Chelsea’s Italian supremo Carlo Ancelotti was forced to play down his side’s chances of retaining their EPL title, after their recent run of good results, combined with the ill-fortunes of others, put them firmly back into the top four.

A possibly pivotal victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last week was followed up with a win in the so-called ‘potential banana skin’ away to Blackpool earlier this week.

And senior players Petr Cech and Frank Lampard have publicly stated that the Blues are still within reach of the EPL summit, especially after United followed their Stamford Bridge defeat with an Anfield defeat.

 

Meanwhile, further controversy has dogged left-back Ashley Cole after reports emerged that he accidentally shot a man at Chelsea’s Surrey training ground with his air rifle.

Manager Ancelotti claimed his side were “too far” behind EPL leaders Manchester United to “come back in to fight for the title,” adding that “our aim at this moment is to stay in the top four.”

But the Italian’s caution was not shared by Czech goalkeeper Cech. Chelsea are nine points behind United with a game in hand and the Old Trafford EPL meeting between the two clubs still to come.

And Cech said even before the Blackpool victory that “you can see teams dropping points so we will definitely have a go to try and retain our title.”

Midfield colleague Lampard was even more effusive, despite acknowledging that a Chelsea title victory was a “long shot.” He added:

“We have to believe and we have a lot to do but if we go and win every game we will have a great chance to do it.”

Cole will be the subject of “appropriate action” by the club after the News of the World newspaper alleged that the 30-year-old had shot 21-year-old Tom Cowan in the head with a lead pellet from the air rifle Cole brought into training at Cobham.

Cowan is a sports science student on a work placement with the EPL title holders, who said “We are fully investigating the incident and we are taking appropriate action.”

Cowan was treated at the training ground by Chelsea staff without needing further hospital treatment.

Chelsea have a free weekend coming up, after their early exit from the FA Cup, ahead of next Wednesday’s visit of FC Copenhagen in the Champions League second round, second leg. Chelsea lead the tie 2-0.