Carlo Ancelotti Confident Chelsea Will Overtake Manchester United

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is confident that his side can overtake Manchester United at the top of the table having seen first-hand how a comfortable advantage can be thrown away.

The Italian tactician was in charge of Juventus in 2000 when they were overtaken by Lazio despite having held a nine-point advantage with eight games to go.

Chelsea, who had trailed United by 15 points at one stage, have now closed the gap to just six points and, as Chelsea have yet to visit Old Trafford in the league, Ancelotti hopes United will wilt under the pressure.

The former AC Milan boss said : “I lost a title nine points up with eight games to go,”.

“It can happen. It’s not a nice feeling. It was very difficult to think two months ago that we could stay with the lead so for this reason, at this moment, we are happy.”

However there are a lot more games to play with Chelsea hosting Tottenham in Saturday’s late kick-off, and United then head to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Ancelotti said : “If we are able to win against Tottenham, I think we can put more pressure on Manchester United in the game against Arsenal,”.

Should Chelsea win all their remaining games and United suffer two defeats, the title could be decided on goal difference and, with the Blues currently on 37 and United on 39, Ancelotti is eager to ensure his side take their chances.

“It can happen,” he said when asked about the prospect of the teams finishing level on points. “It was important for us to score three goals [against West Ham].”

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Alex Ferguson Confident Real Madrid Can Overcome Barcelona

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he can see Real Madrid defeating Barcelona in their Champions League semi.

If Manchester United reach the finals, they will confront fabled Spanish opposition and one of the two best players in the world.

Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid atoned for their 5-0 League drubbing by ­Barcelona to beat Lionel Messi’s side 1-0 in the Copa del Rey last ­Wednesday, with the extra-time ­winner headed ­emphatically by ­United old boy ­Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ferguson said: “When the draw was made I thought Real ­Madrid had a great chance. I think that 5-0 ­defeat would have hurt ­Mourinho deeply and he wasn’t going to be beaten like that the next time.”

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Robson confident of cancer recovery

Former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson is confident of making a full recovery from throat cancer.



The 54-year-old, now in charge of the Thailand national side, had an operation to remove a tumour earlier this month and felt well enough to attend the Soccerex European business forum in Manchester.



“The operation to remove the tumour was successful and now I've got to go on a course for five weeks of (radiotherapy) treatment,” Robson told reporters.



“I'm feeling fine in myself. All the specialists have been really positive that I should have a 100 percent recovery. To be fair, that's all I wanted to hear, I'll just try to get on with the treatment and be as positive as I can be.”



He has been watching his former side's season with interest as the Premier League leaders edge inch to a record 19th league title with an FA Cup semi-final and Champions League quarter-final also on the horizon.



But he said it might be too much to expect to win them all, like United achieved in 1999.



“I think it's a big ask to go and win a treble again,” said Robson, who won two league titles and three FA Cups with United and is still an ambassador for the club.



“If you asked anybody at Man United at the moment if they could win two out of the three, I think they'd take that at this moment in time. But the aim will be to try to win the three.”



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Lionel Messi Confident Of Winning The World Cup

Lionel Messi has revealed that it is only a matter of time before he wins the World Cup.

The prolific Barcelona star has struggled for form for Argentina.

Messi told TyC Sports ” “I know that I will win the World Cup as it is the trophy I really want,”.

“My wish is to win the World Cup. Thanks to God I have had the luck to win trophies for my club. The only trophy missing is this one.”

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Tottenham Confident Gareth Bale Will Be Ready To Face Real Madrid

It has been revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are confident that Gareth Bale will make their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Sun has revealed that the Welsh international has been forced to withdraw from Wales’ qualifier with England in Cardiff because of a hamstring injury.

The former Southampton star, now age 21, reportedly pulled up in training yesterday and was told he has no chance of being able to face the Three Lions at the Millennium Stadium.

However it is hoped that the winger will be fine for his club’s crunch Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid on April 5.

Bale also suffered a knock on his thigh in training with Spurs last week but recovered in time to face West Ham.

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Real Madrid Confident Of Agreeing Deal With Pepe

Reports are out stating that Real Madrid management are confident of securing defender Pepe to a new deal.

According to Real GM Jorge Valdano, the club is “optimistic” about agreeing a new contract with the Portuguese international.

The former Porto star’s current deal runs out in 2012 and he has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu.

But Valdano said following the win over Atletico: “Pepe is one of the best centre-backs in the world and we are optimistic about his renewal.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo Confident Of Overcoming Atletico Madrid

According to Cristiano Ronaldo, the Real Madrid players are confident of victory going into the derby against Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid have closed the gap on leaders Barcelona in the past week.

The Portuguese international said : “We need to continue our good run. We’re confident. Beating Atletico is a priority, as well as that a derby is a derby. It will be difficult, but I’m confident of winning.”

Talking about his side’s European progress, the Manchester United star added in AS: “It’s a great joy, we are very happy. It’s going to give us confidence and morale, and we need to continue like that.”

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Ashley Young Confident Aston Villa Can Beat Relegation

Aston Villa ace, Ashley Young is confident that his side can play their way out of relegation danger.

After Gerard Houllier took the squad away on a team-building break to help boost morale in the camp, Young came back raring to go for next Saturday’s clash with Wolves.

The England international said : “The team will bounce back from the defeat,”.

“We have some big personalities and real character in the dressing room. We have bounced back before and we will do it again.

“We have the strength, character and attitude to come roaring back. I thought there were plenty of positives to take from the Bolton game.

“It was incredible to think we lost that game after creating so many chances. We need to take the positives into the Wolves game.”

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Wojciech Szczesny Confident Arsenal Can Win The Premier League

Arsenal goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny has declared that the Gunners can still win the Premier League this season.

Arsene Wenger’s men are painfully aware that their club has not won a trophy for six years but the young Polish goalkeeper said: “We’re still confident we can win the league.”

The 20 year old goalkeeper, who is out for a month with a finger injury, added: “I don’t care what people say.

“Manchester United have dropped points, but if we get the right results and we beat United at home, we’re going to win the league. Simple.”

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