Ancelotti endorses Cech

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has described Petr Cech as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and expects him to bounce back from his recent jitters.

Ancelotti’s men have looked vulnerable from set-pieces and Cech’s communication with his defenders has been highlighted after the Barclays Premier League leaders took just nine points from 18 in December.

However, Ancelotti believes errors come from his goalkeeper wanting to take responsibility for his penalty area, which the Italian views as a positive attribute.

“I said Petr Cech is one of the most important players for this team, one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Ancelotti said.

“I like him because he takes on responsibility in the box, he likes to come out to catch the ball. Above all, that’s important in England, to have this kind of goalkeeper.

“A goalkeeper that takes responsibility can make the odd mistake. I prefer to have a goalkeeper who takes responsibility than one who just stays on his goalline and doesn’t take that responsibility.”

Cech could be in goal against Watford in the FA Cup on Sunday as Ancelotti is set to pick a strong side, having been told about the importance of the competition on his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

“I want to put out my best team,” he said. “It’s a very important competition in England. In Italy, the Italian Cup is not so important.

“We want to do our best. It is one of our objectives, our aim, to win it. Last year we won it. We want to do the best again this year.

“Watford are a good team. I don’t know them very well, but I have an opportunity to watch a DVD. Every team can give you problems. It is important to stay focused and concentrated.”

Picking a strong team also means Michael Ballack, who is thought to be close to agreeing a new deal to stay at the club, could also start.

“He has a great personality and I’m happy he will stay here for the next years,” Ancelotti said.

Chelsea will be without Didier Drogba, John Mikel Obi, Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou, who are on international duty at the African Nations Cup.

Losing four players is frustrating for Ancelotti but he would not be put off signing another African player in the future.

He said: “I think that when they have to play for their national team, it’s not a problem. It’s like the European players.

“Every top player can go to the national team. It’s not a problem for the Africans. It’ll be a great opportunity for the young players now to show their quality. I hope they will do a very good job because I trust in these players.”

Ancelotti has also been helped by the fact Chelsea play Watford, Hull, Sunderland, Birmingham and Burnley during January, rather than their Barclays Premier League title rivals.

“In January we have a possibility to work every week without matches (in midweek),” he added.

“We have a possibility to improve our condition because, in December, we didn’t have that opportunity to train.

“For this, I think we lost some physical condition. We had some injuries but I think that, in January, it will be better.”