Big Sam slams long-ball jibe

SAM ALLARDYCE has taken a swipe at Carlo Ancelotti for becoming the latest big-name coach to belittle Blackburn.

Chelsea manager Ancelotti accused his side of playing a long-ball game during the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Ewood Park, a result that damaged the Blues’ title aspirations.

“The performance in the second half, irrespective of what Ancelotti said that we played long and all that rubbish again, shows we have another top coach who is unable and unwilling to give us the credit we deserved, which is a bit of a shame,” said Allardyce.