London: Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has launched a verbal attack on Liverpool before their Premier League game and has said that following midfielder Xabi Alonso exit they are no longer the force which they used to be.

Ancelotti also considers that the Blues striker Didier Drogba will easily run through Liverpool's midfield as they lack the force to tackle his devastating style.

"They have lost a lot of strength since Alonso went. There's a lot of pressure on the others now. Lucas has come into the side and done well but he still lacks experience. He is one for the future," The Daily Star quoted Ancelotti, as saying.

"Liverpool's midfield puts a lot of pressure on teams, but without Alonso, something is missing," he added.

Ancelotti further said that it was refreshing to see team managers being given respect in England despite losing games, as in Italy a manager has to face the brunt for every defeat.

"In my three months here I have been pleasantly surprised at how managers are treated. In Italy one defeat and everyone is on top of you," Ancelotti said. "I put pressure on myself because I want to win every match. I do not need others to tell me," he added.