Friday, November 20, 2009

Reds' Struggles Surprise Carlo


Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted his surprise at Liverpool's Premier League struggles this season.

Rafa Benitez's men were expected to mount a serious title challenge this term but are already badly off the pace after losing five of their opening 12 games.

The Anfield outfit is already 11 points adrift of Ancelotti's league leaders, who have a five-point cushion over Arsenal and Manchester United following their 1-0 victory against the champions before the international break.

Some pundits expected the Red Devils to fall off the pace following the summer sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, but it is Liverpool's failings which have been an eye-opener for Ancelotti.

The Italian told Il Giornale: "United were two points behind Chelsea before our face-to-face; they have done well in the Champions League.

"Valencia, his (Ronaldo's) replacement, has great qualities and is starting to click with the well-oiled machine that is United.

"The only real disappointment (of the season) is Liverpool."

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