Ancelotti plays down Chelsea link
Posted by kwame on May 14, 2009
AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has played down rumours that he is to become Chelsea’s next manager.
BBC Sport understands that Ancelotti is Chelsea’s number one target to replace interim manager Guus Hiddink, who is at the club until the end of the season.
Hiddink, who took over from Luis Felipe Scolari in February, returns to his job as Russia manager in May.
“I don’t have to give my availability. The time has not yet come for me to be replaced at Milan,” said Ancelotti.
Ancelotti also said that the constant speculation surrounding his future at the Italian giants was not something that he worried about.
“It is not a problem that concerns me,” added the 49-year-old.
Chelsea were reported to be interested in Ancelotti last year after previous boss Avram Grant left the club, but Milan prevented any approach.
Former Barcelona boss Frank Rjikaard is also thought to be a Chelsea target, although Hiddink could also decide to stay on permanently at the end of the season.
But Italian Ancelotti, who is contracted to Milan until June 2010, is committed to the Serie A club.
He is also desperate to complete a hat-trick of Champions League victories with Milan.
“It’s easier to win in Europe with Milan than with other clubs so I am staying here,” he added.
Ancelotti is the longest-serving manager in Italy’s top flight after joining the Rossoneri in 2001.
He led Milan to success in the Champions League in 2003 and 2007 and Serie A in 2004 after joining them in 2001 from Juventus.
source:bbcsports
