Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists Premier League title race is open after Birmingham City victory

Carlo Ancelotti – Chelsea (Getty Images)

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Carlo Ancelotti insists his side’s chances of retaining their Premier League title this season have not faded but admitted Chelsea face a difficult task to overcome Manchester United’s six-point lead at the top of the table with just five games to go.

Chelsea have moved to second place in the Premier League following Wednesday’s 3-1 home victory at Stamford Bridge over Birmingham City, a win which continues their fine run of form which has seen them gain 19 points from a possible 21.

A brace from Florent Malouda as well as a strike from Salomon Kalou secured a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge and Ancelotti has called for a strong finish in the title run-in.

“It was a good result but I didn’t say yesterday that the title is on. I just said there are five games until the end of the season,” said Ancelotti.

“Our aim is to try to win every game and after that we can see how our position is.”

“Everyone knows that six points to overcome, when there just five games will not be easy. We don’t try to think about what we or are not able to do. Our aim is to stay focused and close the season well.”

The 51-year-old is also hopeful that Manchester United’s run-in, which sees the current league leader’s travel to Arsenal before welcoming Chelsea to Old Trafford, could also work in his side’s favour.

“We know that Arsenal and Man Utd have to play, everything is open,” he added. “In football I learn that everything can happen in the game until the final whistle. You can win the title at the last minute or lose it in the last minute.

“We thought one month ago we had a little chance to fight for the title and now we are happy because we have reached second place.”

The Italian also retained his forward three of Didier Drogba, Malouda and Kalou, with the formation bringing a return to fortunes for the Blues, but also confounding the frustration felt over the difficult start had by Fernando Torres to his Chelsea career.

“They are playing very well because from the back we are playing quicker, compared to our difficult period. So our striker and the players in front have more possibility to show their qualities and this is good for the team.

“We started well, scoring after two minutes and so the game was more comfortable. For fifty minutes we played well, last thirty not so good.

“Fernando is the present and the future of this club so you cannot judge him at the moment. He will play a lot of games for Chelsea and everyone will forget me not starting him for two games.”

Ancelotti also went on to rubbish suggestions that forward Drogba is unhappy at his lack of consistent first team action following the arrival of Torres, but also stated his intentions to continue his policy of rotation in his side’s clash with West Ham on Saturday.

“No I don’t think so. He has a strong personality. He knew that with malaria he didn’t play his best and now he is fit and showing fantastic quality

“Saturday we have a tough game so maybe I can use rotation to keep us fresh and fit. To take out Didier will not be easy but it can happen that he won’t start. Against Man City Drogba didn’t start and when he came on we won the game.

“It is a good solution to give him the last 30 minutes of the game because he is fresh.”