Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he will need new players in a bid to keep pace with the top teams in the Premier League.
The Italian saw his side draw 3-3 with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, after Ciaran Clark’s late header nullified John Terry’s goal moments before stoppage time.
But talking to reporters after the game, Ancelotti conceded he needed to strengthen his defence, which had been rocked by a long-term injury to centre-back Alex.
“We need some players,” said Ancelotti.
“We have to look at the condition of Alex when he comes back this week from Brazil.
“Bruma played very well, but without Alex and Ivanovic we lose energy on the high ball and we conceded the second goal for this reason.
“The third was different because we needed to have more attention in the box.”
The Chelsea manager admitted his frustration at losing further ground to title rivals Manchester United, who are now six points clear of his side.
“I am disappointed because when we deserve to win you need to win,” said Ancelotti.
“It’s our fault because we were not able to maintain concentration until the end. The last goal was a mistake because we conceded an easy cross and we didn’t mark in the box.”
Despite the draw, the under-pressure Blues boss was adamant his side were in the race for the Premier League title.
“They [Manchester United] have to win [their game in hand] or everything is open,” Ancelotti said.
“We have to beat them [on March 1], however, it’s not over, and we are improving.”