Ancelotti wants Premier League job

23 October 2011 12:47

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to work in English football again.

The 52-year-old Italian was dismissed by the Blues in May after two seasons at the helm, the first of which saw him lead Chelsea to their first ever double before following it up with the club's worst campaign of the Roman Abramovich era as they finished trophyless.

Speaking in his first broadcast interview since leaving Chelsea, Ancelotti said on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "The Premier League is the best competition in Europe, so I would like to stay here if it is possible."

He added: "I don't want to name names because these teams have managers, but I would like to manage a team that has ambition and I want to wait and see what happens this season.

"I would like Italian football to be the best, but this is not the truth at the moment. I would like to stay here if it's possible to find another club - I love the atmosphere."

On being replaced at Stamford Bridge after failing to retain the Barclays Premier League title, Ancelotti added: "I was not happy, but when you think about this I can say it was a really fantastic experience. I had a fantastic opportunity. Obviously you have to win because Chelsea is built to win."

The departure of Ray Wilkins as his assistant was seen as a key moment in Ancelotti's time, but he said he respected the decision.

"I don't know what happened. That was the decision of the club - I was surprised, everyone was surprised, but what can we do? Just accept the decision," he said.

Ancelotti said he spoke with owner Abramovich on the matter, saying: "I received an answer, but I don't like to speak about this because the time has gone. I think we worked well. He has a lot of knowledge, a lot of charisma, a lot of personality."

On Abramovich he added: "The first thing is he loves football. The second is he is very close to the players. He gave me fantastic support in two years. He does not like to be on the front pages of the papers. That's his choice, but as an owner I think he's fantastic."

Source: PA