Ancelotti unhappy with Blues performance

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted he was far from happy with his team's performance in their uninspiring 1-0 Champions League win over unfancied Apoel Nicosia.

Nicolas Anelka's 18th-minute goal gave Chelsea an undeserved Group D victory in Cyprus as Ancelotti's side produced another disappointing performance, but the Italian coach had wanted a big reaction from his team following their 3-1 defeat by Wigan last Saturday, but he failed to get it and was clearly not satisfied.

"It was a good result but perhaps not a good performance," said Ancelotti. "We started with good control, scored a goal and we had opportunities to do quick counter-attacks after that, but we didn't do this."

He added: "In the second half it was different. We tried to control the game with possession, but we made a lot of mistakes.

"Nicosia played very well in the second-half and deserved to draw this game. This is football.

"I'm not satisfied. I wanted Chelsea to play better and to take more control, to play with courage. But I think that, in this moment of the season, it's normal. We have to change, for sure.

"We have to play better. In the first half, the team showed good application of the system and of their defensive duties.

"We took good control in defensive positions, but the second half was totally different. We lost a lot of balls. We allowed Nicosia to get back into the game.

"I'm not angry with the players. I have a lot of faith in this team and these players. I was a player for a lot of years myself, and I know when things don't go well.

"I'm not afraid, not angry with the players. The only thing is that I'd like Chelsea to play better than we did."