Carlo Ancelotti has challenged Chelsea to rediscover their early season form against Marseille.
Chelsea coach demands improvement against Marseille
Carlo Ancelotti has challenged his Chelsea team to rediscover their early season form against Marseille.
The Blues have won just one of their last six Premier League games and have seen their lead at the summit of the table evaporate.
It is stark contrast to their vibrant brand of attacking football that captivated everyone during the early weeks of the campaign.
Ancelotti was angered by the 1-1 draw against Everton last week and summoned the players to the training ground this week to let them know in no uncertain terms their performances have not been good enough.
Five straight wins at the start of the season had everyone tipping the Blues for the league.
Now the Italian is demanding a return to that style - starting with the game against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League.
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"We are trying to search for the right way to move on quickly from this moment and we have a possibility to do this tomorrow," he said.
"The result of the game is not important but the performance is very important.
"We want to put out the best line-up possible because we consider the game important for our confidence and to come back and play our football.
"We have to come back quickly to play our football. I spoke with my players.
"It is not the right place to explain what I said to them. It was private and confidential. The reaction has to be good tomorrow.
"When I say strong team, it doesn't mean there are no young players in the team.
"Maybe some will be involved. We give a lot of importance to this game for the reason that we need to come back to play our football."
