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Terry set for revenge mission

Image: Terry: Sounded a warning to Manchester United that Chelsea will come out fighting next season

John Terry insists a disappointing season has ensured that Chelsea will come back stronger next term.

Defender reflects on mid-season slump

John Terry insists a disappointing season has only ensured that Chelsea will come back stronger next term. A 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford at the hands of Manchester United on Sunday curtailed a strong end to the season. Yet despite a late tilt at the title, three defeats at the hands of United in Europe and in the league ended all hopes of a trophy this season, a result that may cost manager Carlo Ancelotti his job. A disappointed Terry made of point of congratulating Sir Alex Ferguson after the game on Sunday, despite admitting that it hurt to do so. "I just wished him well. You have to be graceful in defeat and we have thoroughly enjoyed the times we have won," he told Chelsea TV. "Over the years, he has popped in and said congratulations to us and he and his team are well respected across the world. "But it does hurt when you do it, and it drives you on as well. "You get a focus for next year and we will be aiming to take it off them."

Trophyless

Despite the Blues falling short at Old Trafford on Sunday as the title race came to a head, the England captain insists the result of the game was not to blame for his side losing out in the league. Instead the influential defender pinned the blame on a torrid run of form at the back end of 2010, a spell which he believes cost his team the title. He added: "I remember Man United topping the form guide when we were probably down the bottom of it somewhere and that coincided with them overtaking us and giving themselves a nice cushion. "Credit to our management and the lads for digging in, and the fans as well who have been brilliant all season, because two months ago we didn't look in it at all and we were worrying about qualification for the Champions League. "But we put a good run together and gave ourselves an opportunity coming into Sunday's game so that deserves credit. "Two months ago, you could maybe be happy about where we are now but you look back at the start of the season and you wouldn't be happy. "We were in control and then we hit a run of bad form and we couldn't really get out of it quick enough. "We dropped points home and away and that proved to be vital."

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