LONDON – Carlo Ancelotti and Roy Hodgson were left fighting for their managerial lives on Wednesday after Chelsea and Liverpool both suffered shock losses on a night of Premier League upsets.
Chelsea manager Ancelotti was left stunned after the champions crashed to a 1-0 defeat at lowly Wolves, a result that extended the Blues’ miserable run of form to just one win in nine matches. “At this moment it’s very difficult to explain what’s happening to us,” said Ancelotti. Chelsea’s slump has left them in fifth place, a hefty nine points adrift of leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand.
Ancelotti appeared to write off Chelsea’s hopes of retaining their title following the defeat — but insisted he did not fear the sack. “Nothing is lost at the moment. Obviously it’s difficult to come back in the Premier League but we have the FA Cup and the Champions League, and the most important thing now is to move on. “Would I be surprised if I got the sack? Yes. It is obviously not my decision but I hope I can continue this job,” Ancelotti said. Liverpool manager Hodgson meanwhile did little to dampen speculation about his future after watching his side slide to a 3-1 defeat at Blackburn. Asked to comment on his future, Hodgson cut short his post-match press conference after just two minutes and three questions.
“I am not prepared to talk about that because obviously I am depressed enough with the performance and the result,” Hodgson said. “I have no comments to make and I have no intention of answering any questions on the subject.”
Asked for his reaction to the defeat Hodgson said: “Dejection, bitter disappointment, frustration.
Rovers victory was virtually sealed by half-time, with Martin Olsson opening the scoring on 32 minutes before Benjani Mwaruwari doubled the lead six minutes later. Benjani rubbed salt into the wound with Blackburn’s third on 57 minutes. Steven Gerrard scored a late consolation but hopes of an unlikely comeback were extinguished when the Liverpool skipper missed a late spot-kick. Wednesday’s much-anticipated fixture between Arsenal and Manchester City failed to live up to expectations, finishing in a 0-0 draw. The result allowed City and the Gunners to hang on to second and third place in the table respectively. The main talking point was a double sending off in the dying minutes following a clash between Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta. Wenger agreed with City boss Roberto Mancini that the two red cards could have been avoided. “They looked harsh to me, for both of them. I would have to look at it again,” Wenger said. Mancini added: “For me it’s not a sending off. For me, two yellow cards was enough.” Tottenham’s title hopes suffered a setback when a 2-1 loss at Everton left them in fourth spot, but eight points behind Manchester United.
Redknapp unsure over Spurs’ Beckham bid: Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admitted after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Everton at Goodison Park that he is in the dark over his side’s bid to sign David Beckham. Reports on Wednesday suggested that the former England captain had signed for Spurs on a short-term loan from MLS side LA Galaxy, but that is not the case. Redknapp was quick to admit there is no deal for Beckham yet, but he still hopes to be able to call on the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star at some stage during the transfer window.
“No, definitely not, one million percent no,” Redknapp said when asked if a deal had been done.
“I don’t know what is happening and I’ve left it with the chairman to deal with. It is out of my hands now. If there is a deal to be done then I really don’t know.
“I think Beckham can keep the ball and in the second half we were not keeping hold off the ball.
