Ancelotti happy on English turf

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he wants to remain in England, despite strong interest from former club Roma.

Ancelotti was sacked after just two seasons in charge at Stamford Bridge, stunning many who thought the Italian had done enough to earn a reprieve by leading Chelsea to a second-place finish in the English Premier League.

But that was not enough for ruthlessly ambitious Blues boss Roman Abramovich, who is reportedly hell-bent on winning the Champions League and would not be swayed.

Even before his sacking Ancelotti had been linked with a return to Roma, following Claudio Ranieri’s resignation in February.

But the 51-year-old said he has not been in contact with his former club, and said his priority was securing another managerial position in the Premier League.

“I have not had contact with (Roma); I still have to resolve my contract with Chelsea,” Ancelotti told Italy’s Sky Sports 24.

“My intention is to remain in England. I have spent two beautiful years here, I have felt really comfortable and I want to remain here.”

“I am in no hurry to find an immediate solution. Since 1995 up to now, I’ve only had a minor break, because I’ve always coached.”

“Therefore, this would be an opportunity to update myself, see new things, and face new challenges with a different experience.”

Newly promoted Queens Park Rangers are the frontrunners to secure Ancelotti’s services should he remain in England.

QPR co-owner Flavio Briatore was forced to publicly back manager Neil Warnock this week, amid reports he was to be sacked and replaced with the Italian.

Meanwhile, another man to have felt the sting of Abramovich’s ambition has criticised the owner for sacking Ancelotti.

Ray Wilkins, the former coach at Stamford Bridge whose sacking reportedly left Ancelotti on the brink of resigning, believes the Italian’s failure to win the Champions League hastened his downfall.

“It wasn’t a big surprise but I’m slightly disappointed for Carlo,” Wilkins told the BBC.

“To win the double one year and come second the next, it does seem a bit harsh. But football doesn’t surprise me anymore.”

“The owners are looking to win the Holy Grail – and the Champions League is that as far as Chelsea is concerned.”

“The (next) guy is going to be some sort of magician if he comes in and wins it first time. They’re giving it a good blast to win it – but it’s not easy to win it at all.”