Ancelotti’s imminent Chelsea arrival is delayed further by shock Milan defeat
CARLO ANCELOTTI’S arrival as manager of Chelsea has been delayed by AC Milan’s failure to clinch a Champions League spot – although club owner Silvio Berlusconi insists he won’t stand in the Italian’s way.
The Rossoneri were expected to shed more light on Ancelotti’s move to Stamford Bridge on the assumption they beat Roma in their penultimate Serie A match, therefore sealing a top-three place.
But a shock 3-2 defeat means Milan need a point in Sunday final game at Fiorentina to secure their place – and both manager and owner refuse to discuss the matter until that is assured.
Speaking after the defeat, Ancelotti said: “The future? There’s not need to talk about this today. We will talk about this after the game in Florence.”
Berlusconi shared Ancelotti’s view but hinted the club would not stand in his way should he chose to head to west London to replace the departing Guus Hiddink.
He added: “With Carlo we decided that we will sit around a table at the end of the league and we will take a decision. We are the club that have always more respected the coaches’ will. But now we don’t talk about a decision that must be already taken.
“Let me wait for the end of the season and taking decisions that will emerge from the meeting of our will and our perspectives.”
Chelsea, meanwhile, are reportedly leading the race to sign Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic from FC Twente.
The 20-year-old has scored 12 goals for Steve McClaren’s men this season and is rated at £13.2m by the Dutch side. Chelsea, however, are holding out for £10.5m with Inter Milan also monitoring the situation.