Source: Telegraph
Chelsea linked with Carlo Ancelotti despite Guus Hiddink's masterclass at Liverpool
Hiddink, who continues to fulfil his obligations as national team manager of Russia, replaced outgoing Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari in February but has been at pains to stress it is only on a temporary basis.[LNB]The Dutchman, who is a close friend of Abramovich, has part of his salary with Russia funded by the oligarch and has repeatedly said that it is as a favour to Abramovich that he has taken the reigns at Stamford Bridge.[LNB] Related ArticlesHenry Winter: Liverpool 1 Chelsea 3Champions League actionLiverpool v Chelsea: Man markingChelsea and Liverpool's tale of the unexpectedPaper View: Liverpools Guus is cooked and Ancelotti agrees to replace HiddinkLiverpool v Chelsea: John Terry says Anfield fear factor has worn offWere Hiddink to leave west London at the end of the season, Abramovich would need to put a permanent successor in place, with the Mirror today reporting that AC Milan manager Carlos Ancelotti has already agreed a three-year deal.[LNB]According to sources, the paper claims, Ancelotti, whom Abramovich tried to appoint last summer when Scolari took over, has told the Chelsea owner that he will quit Milan in the summer.[LNB]The club would not be drawn to comment on the claim, which if borne out would see Chelsea have their sixth manager in five years.[LNB]The Italian has also attracted interest from Real Madrid but the Spanish club were turned down.[LNB]However, Hiddink's success in galvanising Chelsea's faltering season, culminating in their devastating victory at Anfield, means his stock – already high before he joined Chelsea – has risen at the club and many supporters would want to see Abramovich put pressure on his friend to stay.[LNB]That will is likely to be bolstered if Chelsea go on to win any or all of the three major competitions they currently still have a say in.[LNB]
