Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed any suggestion that he could become Chelsea's new manager.
The AC Milan coach issued an unequivocal statement this evening pledging his
loyalty to the Serie A side for the foreseeable future.
'I'm staying at AC Milan for sure, and for many seasons to come,' the Italian
said.
'I've not spoken to anyone at Chelsea - any other reports are football talk
and pure speculation.'
Ancelotti's words followed hot on the heels of Chelsea's own denial of reports
that they had made an approach for the double Champions League winner and agreed
terms for him to take over.
He was strongly linked with the Stamford Bridge post this afternoon amid
suggestions his advisors have reached a settlement with the Blues over a move to
England.
But both Chelsea and Milan refuted claims that he could be in line to replace
the sacked Avram Grant.
'Contrary to reports Chelsea Football Club has not reached agreement with any
individual to become manager, nor have we sought permission from any
organisation to talk to their manager,' a Chelsea statement read.
'We are extremely happy how our search is progressing.'
AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, meanwhile, denied Ancelotti met
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich during a visit to Paris yesterday.
The Rossoneri boss was reported to have met the Russian at the Four Seasons
hotel in the French capital to discuss terms to take over at the west London
club, but Galliani has been assured by Ancelotti the reports are incorrect.
'I have spoken to Ancelotti and can confirm that he was in Paris on Monday,
but not to meet Abramovich,' Galliani said.
'That is something he has denied expressively. He was in Paris on his own
business.
'Ancelotti is coach of Milan and will continue to be so.'
The 48-year-old is under contract with Milan until 2010.
The Serie A club are keen to keep hold of the coach despite his lack of
silverware this season and him failing to secure Champions League
qualification.
New Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho would not reveal whether he thought
Ancelotti would be the right man to take the position he occupied until seven
months ago, and insisted his former employer knows what he is doing.
'Ancelotti is a great coach and Chelsea is a big club with great players, but
Abramovich has better experience of football at the moment than when he started
with Chelsea and I don't think he needs any other opinion,' Mourinho said at
his unveiling today.
'I cannot say if Ancelotti wants to move there or not, or whether Milan are
open to the offer or closed.
'All I can say is that I support Chelsea and wish the best to whoever does
take over.'
Ancelotti has won the Champions League twice with Milan and his European
experience is particularly desirable to Chelsea, who lost the final of this
year's elite club competition on penalties to Manchester United.
