Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian defender Alex admits he is "a bit lost" and that he and his teammates are desperate to find out where coach Carlo Ancelotti's future lies as uncertainty continues to shroud the Italian's position at the club.
"Ancelotti has not said anything," the 30-year-old Alex said at a press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 trip to Lyon.
"He has said to the press that he will make his decision after we have won the title. We often find out via the media."
Pre-season title favourites PSG are seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with just three games remaining as they prepare to face Lyon at the Stade de Gerland.
The capital club need only match second-placed Marseille's result at home to Toulouse on Saturday to be crowned champions for the first time since 1994, although a defeat for OM in that game would also end the title race.
However, the constant speculation surrounding Ancelotti has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, with the Italian said to be in line to take over at Real Madrid if and when Jose Mourinho leaves the Santiago Bernabeu.
"If we win the title, he will have to say something to us," admits Alex. "I must say I am a bit lost. We are all desperate to know what will happen."
The former Chelsea centre-back hinted that off-the-field concerns have impacted upon recent performances, including last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Valenciennes at the Parc des Princes in a game that was overshadowed by the sending-off of captain Thiago Silva for a shove on the referee.
Prior to that, PSG scraped a 1-0 win away to relegation-threatened Evian but ended that match with nine men as both David Beckham and Marco Verratti were sent off. Goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu was also involved in a brawl at full time and was later handed a two-match suspension as a result.
"The last two matches have been stressful," added Alex. "A lot of things have happened. I am referring notably to the confusion surrounding what Sirigu and Silva did.
"The draw (against Valenciennes) has affected us a little but we have tried to work hard this week to bounce back from that.
"In the last two weeks, referees have been very harsh on us. In another context, it might have been easier to speak to them. We know we have to respect the rules, but the rules must be the same for everyone."
PSG would love to celebrate winning the title at the home of one of their biggest rivals and, in the process, damage Lyon's prospects of finishing in the top three and qualifying for next season's Champions League.
"Lyon are looking to qualify for the Champions League and we are well aware of the difficulties," Alex said.
"We need to remember what happened against Valenciennes and make sure we are on the ball right from kick-off."
Source: AFP
