Carlo Ancelotti has reinforced Florent Malouda's claim that Chelsea's recent loss of form means they no longer carry a fear factor into games
Carlo Ancelotti has reinforced Florent Malouda's claim that Chelsea's recent loss of form means they no longer carry a fear factor into games.
Ancelotti's side face Newcastle United at St James' Park having lost three of their last four Premier League games, scoring just one goal in the process.
The midweek Champions League victory over MSK Zilina brought relief following last weekend's defeat at Birmingham City but the recent problems on the pitch have been mirrored by off-field concerns following the dismissal of assistant manager Ray Wilkins.
Ancelotti's own future has also been subject to growing speculation and anything less than victory over Newcastle could mean Chelsea lose their standing at the head of the table.
And the Italian manager accepts the assessment of Malouda, the Chelsea midfielder, who believes the change in fortunes at Stamford Bridge means opposition sides are less intimidated by the prospect of facing the reigning champions. "At the beginning of the season, when you're winning 6-0, you can put pressure on the team," Ancelotti said.
"Now a lot of teams have improved their confidence to play us. This is normal. We've had some problems playing against particular teams. I agree with him."
