There is a nice ringing to it — Ancelotti on Chelsea interest

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed rumors linking him to the vacant Chelsea managerial position. The Italian, along with Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, has been linked with the job after Frank Lampard, the current caretaker manager, departs at the end of the season.

Ancelotti spoke to Radio Rai 1 ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Chelsea on Wednesday. He said, “There is a nice saying which is just right: the wind carries away the chatter. And that is it, I have a contract until June 30, 2024, and I would like to respect it.”

The 61-year-old was previously the manager of Chelsea between 2009 and 2011, leading the club to a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season. He was sacked the following year after finishing second in the league behind Manchester United.

Ancelotti has a successful track record, having won three Champions League titles as a manager with AC Milan and Real Madrid. He returned to Real Madrid for his second spell in June 2021 after a two-year stint at Everton.

Chelsea have not yet appointed a permanent replacement for the job, with Lampard who was sacked in January 2021 after a poor run of form returning to the role as interim manager. Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter had since managed the Blues with Tuchel the most successful in that period.

Ancelotti’s statement will come as a relief to Real Madrid fans, who will hope to see the Italian continue his work with the team after securing their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga, level on points with leaders Atletico Madrid.