Europa League clash hurt City: Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti believes the fact that Manchester City played on Thursday handed his Chelsea side the advantage in Sunday’s 2-0 home win.

David Luiz’s header and an excellent individual effort from Ramirez secured an important victory for Chelsea as they seek to secure a Champions League qualification place for next season.

Chelsea boss Ancelotti praised the efforts of his players, but also acknowledged that City may have been left underprepared after meeting Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League on Thursday.

“It was a very difficult game,” Ancelotti said.

“We played a good game – we had focus, spirit and a good attitude.”

“First half we had to be quicker in front to get the right solution. Defensively we were good.”

“Man City lost a bit of power because they played on Thursday.”

John Terry’s imminent return to the England captaincy in next Saturday’s European Championship qualifier against Wales was cast into doubt when the centre back appeared to struggling with an injury in the second half.

But according to Ancelotti, the 30-year-old will be fit to play for his country at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

“He doesn’t have a problem to play for England,” Ancelotti said.

City boss Roberto Mancini also felt a lack of recovery time after the Dynamo encounter was a factor in the loss.

“We played a good game. But we played three days ago against Kiev,” Mancini said.

“In the last 20-25 minutes we were so tired.”

The visitors were without Carlos Tevez, but Mancini refused to use the absence of the captain as an excuse.

“Carlos is a good player, but (Edin) Dzeko and Balotelli are good players,” he said.

“After 70 minutes it was normal that Chelsea had more possession.”

“After that we conceded a goal and it changed.”