams lift trophies, because I want to be the one lifting trophies for this football club.'[LNB]The Blues hit a new low in the Abramovich era on Saturday when they crashed out of the FA Cup against Everton, having already all but surrendered their Premier League title.[LNB]That has piled the pressure on Ancelotti heading to Denmark.[LNB]Defeat to the lowest-ranked team left in the competition could test Abramovich's patience to breaking point, but captain Terry insists it has been the players who have 'underachieved'.[LNB] The night before: Chelsea coaches and players go through their plan of action for bringing down Copenhagen [LNB]'It's down to myself as captain, Lamps (Frank Lampard) and Didier (Drogba) - as well as the rest of the squad who have a responsibility - to look at their own form, their own characters and just make sure we stay together,' Terry added.[LNB]Terry insisted Torres should not be made a scapegoat because an upturn in form coincided with his arrival from Liverpool for ?50million last month. 'He has given the players a real lift,' said Terry. 'It's always important to strengthen.' [LNB]Meanwhile, former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho stirred the pot by hinting at a return. Asked if hewould see out his four-year contract at Real Madrid, he said: 'I don't know. I love Chelsea. I was thehappiest man when I was there. I was thinking I would be there all my life. So you never know.'[LNB]VIDEO: Ancelotti on Euro showdown...[LNB] We'll sort it for you, boss! Terry show of support as Ancelotti plays it cool Martin Samuel: Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti should not entertain rule by Roman Abramovich Chelsea hold no fear for Copenhagen coach who came back from the deadOnly two of my players are on form, admits Ancelotti ahead of Euro clashAbramovich ready to swing the axe after Chelsea's shock FA Cup defeatRoma to offer Ancelotti escape from Chelsea as Roman turns on playersAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Carlo Ancelotti, John Terry, Fernando Torres, Jose Mourinho, Frank Lampard Places: Copenhagen, Liverpool, Denmark
