Monday, May 10, 2010

Rival managers pay tribute to Ancelotti’s title triumph


Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea are worthy champions of the English Premier League, and both are receiving accolades and tributes from around the EPL.

Neil Gardner of the Times writes of the plaudits and tributes that Ancelotti has received from his peers.

Premier League managers have been swift to praise Carlo Ancelotti’s achievement in winning the title in his first season as Chelsea manager. The Italian took over at Stamford Bridge in June 2009 and saw his side secure the crown in grand style yesterday with an 8-0 demolition of Wigan Athletic.

Martin O’Neill, Aston Villa manager, said: “They are worthy winners, and Ancelotti has been magnificent. He would have been aware of how good the players are, but you still have to go and manage them. He didn’t make that many changes and I think he’s managed it brilliantly.”

Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, added: “Chelsea have been there all the way, but we have all closed up and it has been a tighter championship. There was not much between the three of them, but Arsenal dropped vital points at vital times. If Robin Van Persie had not got injured Arsenal would have been very close.”

Steve Bruce, whose Sunderland side were swept aside 7-2 at Stamford Bridge, said: “Chelsea are a fantastic team. They gave us a hiding twice this year, they’re an excellent side, they’ve got great pace and strength - they’re just a bloody good outfit. They were my first opponents at home this season and they showed that day they were going to be serious contenders. They’ve got an incredible amount of quality players.”

Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn Rovers manager, said: “Chelsea have lost more games than usual, but they’ve made up for those losses by not drawing as many as they normally do. They are worthy winners.”

Gianfranco Zola, whose future at West Ham could be settled this week, said: “Ancelotti has done very well. They were saying the team was getting old and were not as competitive as before, but he has the chance to win the Double which would be a fantastic achievement.”

“Any side that wins the Premier League is worthy of it, and Chelsea certainly are. You get what you deserve over the course of a season, ” Brian Laws, the Burnley manager, added. “We have got relegated because we haven’t won enough games and Chelsea have finished top because they have been the best and most consistent team.”

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