Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea: Italian coach says club have decided to stand by Jose Mourinho
The 56-year-old Italian coach says he would have 'no problem' with a return to Stamford Bridge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out an imminent return to Chelsea and says that the club have decided to stand by under-pressure manager Jose Mourinho.
The Italian coach previously spent two seasons in charge at Stamford Bridge between 2009 and 2011, winning the Double in his first year with the club.
Ancelotti was unceremoniously dismissed immediately after a defeat at Everton on the final day of the 2010/11 season, being informed of his departure in the tunnel at Goodison Park.
Despite the manner of his exit, the former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager bears no grudge against the club and would have "no problem" managing them for a second spell.
However, he suggested that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made a decision to stand by Mourinho and ruled out a return this season.
“I would have no problem with Chelsea,” he told the Daily Mail. “But José won’t be sacked. They already choose to keep him, and I think they made a good choice.”
Mourinho is currently enduring the worst spell of his managerial career. His defending Premier League champions are 16th in the table, having lost seven of their opening 12 league games.
Despite ruling out an immediate return to Chelsea, Ancelotti reaffirmed his love of English football and intention to work in the Premier League again one day.
The three-time Champions League-winning coach also denied that he had been contacted by Liverpool earlier this season following the dismissal of Brendan Rodgers.
“I would like to come back to work in England,’ he said. "I love the football here, I still have a house in London, and I would like to be with a team that is competitive in England and in Europe.
“I think Liverpool are a good team … But I did not speak with them. If I spoke with them I can say ‘yes’, but no, I did not."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments