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Carlo Ancelotti will make several changes for Chelsea’s final Champions League group match against Apoel this evening, but those players rested may wish they had been given an opportunity to rebuild their reputations.

The Chelsea manager launched a candid attack yesterday on the performance of his midfield in last Saturday’s defeat by Manchester City, which leaves him with some selection issues before two Premier League home matches in the next week, against Everton and Portsmouth.

Chelsea’s midfield has been one of their greatest strengths in recent seasons, as they demonstrated nine days ago by overpowering Arsenal to claim a 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, but in Manchester they did not function effectively as a unit.

Ancelotti was unusually critical, accusing his midfield of capitulating under the weight of the home side’s pressure and failing to provide service for Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. Because his observations were directed at senior players such as Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien and Deco it must be assumed that Ancelotti meant every word, with the Portugal player likely to be fretting for his place after several lightweight displays.

“The problem was that Man City put strong pressure on our midfield after we scored and we were not able to play through from behind,” Ancelotti said. “They improved on their strength in the first half, so we had this difficulty. There was nothing else.

“When the opponent puts pressure on our midfield, we have to improve our support play, so we can open them up with the ball and use our offensive players like Anelka and Drogba. We had difficulty in getting service to Anelka and Drogba in the first half.”

After condemning his midfield, the Chelsea manager adopted a contrasting approach towards Petr Cech, who was at fault for both of City’s goals. The Czech Republic goalkeeper has made crucial mistakes in each of Chelsea’s three Premier League defeats this season, away to Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa and City, but Ancelotti says he is the best in the country.

Cech’s rate of errors has increased dramatically since he suffered a fractured skull three years ago, particularly under the high ball, but Ancelotti claims that is because his custodian is unusually courageous.

The 27-year-old is rested tonight after being excused training yesterday, with Ross Turnbull standing by for a full debut, but will definitely return to face Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

“I am happy with Petr Cech,” Ancelotti said. “I like him because I never in my career had a goalkeeper that comes out as much and takes a risk to go for the ball. For this I like Cech. He has fantastic experience and knows very well when he makes a mistake.

“He could do better about the free kick on Saturday. I think the goalkeeper has to stay on his post and if the player puts the ball over the wall and into the net, we have to congratulate him. But even a good goalkeeper can make a mistake sometimes. Petr has been doing very well this season.

“I know goalkeepers. It is important above all in England to have a goalkeeper that comes out for crosses. I think that is the most important quality here — and, for this, Cech is the best goalkeeper in England.”

In addition to Turnbull, Ancelotti includes other young players in his squad, with Jeffrey Bruma, Daniel Philliskirk, Nikki Ahamed and Fabio Borini on the bench and Gaël Kakuta in contention to start his first game for the club. John Terry (knee), Ashley Cole (ankle) and Ballack (knee) will join Salomon Kalou and Alex, who are already on the sidelines.

“We have two aims,” he said. “One is to maintain a good position in our group — we’ve won four of five and want to finish with a good performance. Also, we have to have respect for the other teams because Apoel and Atlético Madrid are still competing for third place, an important place for them. We want to do the best.”