Chelsea hold talks with Carlo Ancelotti amid fears he will stay with AC Milan

12 May 2009 09:46
The Guardian claims officials met with Ancelotti - Roman Abramovich's first-choice replacement for Guus Hiddink - and his representatives, wanting assurances that he still intends to sign a supposed three-year deal. Fears that Ancelotti will instead stay in Italy for his ninth year with the Rossoneri have been fuelled by the club's success in Serie A this season. And with the prospect of a return to the Champions League on the cards, after the club held Juventus to a 1-1 draw at the weekend, the 49-year-old's post-match comments will have done nothing to curb Chelsea's anxieties. 'We are finishing the season very well,' he said. 'Results are coming and we are more consistent. 'I am AC Milan's manger and I will be doing this job for some time. The time has not yet come for me to be replaced at Milan - it's easier to win in Europe with Milan than with other clubs so I am staying here.' Ancelotti, whose contract expires in June, was reportedly handed an ultimatum by Milan directors earlier this year which stated that only a return to the Champions League could secure his future. Currently in second place - seven points behind Inter and four ahead of Juventus and with only two games to play - Ancelotti's side look set for a return to Europe's top-flight competition. If Chelsea are forced to look elsewhere to solve their managerial problems, Frank Rijkaard's name is likely to become the new favourite. Dick Advocaat and Roberto Mancini are also said to have been backed.  

Source: Telegraph