Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti denies slump in morale at Stamford Bridge
Carlo Ancelotti today laughed off Frank Lampard's claim the current atmosphere at Chelsea was like the final days under Luiz Felipe Scolari and revealed he had spoken to Roman Abramovich about the club's miserable run.[LNB]Lampard compared the confidence of the squad at present to that during the end of Scolari's doomed reign just under two years ago.[LNB]The Blues are on an even poorer run than they were at that time - indeed, their worst in the league for almost 15 years - and have all but surrendered their title.[LNB] Hang on in there: Lampard has bemoaned the doom and gloom surrounding the Blues[LNB]Despite this, Ancelotti continues to enjoy the backing of the club's billionaire benefactor, who he spoke to over the telephone this week and who may attend tomorrow's game against Blackburn.[LNB]Ancelotti admitted Abramovich was 'not happy' with recent results but that their exchange had been 'positive', giving him confidence to shrug off Lampard's outburst.[LNB]'This is not good news!' he joked when asked about his vice-captain's concerns.[LNB]What next? Lampard watched on from sidelines as Chelsea dropped off the title pace [LNB]'I think the players, the team, lost some confidence in their football, the football that we played very well last year. But I think we are able to come back and play the same.'[LNB]Ancelotti, whose side have slumped to fifth, added: 'I don't know the feeling with Scolari, but the feeling here with the players is very good.[LNB]'Maybe it's the same atmosphere, but we have the capacity to move on. We are very close. I support the players at this moment, and the players support me.[LNB]'I think it's not a big problem if the players are not happy, no? I think the only reason they are not happy sometimes is that we didn't get the right results. This is the only reason.'[LNB]Ancelotti insisted the mood at Stamford Bridge had improved in the wake of Sunday's FA Cup third-round win over Ipswich, saying: 'The week was good, and I hope that tomorrow we can show this also not just on the training ground but on the pitch against Blackburn.'[LNB]The club, as always, are refusing to comment on Abramovich's movements but there would be no better time improve their record of one win in nine league games than in front of the owner.[LNB]Ancelotti said: 'He knows what the difficulties are, and he hopes - like us - to look forward to try and beat Blackburn tomorrow.'[LNB]With virtually half the transfer window having passed, the Italian has yet to reinforce his squad but continues to insist there is money available.[LNB]Chelsea have been linked with a host of players in recent days, including defenders David Luiz and Diego Godin, while outgoing sporting director Frank Arnesen revealed Ajax and Holland full-back Gregory van der Wiel was a target for next season.[LNB] Leading the way: Ancelotti hopes his side can build on convincing FA Cup win[LNB]Ancelotti was tight-lipped over a £3million move for Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, which has reportedly broken down.[LNB]'There are a lot of rumours, a lot of speculation and names,' he said. 'Maybe sometimes some agents are using the names to earn more money.[LNB]'Pienaar is a good player and we know him very well, but this doesn't mean we need to have him play here. [LNB]'We are thinking about central defence. If we find the right player for us, we have the possibility to buy.'[LNB]Tomorrow's opponents have already made a move in the transfer market, completing the loan signing today of Roque Santa Cruz from Manchester City, who could make his second Blackburn debut tomorrow.[LNB]'He had some problems with injuries, but, as a player with skill, he's a very good striker,' said Ancelotti.[LNB]The Italian also revealed he planned to speak to Lampard about his media comments but only regarding his revelation he wants to be a manager himself one day.[LNB]'He has that capacity to be a manager in the future,' Ancelotti said. I will speak with him. I can give some help to him to be a good manager.[LNB]'One of the most important things as a manager is to be patient with the journalists...'[LNB] Lampard determined to be a manager despite watching Carlo nearly crumbleOxlade-Chamberlain close to £5m move from Southampton to ArsenalChelsea's offer for Steven Pienaar accepted but Everton's contract rebel is ready to snub move to champonsAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Roman Abramovich, Roque Santa Cruz, Frank Arnesen, Frank Lampard, Carlo Ancelotti Places: The Netherlands
