Terry: Ancelotti has our backing

Chelsea captain John Terry has rejected speculation that coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to be dismissed by owner Roman Abramovich.

With the side underperforming and a distant fifth on the English Premier League table, speculation has mounted throughout the season that Ancelotti may pay the price for poor results on the pitch.

A penalty shootout defeat to Everton on Saturday that ended the club’s defence of the FA Cup has reportedly pushed the Italian manager further towards an exit from Stamford Bridge.

But centre-back Terry insists the players have no doubts about the long-term future of their coach.

“I don’t know why I’m answering the question really because there’s no speculation,” Terry said.

“The players are 100 percent behind the manager, he’s got total confidence in us and that will remain the same.”

“We believe in the manager and the players that we have can go on and win the (Champions League) competition.”

Ancelotti also remained defiant, insisting the press would be wise to defer judgement until the end of the campaign.

“I say to you journalists wait, because the season is not finished yet and a lot of times I have been able to manage these situations,” Ancelotti said.

“I’d like to remind you of 2010 – it was the same situation and the Italian journalists know this. Wait, the season is not finished. This could be the best season in the memory, it could be the worst. I don’t know, but wait. Chelsea has not died, it is still alive.”