Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti warns his team of ‘dangerous’ Manchester City

Roberto Mancini – Manchester City & Carlo Ancelotti – Chelsea (Getty Images)

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has recognised beating ‘dangerous’ Manchester City on Sunday is key to their title aspirations.

Chelsea and Manchester City sit third and fourth in the Premier League table respectively, and both teams regard the game as crucial if they have any hope of winning the competition.

Ancelotti knows his side can ill afford to slip up if they want to keep their title hopes alive.

“It’s important we win to clarify our position in the table,” Ancelotti said at a press conference on Friday.

“At the moment, our position is not so clear. After this game, it’ll be clear what we’re going to do in the Premier League.”

Chelsea have lost their last three encounters against Manchester City but Ancelotti is adamant that his team are better equipped this time.

“I think that all three games we lost on counter-attacks. City will try to do the same now,” he added.

“They are very dangerous on the counter-attack, so we have to avoid this and maintain good balance on the pitch.

“He’s a very intelligent coach who prepares a tactical game very well. That’s the reason I have difficulty against him. I hope to change that on Sunday.”

Ancelotti and City manager Roberto Mancini were once team-mates and have also enjoyed great rivalry during their managerial careers, not just in England but also in Italy.

“We were team-mates in the national team – he’s a friend,” Ancelotti said.

“Not such a friend because he’s won too many times against me.

“He has to understand that he is my friend, so sometimes he can give his friend something.”