Ancelotti named Chelsea boss

01 June 2009 10:04
Carlo Ancelotti has been confirmed as the new Chelsea manager, signing a three-year deal at Stamford Bridge. Ancelotti had long been expected to replace Guus Hiddink in West London and his appointment was sealed on Monday morning, just hours after he stepped down as AC Milan boss on Sunday. The former Parma and Juventus boss, who turns 50 on 10th June, won the UEFA Champions League twice and the Serie A crown during his eight-year spell with the Rossoneri. Europe's leading club trophy is believed to be the one which Blues owner Roman Abramovich craves above all others, and Ancelotti will now be charged with guiding the club to continental glory. Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Hiddink have all come close to triumphing in the Champions League, with Ancelotti handed the reins of the star-studded Chelsea squad from whom success is demanded, rather than just expected. Outstanding candidateA statement on the club's official website read: "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that Carlo Ancelotti has agreed to become our new manager. "He has signed a three-year contract and will start on July 1, 2009. "Carlo was the outstanding candidate for the job. He has proved over a long period his ability to build teams that challenged for, and have been successful in, major domestic and European competitions. "He also had a highly successful playing career in those competitions and therefore brings unparalleled all round experience to the job. "We are sure everybody at Chelsea will give him a warm welcome and we are all looking forward to working with him."

Source: SKY_Sports