Carlo Ancelotti Favourite to Become Chelsea Manager
May 30, 2008 by CLDsport
Here at CLDsport, we have left the hearsay and rumours revolving around possible replacements to Avram Grant at Chelsea to others.
However, AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has today emerged as a sudden and unexpected favourite to take over the Chelsea hot-seat. Roman Abramovich has - reportedly - made Ancelotti his personal favourite. I think it’s fair to suggest that the Russian has a slight influence over proceedings at the club!
It’s thought that chief executive Peter Kenyon would prefer to interview others, including Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes. Other favourites include Roberto Mancini, who has just been sacked from his post at Scudetto winners Inter Milan - paving the way for Jose Mourinho to take charge.
Phil Scolari is also reported to be on the shortlist, and the news has prompted the Portuguese Football Federation to prepare an offer to extend his contract with the national team beyond Euro 2008.
Another name mentioned this week is a certain Didier Deschamps - who has decided to announce to the media that he is on Chelsea’s shortlist. To me, this looked like a desperate plea for the Frenchman to be noticed by the Stamford Bridge board.
It’s looking more than likely that Chelsea will wait until after Euro 2008 - as international managers tend to leave or lose their jobs based on their results in these tournaments.
It sure looks to be hotting up though, and it’s a mystery to who will be in the most eligible managerial job next season. It’s reported that the new manager will be the highest paid in the world, with a contract worth £6million a year and given between £80 and £100million to spend in the transfer market.
In other managerial news……
Sven Goran Eriksson still has not been officially sacked, despite strong links to the Mexico head coach position. It’s also thought that Man City may look to Avram Grant to replace the outgoing Swede.
As mentioned above, Mancini has parted company with Inter, and Mourinho is expected to be confirmed as his replacement soon.
Milan Refuse Chelsea Contact With Ancelotti
AC Milan have refused Chelsea the permission to approach Carlo Ancelotti with regards to replacing Avram Grant.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said:
“Chelsea asked for our permission and naturally everything stopped there. He and another Italian coach were at the top of Chelsea’s list.”
He continued:
“The fact that our coach is sought after and esteemed pleases me a lot but Carlo Ancelotti will remain Milan’s coach.”