Sam Allardyce has hit back at Carlo Ancelotti for becoming the latest big-name coach to belittle his Blackburn side. Chelsea boss Ancelotti accused Blackburn of playing a long-ball game during the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Ewood Park, a result that damaged the Blues' title aspirations.

"The performance in the second half, irrespective of what Ancelotti said that we played long and all that rubbish again, shows we have another top coach who is unable and unwilling to give us the credit we deserved, which is a bit of a shame," said Allardyce.

"Considering how many top players we had out, which was more than Chelsea, it was a fantastic result and a great performance in the second half with some really good football played.

"There's no doubt I have this tag, but just because it has followed me - which as I've always said is a perception not a reality anyway - it shouldn't apply to my players.

"As always, when you're one of the smaller clubs that gets a big result against one of the big boys, then you very rarely get the praise you deserve.

"In particular, it now seems, from the coach you are up against, which is a great shame.

"Ancelotti is a big man in the world of football, but for me he has come down in my estimation after listening to his interview on Sunday."