UEFA Champions League

Chelsea Comment: Ancelotti Must Avoid European Hangover

The FC Porto game is important, but victory at the Emirates could be decisive.

Nov 25, 2009 7:01:52 AM

CL: Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea v FC Porto (PA)

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CL: Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea v FC Porto (PA)

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Chelsea

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Carlo Ancelotti

Chelsea might already have qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, but for manager Carlo Ancelotti the decisions never end.

Tonight the Blues take on FC Porto in Portugal, a game between two sides already into the next round that might only decide which of them finishes top of the group.

Finishing at the head of the group would be advantageous, as after last night’s results it would allow the west London club to avoid some of Europe’s bigger hitters until the later rounds.

But with a couple of big away tests in the league coming up, going all out for victory at the Estadio do Dragao might not be the best option.

John Terry, Chelsea’s captain, is one player already looking ahead to the more significant challenges of the next few weeks.

“Arsenal and Manchester City in the league: two teams with real aspirations this season,” Terry said.

“We've had some good results at Arsenal since Wayne Bridge's winner [in a Champions League quarter-final] there in Roman [Abramovich]'s first year at the club and another one could cement our position at the top of the table.

"Manchester City are serious top-four contenders and like Porto are a very strong home team. We have a great record there and these are the games when we can really make a difference.

"There's also Blackburn away in the Carling Cup. Victory and we're through to the semi-finals. On the two occasions we've won the Carling Cup recently we've gone on to win other things - the Premier League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2007. It's the appetizer.

"This can be another special year in the history of Chelsea, in the career of us players and in the lives of supporters. The next few weeks can move us towards our goal."

The game in Oporto, by contrast, cannot. It might ease their route to Madrid next May, but if the Blues are to make the final at the Santiago Bernabeu they will have to face the big teams sooner or later.

But beating Arsenal, and in the process completing a clean-sweep of games against title rivals, could prove a lot more decisive.

Chelsea will have to be near their best if they are to win either game. Jesualdo Ferreira's side were unlucky to lose 1-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, and in Brazilian forward Hulk they have a player capable of causing Chelsea's defense problems.

Balancing act | Ancelotti faces some tough decisions

If Ferreira shows more adventure than he did at Stamford Bridge — by playing Radamel Falcao from the start, for example — Chelsea will experience a thorough test.

Perhaps the manager should rotate his squad, putting out a team capable of victory but keeping some stars fresh for Sunday's match.

Based on this season's evidence, it is vital the Blues reduce the effect of their European hangover.

After all, this season, no English team has followed an away game in the Champions League with an away victory in the league.

Arsenal, after their 1-1 away trip to AZ Alkmaar, threw away a lead to draw 2-2 with West Ham United at Upton Park.

Manchester United, having edged past CSKA Moscow in Russia, returned to England with a 2-0 defeat at Anfield against Liverpool.

After playing Fiorentina away, Liverpool slumped to an abject 2-0 defeat on their visit to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had visited Nicosia to face APOEL prior to that match against the Reds. After traveling to the Vicente Calderon to face Atletico Madrid, the fixture list was kind enough to give them a home match against Manchester United.

Hangover | Arsenal will look to benefit this time

Nevertheless, such a trend suggests Chelsea will be up against it on Sunday, especially considering Arsenal will have an extra day to prepare for the game after beating Standard Liege comfortably last night.

Ancelotti would seem to have some decisions to make. But it seems the Italian is focused on winning the game in front of him. Only after the final whistle will the focus turn to the Emirates.

"Porto have a very good team and coach but while we respect them we have no fear," said Ancelotti.

"I think tomorrow is important not only for first place, but we will play against a strong team. They did well in the last game at Stamford Bridge [a 1-0 win for the Blues]. We want to put our personality and quality on the pitch tomorrow night.

"We want to arrive at first place in the group and it is a very good test because Porto are a very good team.

"We have the possibility to win if we play better than them. I don't know any other way."

Alex Dimond, Goal.com

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