Monday, September 28, 2009

Ancelotti wants big response from Chelsea

Ancelotti wants big response from Chelsea

CHELSEA's manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is convinced his side will not suffer a hangover after their eight-game winning run came to an end in the unlikely setting of Wigan.

The home team turned the form book on its head by recording their first victory in 35 Barclays Premier League matches against top four opposition.

In the process Chelsea conceded first place to Manchester United, who defeated Stoke, in arguably the shock result of the season to date.

Next up for Ancelotti is a trip to Cyprus and a Champions League match with Apoel Nicosia on Wednesday.

He is looking for Chelsea to build on their victory against Porto and get back to winning ways.

Ancelotti said: "It is an important game, one we are looking forward to, and I am sure will do better than we did against Wigan.

"We need to react well to this defeat and sometimes when you lose there is new motivation."

Goalkeeper Petr Cech will be available after being sent off at the DW Stadium but will sit out the crucial clash against Liverpool on Sunday through suspension.

Ancelotti has some injury worries as they prepare to resume their European campaign. Michael Ballack has a calf strain while Ashley Cole (knee) and John Obi Mikel (ankle) both came off at Wigan.

The Italian boss said: "We will have to wait and see what happens. Ashley will be monitored over the next few days after getting a knock on his knee. I do not think it is a big problem for him."

Cole was in the dressing room, leaving Chelsea with nine men, as Paul Scharner scored Wigan's third in stoppage time.

That completed an emphatic victory for a side who had shipped nine goals to Manchester United and Arsenal this season.

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