Source: Daily_Mail
Carlo Ancelotti gives Fernando Torres the nod for Manchester United
[LNB]Carlo Ancelotti came out fighting over his Chelsea future on Monday night and insisted Champions League elimination would not cost him his job. [LNB]Under mounting pressure after falling behind in the title race, the Chelsea manager's fate could be sealed if his side fail to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the quarter-final return leg at Old Trafford. [LNB] All smiles: Ancelotti insists his Chelsea future does not rest on the outcome of Tuesday night's clash with United [LNB]Owner Roman Abramovich's patience is believed to be at breaking point, with Turkey coach Guus Hiddink a likely candidate for a second stint at Stamford Bridge while Ancelotti has been widely tipped to replace on-trial Roma coach Vincenzo Montella.[LNB]But Ancelotti was adamant he would escape the axe and see out the remaining year of his contract, even if Chelsea go out to Manchester United and finish the season empty-handed. [LNB]'No, I do not fear this game may decide my future,' he declared. 'My future is already clear, because I have another 12 months on my contract, so I don't have a problem about this game.[LNB] 'It's not important that I have to speak with Roman. When I have a contract, everything is OK with him. 'A lot of times, I played this kind of game with this pressure. But it's not pressure, it's excitement. To be involved in this game is fantastic for my job, for my career. [LNB] No worries: Carlo Ancelotti (right) appeared relaxed about the fortunes of Fernando Torres ahead of the Old Trafford return leg[LNB]'So I'm not afraid. I'm not worried about this. I'm happy to be able to use my ability and skills, in a gamelike this, to bring out the best in my players.' [LNB]Despite Ancelotti's bold stance, opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the Champions League has become an obsession that could hasten his departure from Stamford Bridge. [LNB]The United manager described Chelsea's British record ?50million January move for Fernando Torres as an attempt to take a short-cut to this season's European crown, and added: 'It seems it has become an obsession with them to win the European Cup. That is certainly why they signed Torres in January. That is an obvious reason for signing the lad. [LNB]'Abramovich has very much nailed his colours to the mast in that respect. I've felt that for quite a while with him. But, at the end of the day, it is a very difficult competitionto win, because all the best teams are there.' [LNB] Raring to go: Torres (top, centre) trains with his Chelsea team-mates at Old Trafford on Monday[LNB] [LNB] Ancelotti countered Ferguson's claim,saying: 'It's not an obsession. It's a dream. Every time that you're going to play in a quarter-final, you know you are so close to the final. So, at this stage of the competition, it is a dream to reach the final.' [LNB]Guarded over whether Torres will start, Ancelotti played down concerns over the former Liverpool striker's agonising search for a first Chelsea goal - which has stretched to 10 appearances.[LNB] 'I'm not interested in a goal for Fernando,' he said. 'I'm interested in Chelsea winning this game. If he scores it's good for him and for Chelsea, but it's just important to winhere. [LNB]'He doesn't have pressure from us because our aim is that he can play for the squad, to move well for the team, work for the team-mates. I never ask my strikers to score a goal. No, the aim for them is to play for the team.' [LNB]Torres's team-mate Michael Essien said: 'We're not concerned. We know it's going to come. He's been working very hard and has everyone's support. We just have to be patient. When he starts scoring, all the noise about him will stop. We know he's going to deliver.'[LNB] Champions League obsession could be Chelsea's downfall, says Manchester United boss Sir AlexSave our Season! Ancelotti vows to do 'something special' ahead of United tieAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Carlo Ancelotti, Alex Ferguson, Roman Abramovich, Michael Essien, Fernando Torres Places: Liverpool, Turkey
