Carlo Ancelotti admits his team can learn a lesson from Liverpool when they take on Manchester United.
Blues boss prepares for United clash
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admits his team can learn a lesson from Liverpool when they take on Manchester United on Sunday.
The Red Devils travel to Stamford Bridge in the knowledge that a win would put them above the Blues at the top of the Premier League, and the Italian tactician is hoping his side can take a leaf out of Liverpool's book when the two teams clash.
Rafael Benitez's Reds defeated United 2-0 at Anfield last month in a performance full of heart and gritty determination amid a torrid run of form.
Ancelotti claims his side must match Liverpool's workmanlike ethic to dispatch of United, as he prepares for a battle with Sir Alex Ferguson for the second time as Chelsea boss.
"Liverpool played a fantastic match, a strong match, and put a lot of pressure on the pitch," he said.
"That's why they won. They didn't give United any possibility to play like they want to play.
"It was a good lesson for us because Manchester can suffer when there's pressure on their midfielders.
"I don't want to play against other team's weaknesses. We want to put our own qualities on the pitch.
"He (Ferguson) did a fantastic job with this team. For a coach to stay such a long time with one team is very difficult, not only in England but everywhere.
"In Italy it would be impossible, for sure. He's a very important man for the history of this club. United have a fantastic history and Ferguson is one of the most important men in this history."
Duels
Ancelotti has come out on top in recent duels with Ferguson, with Chelsea winning the Community Shield on penalties at the beginning of the campaign, and when the Italian's AC Milan side met United in the semi-finals of the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League.
United had lead 3-2 after the first leg at Old Trafford thanks to a last minute goal from Wayne Rooney, but they capitulated at the San Siro and went down 3-0 in a woeful performance.
"There was a particular atmosphere created after the first match because we lost the first leg in the last minute at United and I think that goal forced my team to play in a more attacking style from the start of the game," he added.
"At the same time, United thought about defending. After 15 minutes we were 2-0 up. We created a particular atmosphere.
"The best thing is to maintain a balance. They have a good defence but also fantastic strikers. Wayne Rooney is one of the most intelligent strikers in the world, so we have to think about him. He has the quality to play everywhere."
