Ranieri's Rants: League Cup Exit

Last updated : 19 December 2003 By Rich Godden

Claudio said "It wasn’t the system. Angel made a fantastic goal and then we tried to draw the match. We played better second-half to first-half. When we drew I was sure we would win but Villa had a very strong heart.

"In future I hope to start better. We knew Villa would start very strongly in the first 15 minutes. We did not want to concede so early because then it was very difficult to play well and find space."

“I just wanted to put them under pressure and changed the players to give a rest to Makelele and then Damien Duff and Glen Johnson.

"All teams have bad periods and for Chelsea there is one now but it is important we stick together and have a good reaction and continue to work hard to overcome this little spell."

And now onto the thought's of Villa with David O'Leary :“I think what won it was the attitude of the players, the belief. It’s not for me to talk about other people‘s systems. The manger felt – and he’s an excellent manager – that that was right for him. I wish Chelsea well in all their adventures this season.”