CHELSEA reportedly still rate Carlo Ancelotti highly amid speculation over Antonio Conte’s future.
Ancelotti ruled the roost at Chelsea for two years earlier in his career between 2009 and 2011.
During that time the Italian established himself as one of the best managers in the Premier League, scooping the title and FA Cup in his first season at the job.
He was axed, however, after failing to retain the title and struggling to get the best out of Fernando Torres in 2011, with Manchester United’s dominance also contributing to his departure.
But the Mirror say Ancelotti is still held in high regard by Stamford Bridge chiefs.
Chelsea are expected to sack Conte when the season ends.
The 48-year-old steered the Blues to the title at the first time of asking after being appointed Jose Mourinho’s permanent successor in the summer of 2016.
But with Chelsea falling well behind Manchester City in the race for the title, a parting of the ways could be on the cards.
Ancelotti is an obvious candidate to take over given his Chelsea history.
And the 58-year-old has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich back in October.
But the Mirror say Chelsea would still prefer to appoint Luis Enrique.
Enrique’s stock is high after he left Barcelona in the summer having won the lot during his three years at the helm.
And it appears the Spaniard has the backing of Chelsea chief Roman Abramovich.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry has defended Conte over his decision to tackle the Chelsea hierarchy on transfers.
“I think he’s trying to tell us that he doesn’t have any power somehow on transfers,” he said.
“He does improve players. Chelsea do not do it the way the other big clubs do it at times, but they’ve been successful.”
Source:www.express.co.uk