Ancelotti's freekick feast

[Steve 10,227]

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.

[Ray. 217]

Good to see that he is maintaining a good relationship with the squad. This shows that he can get the balance right between work and play which I think is very importatnt, particularly in the coming months.

[Blueboy 14]

I'm very proud that we have a manager like Ancelotti. He's really good at player-management. I really never heard one of the players complain about their situation under the current reign of Ancelotti.

Now let's hope the players pay back against Sunderland!

[BlueLion. 21,491]

The most positive thing about Ancelotti is that he seems really close to the players. Even during December, our month of troubles, the players and manager all seemed to stick together. This is quite surprising to be honest - he seems as popular as Hiddink or Mourinho ever were amongst the players, and I think the same could be said amongst the crowd as well. A strong bond indicates confidence, and we've certainly been demonstrating confidence after coming from behind against Fulham.

[Term-X 7,891]

indeed, all looks promising.

although after the past few seasons nothing is certain, most people think arsenal are gonna win the league this year.. hopefully Carlo can prove them wrong.

[Laylabelle 9,296]

The most positive thing about Ancelotti is that he seems really close to the players. Even during December, our month of troubles, the players and manager all seemed to stick together. This is quite surprising to be honest - he seems as popular as Hiddink or Mourinho ever were amongst the players, and I think the same could be said amongst the crowd as well. A strong bond indicates confidence, and we've certainly been demonstrating confidence after coming from behind against Fulham.

Agree.And it makes a change from the whole 'we dont understand what he's doing we dont speak to him' blah blah storiesthat seemed to be coming out during Scolari and Grant era

Edited January 17, 2010 by Laylabelle

[EskWeston 696]

Always good to hear reports like this, having a close group is very important. And Ancelotti seems to be able to have the right blend with the players, the perfect blend between boss and friend. Lets hope it continues for a long long time.

[northernblue 2]

Sounds like good management, part of earning the players respect is having a laugh with them. It certainly seemed to do the trick against Sunderland!