UNITED KINGDOM: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Carlo Ancelotti hails his former assistant manager Ray Wilkins and says Frank Lampard is out until beginning of December

Record ID: 593882

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: FOOTBALL/SOCCER - Carlo Ancelotti hails his former assistant manager Ray Wilkins and says Frank Lampard is out until beginning of December
  • Date: 13th November 2010
  • Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UK (FILE - MARCH 15, 2010) (REUTERS) FRANK LAMPARD STRETCHING WHILE TALKING TO JOHN TERRY
  • Embargoed: 28th November 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA6OPZGEMY8AIXEN80WRB2WAZIH
  • Story Text: Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti on Friday (November 12) paid tribute to Ray Wilkins but said he respects clubs decision to dismiss his former assistant manager On Thursday (November 11) Chelsea announced Wilkins has left the club with immediate effect. No reason was given for the sudden departure of Ancelotti's trusted right-hand man, a former Chelsea midfielder and England international.
    Speaking at the news conference ahead of Sunday's game against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti thanked Wilkins for his contribution.
    "Ray was a fantastic assistant coach. I want to say thanks to him because he was a fantastic support last season and this season. He did a fantastic job, he helped me and all the team to win the double, so the first thing is to say thanks, a lot of thanks to him. He is my friend, I have a fantastic relationship with him and I will have a fantastic relationship with him," the Italian told reporters.
    "The club made this decision. I think it was a difficult decision for everyone but I have respect for this decision. I have trust in all the staff working with me."
    Ancelotti also revealed midfielder Frank Lampard, out since August, is sidelined for another two to three weeks after picking up a groin injury in Thursday's training.
    "Lampard is not fit. Lampard had a problem yesterday during the session. He did a fantastic session yesterday at the end he had a problem on adductor. I think he will be out again for two or three weeks, until the start of December he will not be able. We are disappointed because he was very close to come back at the training," he said.
    On Sunday Chelsea aim to make it 12 wins in a row against Sunderland. The league leaders last dropped points to the Black Cats in 2001.
    The stats do not get any better for the visitors. Chelsea have won 28 and lost just one of their last 31 league matches at home and beat Sunderland 7-2 in last season's fixture.
    "Sunderland improved compared to last season and they have a good team, they play good football, they have good organization. It will be important to us, if you want to win you have to be the best. I am happy about the performance against Fulham, we played more continuously, we put more pressure in the opponent half. We have to repeat the same performance against Sunderland," Ancelotti said.
    The Blues will also be without defender Alex who ruled out with a knee injury. Forward Nicolas Anelka should return after missing Wednesday's win over Fulham, while Michael Essien is suspended.
    Striker Asamoah Gyan should lead Sunderland's attack with England frontman Darren Bent sidelined by a hamstring injury.
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