Abramovich backs Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti says Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given him his full support ahead of Sunday’s game with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Chelsea have endured a miserable run over the past month, winning only two games in eight matches in all competitions to drop to third in the Premier League. Ancelotti is adamant he is going nowhere despite being rated as 5-1 by bookmakers to get the sack.

“I don’t fear for my job,” he said.

“I have total support from my players, this is the most important thing. And I feel I have total support from my club.”

“I’m optimistic to think everything will be okay.”

“I spoke with Roman after the last game. He gave me his total support.

“He understood the problem of the team. He’s doing the best to give to everyone of us, to the players and myself and my staff, total support.”

Abramovich’s backing is a huge boost for the Italian, who was hoping to have Frank Lampard back against Spurs but has decided against risking him.

“No, he’s not fit again. He’s out,” Ancelotti said.

“I can say this with a smile because he trained well but it will be a very tough game against Tottenham and we didn’t have a test with him in a game.”

“So before he plays we have to arrange a game for him, maybe Thursday.”

“After that he can be available against Man United in the next match.”

“He doesn’t have a problem to train but the decision is to keep him out for this game.”

“It’s better to have a check in a friendly game on Thursday after that play against United.”

Chelsea will also be without full-back Jose Bosingwa, who tore a hamstring in training, but expect to have John Terry, Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole all fit at White Hart Lane.

Ancelotti hopes the excitement of a London derby will help his team turn their fortunes around.

“Everyone knows we are not happy at this moment and knows we were very happy when we won the double,” he said.

“It’s very easy to have a good motivation now because everyone of us is not happy. We have to do everything to move on quickly.”

“The team are focused and working hard to move on.”

“Things are difficult but we don’t have to lose confidence because we have skill and ability and personality to move on and to fight for the title.”

“Obviously we want to move on now. We will use the game against Tottenham to move on. We will do our best.”

Ancelotti will use comments from Manchester United winger Nani to inspire his players after the Portuguese star claimed Arsenal and not Chelsea are now United’s main title rivals.

“This is mind games, maybe for us it could be a big motivation that they think Chelsea is out for the fight for the title,” he said.

“I don’t think this is true. But for us it could be a good motivation to do better.

“Now everyone thinks Chelsea is not good enough to fight for the title because our last month was not good but I think we’ll be in competition for the title.”