Players are unhappy because of losing, says Ancelotti

Lampard compared the confidence of the squad at present to that during the end of Scolari's doomed reign just under two years ago.

The Blues are on an even poorer run than they were at that time – indeed, their worst in the league for almost 15 years – and have all but surrendered their title.

Despite this, manager Ancelotti continues to enjoy the backing of the club's billionaire benefactor, whom he spoke to over the telephone this week and who may attend today's game against Blackburn if reports are to be believed.

Ancelotti admitted Abramovich was "not happy" with recent results but described their exchange as "positive", giving him confidence to shrug off Lampard's comments.

He joked, when asked about his vice-captain's concerns: "This is not good news!

"I think the players, the team, lost some confidence in their football, the football that we played very well last year.

"But I think we are able to come back and play the same."

Ancelotti, whose side have slumped to fifth in the Premier League, added: "I don't know the feeling with Scolari, but the feeling here with the players is very good.

"Maybe it's the same atmosphere, but we have the capacity to move on.

"We are very close. I support the players at this moment, and the players support me.

"I think it's not a big problem if the players are not happy, no?

"I think the only reason they are not happy sometimes is that we didn't get the right results. This is the only reason."

Ancelotti insisted the mood at Stamford Bridge had improved in the wake of Sunday's 7-0 FA Cup third-round win over Ipswich, saying: "The week was good, and I hope that (today) we can show this also not just on the training ground but on the pitch against Blackburn."

Chelsea are understood to have made a move for Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar which has reportedly broken down.