Source: Northern_Echo
Ancelotti out to cash in
CARLO Ancelotti is hoping to capitalise on his luck today when Chelsea entertain Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.[LNB] The Italian coach admits he is a lucky man'' after last weekend saw Manchester United and Arsenal both drop points in the race for the title.[LNB] United failed to overtake the Blues at the top after drawing at Birmingham, while Arsenal were held at the Emirates by Everton.[LNB] Ancelotti is hoping his luck does not run out against Steve Bruce's mid-table side as Chelsea look to maintain their one-point lead over United knowing they now have a game in hand.[LNB] I am a lucky man,'' admitted Ancelotti. Maybe, for a coach, it's better to be lucky than a good manager.[LNB] I think Manchester United and Arsenal drew difficult games, but now we have to play and win. We can improve our position in the next few months. Sunderland will not be an easy game.[LNB] Every team is dangerous.[LNB] For the title, Arsenal are very close to us. But, if it's possible, we have to arrive in the game against Arsenal next month with more points than them. Then, we hope to beat them at home.[LNB] Man City are doing very well and are a very dangerous team with a lot of quality, a lot of players with strong quality. We have to pay attention to them. I don't know if it's too early for them. If they do a good job, they can win the title. That's normal.[LNB] Sunderland are a good team with a good coach. We did a fantastic match when we played them away.[LNB] I think that, after that game, they improved and it'll be more difficult now because they are more compact.[LNB] They put a lot of strong pressure in midfield and we'll have to play fast because we want to avoid this pressure on our midfielders. But we hope to do the best to win. For us, it's important that we win.'' Much has been made of Joe Cole's contract negotiations in the last week but Ancelotti is still convinced the England international will remain a Chelsea player.[LNB] His current deal expires at the end of the season but both club and player are continuing their dialogue.[LNB] He is improving his confidence and I think he'll do the second half of the season very well. It's important he signs. He's an important player not only this year but in the future as well.'' Chelsea will again be without Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi against Sunderland.[LNB] All four are away on international duty in the African Nations Cup but Ancelotti says each player will return as soon as their respective countries are out of the tournament.[LNB]
