Chelsea coach backs Terry to battle crisis

Carlo Ancelotti has backed John Terry to come through his personal crisis and lead Chelsea to the title despite his side's disappointing failure to overcome Hull City in a 1-1 draw at the KC Stadium.

Terry's week of woe showed no signs of improving as he was subjected to abuse on Humberside on Tuesday evening.

And just to make matters worse he was booked before having to watch his side drop two crucial points against Phil Brown's struggling team, blowing their chance to open up a four-point lead over Manchester United at the top of the table.

Terry had to run a gauntlet of hate from the home supporters that promises to become a regular event for the defender, but Ancelotti insists his captain can handle the flak and will carry on playing.

Terry will meet England manager Fabio Capello later this week to discuss his future as his country's captain following reports of his affair with the former girlfriend of international team-mate Wayne Bridge.

But he has the backing of Ancelotti, even if the Italian admits he might give the centreback a family holiday later this month when Chelsea face Cardiff City in the FA Cup fifth round at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti said: "Nothing can distract our concentration in this competition. In every game the Chelsea team has good focus and we can play good football.

"Concentration is always on top. This is an issue for me and John Terry. I think it's not a problem. You can see the line-up against Cardiff.

"If he needs a holiday he will have one and if not, he will play against Cardiff.
"I don't like to speak about this. It's not a question I want to speak about.

"For him (Terry) nothing has changed. He continues to play a very good game and every game he's living a good moment.

"He's doing his best. The atmosphere in the team is the same. There has been no change.
"We are in a good position now. We are top. We know Manchester United are very good and it will be a long race until the end of the season.

"We are happy to have a two-point lead. This was an opportunity, but it's impossible to win every game."

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