Ancelotti praises misfiring strikers as Europe's best
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti likes to say he never asks his strikers to score goals, but perhaps he should start. Ancelotti yesterday described his quartet of strikers as among the best in Europe, even though collectively they have failed to score in the past five Premier League games, ever since Fernando Torres made his debut following his £50m move from Liverpool.
Torres has endured 498 minutes for Chelsea without a goal, but the malaise has spread to his fellow strikers, as Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou have all failed to manage a Premier League goal since the Spaniard was introduced as a Chelsea player.
Ancelotti however said he would not swap them for anyone. Asked if he thought his four strikers were the best in Europe, the Italian replied: "I think so. I think they're one of the best groups of strikers, with their skills. I'm happy with these strikers at this moment. I don't want to swap them with anybody."
Ancelotti said he is considering leaving Torres on the bench for today's trip to Stoke City, where the more physical presence of Drogba and Anelka may be more appropriate.
Ancelotti said he works best under the pressure that comes at the end of the season. "I'm excited. I'd be less excited if I felt my team wasn't in good form, with good motivation, but they are motivated and confident. I think I'm better under pressure," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments