20110402
Chelsea boss turns attention to Europe
Last updated: 2nd April 2011 
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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti refused to rule his side out of the title race despite a 1-1 draw at Stoke.
The reigning Premier League champions saw their title aspirations badly dented by a tenacious Stoke team in a thrilling encounter.
Ancelotti could only watch as the hosts threw the kitchen sink at his men, hitting the woodwork twice in two minutes before holding on to take a well-earned point.
Chelsea also had a number of opportunities as Didier Drogba rattled the bar late on, yet despite a frustrating afternoon for the men in blue, the Italian was happy to see his side creating chances.
“The draw was a good result because both sides had the opportunity to score. We tried to win, we tried to do everything and it was an exciting game,” Ancelotti told Sky Sports.
“We made an early mistake so it was difficult to come back into the game but we had a good reaction after conceding the goal.
“We drew level and we had the opportunity to go up but we hit the woodwork. We still had the opportunities to score.
“More or less we had the same chances. We hit the post and the bar with Drogba and they did the same. There was a lot of counter-attacking.”
Business end
Dropped points at the Britannia mean that Ancelotti’s men face a difficult task for the remainder of the season, yet the Italian refuses to give up hope, despite trailing United by 11 points with a game in hand.
In addition to their league aspirations, the Blues must also prepare for the arrival of Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
“We have to continue to think that we can and do our best. It was not easy to close the gap and it will be more difficult now. I think we have to take it game by game,” he added.
“The players are showing a good physical condition, they are fit. We will do our best to play against Manchester United.
“It will be a very difficult game. They are one of the best teams in Europe. We know them very well and we need to play this game at our best.”
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Ancelotti won’t give up