Ancelotti backs Blues to rebound

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has again insisted he is not feeling the pressure despite his side’s continuing form slump.

The Blues have won only once in their last nine Premier League games and Ancelotti’s men will be looking to turn their fortunes around at home against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Chelsea thrashed Ipswich 7-0 in their third-round FA Cup tie on Saturday and Ancelotti is hopeful they can repeat that performance against the Lancashire side.

“It was very important. It was not the Premier League, but the FA Cup which is another story,” he said.

“We haven’t had a good performance in our last Premier League games, but now’s the time to come back and try to close the gap.”

“This is the aim for the next game. We can’t say that everything is ok now because we need to have more examination. This game will be a very important exam for us.”

Chelsea currently lie fifth on the table and are nine points adrift of leaders Manchester United having played a game more, but Ancelotti has shrugged off claims that owner Roman Abramovich has lost faith in him.

“I’m relaxed because I think the players have had a difficult moment, obviously, but I feel they’re good, professional and have done everything to move on quickly,” he said.”I feel the players are very close to me, and the club is the same. I have spoken to the owner a lot of times.”

“I think he’s not happy with the results of the team, but this doesn’t matter. He knows what the difficulties are, and he hopes – like us – to look forward to try and beat Blackburn tomorrow.”

Along with Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun will also miss Saturday’s game with knee and Achilles’ injuries respectively.