Carlo Ancelotti insists Chelsea's mid-season blip is "over now" -
and has identified Manchester United and Arsenal as their main
title rivals.
Ancelotti insists Chelsea's mid-season blip has nothing to do
with comments from Arsene Wenger, who he has labelled a "magician"
after the Frenchman predicted the Premier League leaders would drop
points.
Wenger's comments appeared foolish as they came straight
after his Arsenal side were convincingly beaten 3-0 by Chelsea in
November, with Ancelotti's men looking like they would break away
at the top. Chelsea remain at the summit at the start of 2010 but
have only taken nine points from 18 since they swept aside Arsenal
at the Emirates Stadium.
"He is a good magician if he said that after that game,"
Ancelotti said. Ancelotti attributes Chelsea's inconsistency to
small problems that have since been ironed out.
"There is not an unbeatable team," said the Italian. "We had
some problems in December and didn't win important games, drawing
against Everton, Birmingham and West Ham, but it's normal to have
these moments.
"Some teams had bad moments before and we had that period
that wasn't so good.
"But we still stayed at the top of the list so we've done
better than the other teams over the first six months.
"I don't know what happens in the future. Arsenal, Manchester
United will be difficult opponents. But, until now, Chelsea are in
first place in the Premiership and we deserve to have stayed at the
top of the list."
Ancelotti is confident Chelsea's slump is over and they will
start 2010 in a positive manner against Watford in the FA Cup on
Sunday, then consolidate their lead at the top of the table when
they face Hull after that.
"Manchester United and Arsenal are very close to us,"
Ancelotti said. "It's a very competitive championship and will be
until the end of the season.
"But I think the problems are over now for Chelsea."
