Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti's sense of humour has helped him get on better terms with his team, claims his assistant Ray Wilkins.

Wilkins, who has also been acting as a part-time interpreter for Ancelotti, felt that the Italian's personality is showing through the Blues' performance on the pitch.

Chelsea stormed five points clear of the Premier League summit with a 3-0 demolition of title rivals Arsenal.

"The way that he has treated the players on a personal level means he's got the utmost respect from each and every one of them," Wilkins told Sky Sports News.

"He's very knowledgeable on the game. He has dealt with the players in a fantastic fashion on a personal basis and I think we are seeing the rewards of that now.

"He tells jokes to the players. He's a football person and enjoys their company and obviously when things are going as well as they are at the moment then more jokes are told so we are having a good time.

"I've been extremely impressed from a personal point of view with Carlo," the former AC Milan midfielder added.

"As a bloke he's a really funny guy, he's always joke telling. It's a bit hard to translate unfortunately. I speak with him in Italian when he has a little bit of a struggle."

Chelsea travel to Blackburn on Wednesday night looking to reach the last four of the Carling Cup, which the Blues have won twice in the last four years.