Source: SKY_Sports
Carlo reveals Blues meetings
AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he was wanted by Chelsea last summer and held secret meetings with owner Roman Abramovich.
The Blues were on the lookout for a new man at the helm after Avram Grant was sacked following disappointment in the Premier League title race and UEFA Champions League final.
Chelsea eventually turned to World Cup winner Luiz Felipe Scolari, but that did not stop Abramovich meeting with Ancelotti, who is now among the front runners to replace Guus Hiddink this summer.
The experienced Italian tactician has confirmed Chelsea's billionaire owner Abramovich was keen to learn more about him, although neither money nor contracts were ever discussed.
Discussions
"Abramovich came after me. We sat down and started to talk," said Ancelotti in his upcoming book Preferisco La Coppa.
"Always about football and only football. Abramovich wanted to know everything about me, my way of working, my philosophy.
"An hour went by during which we never talked about money."
After meeting with Abramovich a second time, Ancelotti immediately pointed out: "I have a contract with Milan. An eventual agreement with Chelsea can only happen if Milan is also in agreement.
"Again, we only talked football. How would I make Chelsea play in case they got me as a manager."
SigningsAncelotti believes Chelsea needed to add more quality in the middle of the park last summer and recommended the club look to sign Franck Ribery and Xabi Alonso had he taken charge.
"President, your team is very physical, you have to put more quality in the middle of the pitch. I gave him two names, Franck Ribery and Xabi Alonso.
"I can easily chat with Abramovich. He doesn't make me feel uncomfortable, not even when he says with a low voice: 'We've just lost the Champions League final, and the league, I can't be satisfied'.
"He thinks so much about the results and the beautiful game. Another 40 minutes fly by, 'Thanks Ancelotti, we'll meet again'. No financial offer."
