Former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti
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Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed the possibility of a return to Chelsea despite reports suggesting he could replace under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho.
The Italian coach, who spent two seasons in the Stamford Bridge dugout between 2009 and 2011, has been tipped for a second spell should the club’s owner Roman Abramovich decide to make a change.
However, when asked about a return by the Evening Standard, Ancelotti backed Mourinho before confirming he wants to manage again in England.
We’ll tell you what’s true. You can form your own view.
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Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings
Show all 12
Chelsea vs Dynamo Kiev - player ratings
1/12 Asmir Begovic: 6 out of 10
Largely untroubled throughout the evening, but came out and flapped unnecessarily at the Dynamo Kyiv corner that led to Dragovic’s equaliser. Had looked good prior to the goal and made a smart stop from Junior Moraes.
2/12 Cesar Azpilicueta: 6 out of 10
Slightly disappointing performance from the Spaniard as he didn’t bomb on as much as he usually does. Seemed content to just sit back in the second half with Chelsea a goal ahead and his side were almost made to pay the ultimate price.
AFP
3/12 Kurt Zouma: 7 out of 10
Showed great pace to recover and made a stunning tackle on Artem Kravets when he was the last man to prevent a glorious chance, but he’ll feel he should have done better when poking Willian’s excellent free-kick wide from six yards.
4/12 John Terry: 6 out of 10
Largely untroubled in the game as Chelsea enjoyed the majority of possession, but he still doesn’t look as much of a presence in the back four as he did last season.
PA Wire
5/12 Baba Rahman: 7 out of 10
Looked to get forward as often as possible, though his final ball was often lacking the final third. Showed good defensive awareness to deal with the big threat of Yarmolenko from start to finish.
6/12 Ramires: 6 out of 10
Was a little bit careless in possession and at times overran the ball as he tried to provide a creative spark. As always, he was a willing runner and made a number of interceptions.
7/12 Nemanja Matic: 6 out of 10
Still looks a little bit laboured in the centre of midfield and nowhere near the outstanding level of performance that he displayed last year. His lack of awareness was almost costly as a poor pass allowed Junior Moraes to test Begovic in the second half.
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8/12 Willian: 9 out of 10
Outstanding. Willian was the stand-out player for Mourinho’s side even before he scored the wonderful free-kick that ensured victory for his team. Also created the first goal with a fantastic whipped delivery that led to Dragovic heading into his own net.
9/12 Cesc Fabregas: 7 out of 10
Looked more comfortable in the advanced role that was handed to him and was never afraid to get on the ball and look for intricate passes to open up the Kyiv back four. Improved as the game wore on.
10/12 Oscar: 7 out of 10
Was unfortunate to strike straight at the Dynamo ‘keeper from a first half volley and was again denied after the break by a superb save after a sweet strike with his left. Showed some neat touches.
11/12 Diego Costa: 5 out of 10
Doesn’t look nearly as sharp as he did last year and fell to the ground far too easily when he could have pulled the trigger just before half-time. Also ballooned over the bar from 12 yards when he should’ve tested Shovkovskiy on a disappointing night for the striker.
12/12 BEST OFF THE BENCH: Eden Hazard: 6 out of 10
Didn’t have a huge amount of time to make an impact as Mourinho left the Belgian on the bench until the 79th minute, but was a willing runner and gave Chelsea an important late lift.
Reuters
1/12 Asmir Begovic: 6 out of 10
Largely untroubled throughout the evening, but came out and flapped unnecessarily at the Dynamo Kyiv corner that led to Dragovic’s equaliser. Had looked good prior to the goal and made a smart stop from Junior Moraes.
2/12 Cesar Azpilicueta: 6 out of 10
Slightly disappointing performance from the Spaniard as he didn’t bomb on as much as he usually does. Seemed content to just sit back in the second half with Chelsea a goal ahead and his side were almost made to pay the ultimate price.
AFP
3/12 Kurt Zouma: 7 out of 10
Showed great pace to recover and made a stunning tackle on Artem Kravets when he was the last man to prevent a glorious chance, but he’ll feel he should have done better when poking Willian’s excellent free-kick wide from six yards.
4/12 John Terry: 6 out of 10
Largely untroubled in the game as Chelsea enjoyed the majority of possession, but he still doesn’t look as much of a presence in the back four as he did last season.
PA Wire
5/12 Baba Rahman: 7 out of 10
Looked to get forward as often as possible, though his final ball was often lacking the final third. Showed good defensive awareness to deal with the big threat of Yarmolenko from start to finish.
6/12 Ramires: 6 out of 10
Was a little bit careless in possession and at times overran the ball as he tried to provide a creative spark. As always, he was a willing runner and made a number of interceptions.
7/12 Nemanja Matic: 6 out of 10
Still looks a little bit laboured in the centre of midfield and nowhere near the outstanding level of performance that he displayed last year. His lack of awareness was almost costly as a poor pass allowed Junior Moraes to test Begovic in the second half.
-
8/12 Willian: 9 out of 10
Outstanding. Willian was the stand-out player for Mourinho’s side even before he scored the wonderful free-kick that ensured victory for his team. Also created the first goal with a fantastic whipped delivery that led to Dragovic heading into his own net.
9/12 Cesc Fabregas: 7 out of 10
Looked more comfortable in the advanced role that was handed to him and was never afraid to get on the ball and look for intricate passes to open up the Kyiv back four. Improved as the game wore on.
10/12 Oscar: 7 out of 10
Was unfortunate to strike straight at the Dynamo ‘keeper from a first half volley and was again denied after the break by a superb save after a sweet strike with his left. Showed some neat touches.
11/12 Diego Costa: 5 out of 10
Doesn’t look nearly as sharp as he did last year and fell to the ground far too easily when he could have pulled the trigger just before half-time. Also ballooned over the bar from 12 yards when he should’ve tested Shovkovskiy on a disappointing night for the striker.
12/12 BEST OFF THE BENCH: Eden Hazard: 6 out of 10
Didn’t have a huge amount of time to make an impact as Mourinho left the Belgian on the bench until the 79th minute, but was a willing runner and gave Chelsea an important late lift.
Reuters
“Me at Chelsea? That’s just talk. Mourinho has difficulties, it’s true but Chelsea have confirmed Mourinho’s position,� the former Real Madrid coach said.
“Chelsea have the perfect coach to solve problems. Where do I see myself? In football you have to be ready to go anywhere. I felt fantastic abroad and would prefer to continue abroad.Â
“The English league has always fascinated me a lot because it was good when I was there but I’m willing to go anywhere.�
The defending champions have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, losing six of their opening 11 games, while indifferent form in Europe means there are no guarantees they will reach the Champions League knock-out stages.
Mourinho’s side required a late free-kick from the in-form Willian to take three points from Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kiev.Â
The win gave Chelsea a two-point cushion in Group G over their visitors with two games remaining.
They will now visit Maccabi Tel Aviv in their penultimate match before welcoming their manager’s former side and group leaders Porto to Stamford Bridge.
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