Carlo Ancelotti: It is now very difficult for Chelsea to retain Premier League title

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has conceded it is now “very difficult” for his side to win the Premier League title after drawing 1-1 with Stoke City.

Jonathan Walters’ fine strike was cancelled out by Didier Drogba but no further goals followed and with a gap of 11 points to leaders Manchester United, even the Blues’ game in hand is unlikely to close the gap enough over the final weeks of the season to allow the Blues to secure consecutive titles.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Ancelotti conceded the increased gap has left him to concentrate on finishing in the automatic Champions League qualifying spots as a main domestic challenge.

He said: “After this game, the gap is more open now but we have to play our game and not think about Manchester United.

“We have to reach the third automatic Champions league qualification position in the table to have the Champions League.

“I think it is very difficult to win the title now but we said before this game it was very difficult.”

Next on the agenda for Chelsea is the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with United on Wednesday. Ancelotti was certain the disappointment of Saturday’s 1-1 draw would not effect his players in midweek.

“We are not disappointed. We have to be objective and we played good football,” the ex-AC Milan supremo stated.

“Everyone knows to play here is not easy becuase they have a good team, good players, a lot of power and they use free-kicks very well.

“The performance was good and we showed a good physical condition. We did not have injury and we are in the best condition to prepare well for the game against Manchester United.”

With the addition of £50 million January signing Fernando Torres, the Italian has a range of striking options for the match.

After Drogba’s accurate 33rd minute header ended a scoreless league streak for the club’s expensive assembled centre forwards, Ancelotti conceded the Ivorian was in pole position for a start.

He said: “I think we have to check the next training session to see how he is physically but Drogba scored two goals with the Ivory Coast and scored today.

“It is a good moment for him.”