Carlo believes Blues can pull through

(GSM) – Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti believes his side can pull through after admitting his side are enduring their toughest rum of games since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge last summer.

The Italian has watched his side stumble twice in as many games after falling to Internazionale in the Champions League before drawing 1-1 with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

But the Londoners have the opportunity to slice Manchester United’s lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to just one point if they defeat crisis club Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Wednesday night.

And Ancelotti is determined to see the Blues recapture their winning ways, insisting that nothing less than a win will suffice against struggling Pompey.

“It’s the most difficult moment of the season, this is true,” said Ancelotti.

“It’s more difficult now and we shouldn’t be afraid to admit that. We’re working hard to try and close this moment with a victory.

“Every team has had a difficult moment in the season. Now is a very important moment and we have to end it immediately.

“The start of this moment was the defeat to Manchester City and during this period we had a lot of injuries.

“But we have to look forward. I’m sure that, with our first victory, we’ll come back to playing well.”

The former Milan coach is confident he will remain at Chelsea for the duration of his three-year contract, regardless of whether he brings any silverware to the London club.

The Blues have a history of replacing managers that fail to deliver results, but Ancelotti insists that approach is in the past.

“I am here to change the history of this club,” he added.

“I am an optimistic man. I have a very good relationship with the club and with Roman (Abramovich). My position is not in discussion.

“I think the owner now is thinking what I think – to win the Premier League and to win the FA Cup.”

Ancelotti has set Chelsea a target of 86 points in order to secure the title, but he has acknowledged the one game his side cannot afford to lose is against Manchester United at Old Trafford early next month.

“We don’t have to lose at Manchester United,” added Ancelotti.

“We can’t afford to lose there. That is the only thing.”