Ancelotti: Terry must play against Arsenal
Reuters - Friday 05 February 2010, 17:01
COBHAM, England - Chelsea coach Carlo
Ancelotti said he never considered leaving out John Terry for
Sunday's big game against Arsenal because of his off-the-field
problems.
"John has to play against Arsenal because he's one of the
most important players in the team and we need to put strength
and quality in the team," Ancelotti told reporters on Friday
before the FA announced Terry had been stripped of the England
captaincy.
The Chelsea defender was sacked as England skipper by
international coach Fabio Capello following intense media
speculation over Terry's private life.
NEWS: Terry stripped of England captaincy
Capello's fellow Italian Ancelotti said it had been business
as normal this week as Premier League leaders Chelsea prepared
to host third-placed Arsenal.
"Nothing is different about the last week," said Ancelotti.
"The problem involving John is outside our training ground.
"It's normal life for us. It's an important game against a
strong team and I think we will be ready to play our best game."
Ancelotti said he was surprised at the level of media
interest in married father of two Terry.
The 29-year-old defender's private life would never have
caused such a stir in Italy, said the Chelsea coach before
adding he would not interfere with the situation over the
England team.
'NOT MY PROBLEM'
"I'm not interested in Capello and John Terry," said
Ancelotti. "It's not my problem.
"John is focusing on his job. He is doing very well every
day, every moment. He's the captain of this team and he's doing
his best for the team. He's been playing well the last two
games, he scored at Burnley (last Saturday).
"It's his private life and I don't want to know nothing
about this. I'm interested only in his professional behaviour
and his professional behaviour is the best," said Ancelotti.
"Some coaches phone players at home to check on them. I have
never done this. I'm interested in the players on the training
ground and controlling their behaviour only at the ground."
Chelsea, who beat Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium in
November, are six points ahead of their London rivals and two in
front of Manchester United.
Arsenal lost 3-1 at home to United last weekend and face a
Chelsea team unbeaten at home for more than a year.
Ancelotti's only injury absentee is versatile Brazilian
Juliano Belletti.
Didier Drogba, who has scored 10 goals against Arsenal in
nine starts and two substitute appearances since joining Chelsea
in 2004, is likely to partner Nicolas Anelka up front.