UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Ancelotti anxious after Chelsea showing

Though defiant, Carlo Ancelotti concedes Chelsea FC "were afraid to play" in their 1-0 loss at Olympique de Marseille, whose coach Didier Deschamps drew great confidence from the win.

Ancelotti anxious after Chelsea showing
Ancelotti anxious after Chelsea showing ©UEFA.com

Olympique de Marseille and Chelsea FC were both already through to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 prior to their meeting at the Stade Vélodrome, but their respective coaches could scarcely be in more differing frames of mind following the conclusion of the group stage. Marseille were 1-0 victors to inflict a fourth defeat in eight matches on Carlo Ancelotti's side, though the Italian insists the Blues can bounce back.

Didier Deschamps, Marseille coach
We were playing without pressure but it was important to win. It was against a good team which, even if they had absentees, are of a high level. It's good for confidence even if it does not earn us points in Ligue 1. I don't like singling out a player, but if I must I would pick out Brandão. Tonight, he was the difference. I'm sure we'll need him in the future.

Chelsea are among the clubs I played for in the past. Even if it was for only one season, it made the occasion quite special. The fans responded by coming to the stadium to support us. It's a good thing my players won. After a draw and a loss [in the league] it will give us more confidence.

Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea manager
Sometimes we were good and sometimes not so good. We had some opportunities but must do better; we have to improve. We have lost confidence and now we are a bit afraid to play football. But we have to keep going, stay compact and prepare well for the next game. Defensively there was tactical discipline and I asked for this from my players. We didn't have a lot of opportunities to shoot and score, we need to be more clear with our final ball.

I think we have a lot of players with fantastic character and personality. We have to come back and show this. I'm not low, I'm strong. I want to resolve this problem quickly, I'm focused on my job. I'm worried just because we're not doing our best – this is the problem. We have to do better, I would like the team to move on quickly from this moment.

Selected for you