Source: PA
Carlo backing for Chelsea`s old guard
Carlo Ancelotti insists his Chelsea players are not past their sell by date and are as hungry as ever to win silverware.
Opinion is divided over the reasons behind the Blues' worst run in the Barclays Premier League for almost 15 years, from which they have only just emerged.
Some blame the shock sacking of assistant manager Ray Wilkins, while others point to the loss of key players to injury, which in turn is linked to the club's decision to offload a number of experienced squad members last summer.
But there are also those who have questioned whether the stars that remain at Stamford Bridge are still willing and able to compete for the big prizes. Manager Ancelotti is adamant they are on both counts, rubbishing suggestions his current first-choice XI is over the hill.
He said: "Do you know what is the oldest team in the world? Inter Milan - 29.6 years average. Another question: who was the winner of the Champions League last year? We are not the oldest because the oldest is Inter."
The Italian is also certain his double winners remain as motivated as ever to win trophies. "I think so because when you win, the next desire after the victory is to win again," he said. "This was in my mind and in their mind."
