Carlo Ancelotti has backed John Terry to come through his personal crisis and lead Chelsea to the title despite his side’s disappointing failure to overcome Hull City in a 1-1 draw at the KC Stadium.
Terry’s week of woe showed no signs of improving as he was subjected to abuse on Humberside on Tuesday evening.
And just to make matters worse he was booked before having to watch his side drop two crucial points against Phil Brown’s struggling team, blowing their chance to open up a four-point lead over Manchester United at the top of the table.
Terry had to run a gauntlet of hate from the home supporters that promises to become a regular event for the defender, but Ancelotti insists his captain can handle the flak and will carry on playing.
Terry will meet England manager Fabio Capello later this week to discuss his future as his country’s captain following reports of his affair with the former girlfriend of international teammate Wayne Bridge.
But he has the backing of Ancelotti, even if the Italian admits he might give the centreback a family holiday later this month when Chelsea face Cardiff City in the FA Cup fifth round at Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti said: “Nothing can distract our concentration in this competition. In every game the Chelsea team has good focus and we can play good football.
“Concentration is always on top. This is an issue for me and John Terry. I think it’s not a problem. You can see the line-up against Cardiff.
“If he needs a holiday he will have one and if not, he will play against Cardiff.
“I don’t like to speak about this. It’s not a question I want to speak about.
“For him [Terry] nothing has changed. He continues to play a very good game and every game he’s living a good moment.
“He’s doing his best. The atmosphere in the team is the same. There has been no change.
“We are in a good position now. We are top. We know Manchester United are very good and it will be a long race until the end of the season.
“We are happy to have a two-point lead. This was an opportunity, but it’s impossible to win every game.”
Chelsea had to rely on Didier Drogba’s clinical free kick to salvage a point for the league leaders. It was his 20th goal of the season and cancelled out Stephen Mouyokolo’s opening goal for Hull, his first for the club.
Ancelotti praised the impact Drogba had on his return to the side following international duty at the African Cup of Nations and believes his form and fitness will be key as the season enters its final third.
Ancelotti added: “It’s an important moment for us, but we need to have all the players in good condition between now and the end of the season.”
Hull rode their luck at times with goalkeeper Boaz Myhill once again impressive but Brown is convinced this result can provide his side with the belief that they have what it takes to go on and avoid relegation for the second season in succession.
“Against the quality of the opposition, that performance is right up there. I’m just disappointed we can’t perform like this on a more regular basis,” said Brown. — AFP