Top Premier League managers have put themselves under immense pressure in recent times, with Roy Hodgson, Avram Grant and Gerard Houllier's results being closely inspected. But more noticeably than others is Carlo Ancelotti. Reason being is that he'd guided his Chelsea side to Premier League success just eight months ago, setting records for putting so many goals past their opposition. At the end of last season he allowed Ballack, Carvalho, Deco and Joe Cole to leave Stamford Bridge.
Many had viewed these players as being 'past it' and that the first team squad were strong anyway. There were also those who viewed the squad as being 'aged' with Terry, Lampard and Drogba all in their thirties. There is no doubt that the strength of Chelsea's first team squad is fantastic, but are their current lot of back-up players up to the task of replacing key members of the team?
People will be quick to blame the departure of Ray Wilkins as the reason of the poor recent form, but it proves that injuries to key players at Chelsea have cost them dear. Ramires seems to be a hard working player who suits their style of play, although he has shown that he is too slow on the ball and isn't able to handle the fast paced English football. Benayoun may have been unlucky in regards with his injuries, whereas Zhirkov has played almost twice as many games as the talismanic Lampard has done this season, with his only memorable contribution coming in the Champions League. Maybe this is where Ancelotti wants success - after all Chelsea have yet to win the coveted tournament in their history.
Fact of the matter is they currently lie 5th in the table, 9pts behind Man Utd who hold top spot. Both Manchester clubs, United and City as well as Spurs have quality back up players to call upon when required. United have International players on the bench, City are able to spend an infinte amount of money and Spurs have players such as Bentley, Jenas and Keane battling for a first team place. Chelsea's fringe players include Kakuta, McEachran, Borini and Bruma.
Chelsea have to act fast. They need their top players to remain fit as well as end their bad run of form. Failing this they have to delve into the transfer market to bring in two or three new faces, which seems improbable during this transfer window.
Can Ancelotti's depleted squad turn their fortunes around?
Is Carlo up to the job?
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