Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted his surprise at Liverpool's Premier League struggles this season.

Rafa Benitez's men were expected to mount a serious title challenge this term but are already badly off the pace after losing five of their opening 12 games.

The Anfield outfit are already 11 points adrift of Ancelotti's league leaders, who have a five-point cushion over Arsenal and Manchester United following their 1-0 victory against the Red Devils before the international break.

Some pundits expected United to fall off the pace following the summer sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, but it is Liverpool's failings which have been an eye-opener for Ancelotti.

The Italian told Il Giornale: "United were two points behind Chelsea before our face-to-face; they have done well in the Champions League.

"Valencia, his (Ronaldo's) replacement, has great qualities and is starting to click with the well-oiled machine that is United.

"The only real disappointment (of the season) is Liverpool."

Ancelotti took charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer, following in the footsteps of interim coach Guus Hiddink, who led the Blues to FA Cup final glory after their early season struggles under Luiz Felipe Scolari.

And the former AC Milan boss has admitted that he has left many of his predecessor's methods in place, particularly in regard to players' fitness.

He admitted: "I've gone for the very same fitness routine introduced by Guus Hiddink, without the slightest change.

"It's a routine that has drastically reduced the number of injuries over the last season. I've only increased the tactical training sessions, something the English are usually allergic to."

Even though the Blues will be shorn of attacking duo Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou in January due to the African Nations Cup, Ancelotti is confident he has the depth in his squad to cope with their absences.

He said: "We have two boys with a great future (Daniel) Sturridge and (Fabio) Borini.

"Borini is a very, very, very interesting 19-year-old from Bologna."