A man of his word, Carlo Ancelotti took his squad out for dinner in the week after losing a training ground bet. The manager was forced to cough up for his players after they pulled off a practiced routine against Watford in the FA Cup a fortnight ago, and he believes keeping the squad relaxed is an important tool as the title race warms up. 'I paid for dinner for my players because I lost a bet with them. I was happy to eat with my players, it was a good evening, with jokes. No problem,' he smiled. 'The bet was a personal bet. It was a skill on a free-kick on the pitch, the players never tried to do this thing, and I said when you try to do this I will pay for dinner. They tried against Watford and I paid. 'We had dinner at an Italian restaurant in London, and had good food. I don't like betting, I've never been to a casino, and I prefer to spend my money on food!' These informal situations are a staple of Italian culture, but are not something he is looking to force upon his men. 'Usually I invite my players to dinner or lunch, it was a normal situation in the past but I don't want to put pressure for this,' he explained. 'If they are happy to come, I am happy. I know very well they have families, I don't want to take time from the family, the children, but if they like sometimes we can do it. 'I think it is important for me to have a good relationship with the players, they put the ideas of the coach on the pitch. For this it is necessary to have a good relationship and maintain respect. I am the coach and I have to choose, I think it's important. 'The players have very good knowledge of if they can joke, when they have to be serious, they have a good control of this which is important. It is important to give all the players good motivation.' Today Ancelotti will have to disappoint one or two players who would like, and may be expecting a start. One could be Daniel Sturridge, the other between Alex and Ricardo Carvalho who have both staked a claim to partner John Terry in central defence. Elsewhere, the coach has his line-up pretty well sorted, with his list of names revealing another start in midfield for Juliano Belletti, and Florent Malouda andJoe Cole expected instead of young striker Sturridge. 'Cech, Ivanovic right-back, Terry, Ashley Cole, Ballack, Belletti, Lampard, Anelka. I think Joe Cole, Malouda, Anelka,' Ancelotti said. Chelsea FC Seems there is a good relationship starting between the players and Carlo, which is good to read about.
