Carlo rues Chelsea’s missed chance to end shocking run
MARSEILLE 1 vs CHELSEA 0
CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti fears that losing is becoming an unshakable habit after Brandao’s late winner ruined Chelsea’s previously flawless record in this season’s Champions League.
Defeat at the hands of the French champions, whose fans afforded Didier Drogba a hero’s reception on his return to the club he left for Stamford Bridge in 2004, means Chelsea have failed two win six of their last eight games – losing four – in all competitions.
The champions visit London rivals Tottenham on Sunday in a match Ancelotti admits many will anticipate his side losing.
He said: “Against Marseille was a good opportunity to move on from this period but we lost this opportunity,” said the Italian (right), “But now we have another good opportunity, against Tottenham.
“It will be a difficult game to win away against a strong team.
“Now everybody thinks we will lose this game. I am worried just because we are not doing our best.”
On an eventful evening, Chelsea, to typify their recent fortune, or lack of it, were denied two first-half penalties for trips on Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou, while at the other Gabriel Heinze’s header was ruled out for offside.
The match appeared to be petering out into a draw, but nine minutes from time, Taye Taiwo’s cross-shot found Brandao, via a defelction, and he stabbed home from six yards.
WILKINS HAS NO SACK ANSWERS
FORMER Chelsea assistant boss Ray Wilkins still has no idea why he was sacked last month, but revealed it
was not because he had a row with ownver Roman Abramovich.
“I don’t think I fell out with him at all,” said Wilkins, whose sudden exit has been identified as a reason behind the club’s recent poor form. “I think if that was the case, then I would have been removed from my position immediately.
“The reason [for the sacking] hasn’t been given, so I’m still waiting for that. You haveto accept it because nothing surprises you in football any more.”