DEJA BLUE; FIRED UP BOSS IS READY.

Byline: MARTIN LIPTON 

CARLO ANCELOTTI promises he will not play Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games - as he revealed he has already tested out his seat in the Stamford Bridge dug-out.

Ancelotti's Blues face Hull in the Italian's first competitive game at home, and what will also be the first time he has managed at the Bridge.

And while the former AC Milan boss vowed not to be drawn into a phoney war with Fergie that saw Rafa Benitez lose the plot last term, Ancelotti admits he has tried to prepare himself for the real start of life away from the San Siro.

Ancelotti said: "I've already been a few times to Stamford Bridge, to sit in the dug-out and try to get a feel of what it will be like for me.

"Of course, there were no fans or players inside, so I only sat there, trying to imagine what it will be like.

"Against Hull there will be a fantastic atmosphere with all the singing and chanting. But I haven't imagined them chanting my name. It is better the fans chant for Chelsea, not Ancelotti."

The Italian, who has told his players he expects them to "arrive in March or April" still challenging for the trinity of the title, Champions League and FA Cup, is aware of the off-field pressures likely to come from his rivals.

"I'm ready to have a competition with Liverpool, with Manchester United and all the teams in the Premier League," said Ancelotti, who famously feuded in Italy with former Blues boss - and San Siro co-tenant Jose Mourinho - over the past two years.

I "But I'm not ready to do competition with my colleagues. They are my colleagues and I respect them all, but I have no battle with them. There's only competition with their teams."

Ancelotti knows, however, that he has to retain the respect and command of his multinational squad and that much will depend on his ability to get key messages across.

And Ancelotti, still without pounds 18million summer signing Yuri Zhirkov and defender Alex, added: "You're more nervous when you are a manager. As a player, it's a little bit different. I was more quiet, more calm before the match.

"As a manager, I'm more nervous because you have more responsibility.

"I'm not superstitious, but I like to stay alone, to stay in the dressing room with my players and not speak a lot.

"What I like to do is explain to my players the situation on the pitch, what they have to do.

"But it depends. If I feel calm and quiet, like to speak with my players. If I'm nervous, I prefer to stay alone. I am able to control my nervousness.

"Stress is not a negative word. It's a positive. It helps you to stay focused. Then, at half-time, I decide what I need to say as well. It depends on the game.

"Usually, I don't get angry. I was a player and I know very well what happens on the pitch - things don't always go well.

"What is important against Hull is how we play. This is the first game in the house of Chelsea, our house, the house for our fans.

"We have to create a very good atmosphere, to play together - players and fans. I hope this happens. "It's very important that we play well."

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CAPTION(S):

JUST WHISTLE New coach Ancelotti JUMP TO IT Frank Lampard warms up