Chelsea to review Ancelotti´s future

Carlo Ancelotti’s position at Chelsea will come under review at season’s end, despite his contract lasting until the end of 2012.

The Londoners have endured a turbulent season, which saw the board sack assistant manager Ray Wilkins in November, after which they took just six points in seven league games to effectively surrender their English Premier League title.

Chief executive at Stamford Bridge, Ron Gourlay, said the board would not rush into a decision on the Italian boss’ future.

“Carlo has a contract until end of 2012. Let’s see where we are at the end of May then we’ll judge the coach and other people at the football club,” Gourlay told the BBC.

With Chelsea able to win just the Champions League this campaign – mathematically they can win the Premier League also but it is unlikely – Gourlay said they would dissect their manager’s position given the amount of money riding on success for the Londoners.

“We understand it’s difficult to win trophies every year. However, we also know it’s very important for the club to be competing in (the) latter stages,” he said.

“We’ve invested lot of money in the academy and in the playing side. This is a pressure you have to live with day-to-day if you want to be at Chelsea.”

Gourlay said the signings of Fernando Torres and David Luiz proved owner Roman Abramovich’s intentions of remaining a force in both English and European football.

“Money is available for strengthening and with one eye on the future. We’re driven if there are the correct players available at the right time. Fernando and David became available at the right time and therefore the process kicked in,” he said.