PSG rejected Real approach for Ancelotti

Posted Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Paris St Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi claims the club have rejected an approach from Real Madrid for the services of their coach Carlo Ancelotti.

PSG secured their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Lyon and Al-Khelaifi was today keen to emphasise that Ancelotti should stay at the Parc des Princes after a season in which his future has been the subject of constant speculation.

In an interview with L'Equipe, Al-Khelaifi said: "If Carlo Ancelotti left Paris, it would be a problem."

The Qatari businessman claimed Real Madrid, who are expected to require a replacement for Jose Mourinho this summer, had contacted him last week to ask about Ancelotti but were rebuffed.

"A few days ago, the general manager of Real Madrid (Jose Angel Sanchez) contacted me to talk to (Ancelotti).

"Very quickly, I told them: 'If you want to have Carlo, you need to know that he has a year left on his contract, so please respect the contract.

"We respect all clubs, we expect the same in return. Today [Monday\ we do not have the same stature as Real Madrid, but we do deserve the same respect'.

"He apologised and told me he had thought Ancelotti's contract was expiring but I told him that was wrong and that Carlo has another year with us. He told me they would take that into account."

Former AC Milan and Chelsea manager Ancelotti has been in charge of PSG since December 2011. He took over with PSG in first place but could only manage second place in his first season in charge, before winning the title at the second attempt.

He also took them to the quarter-finals of the Champions League where they fell to Barcelona on the away goals rule, having drawn both legs of the tie.

Speculation about Ancelotti's future has never gone away however, something Al-Khelaifi now wants to end.

"We want to keep Carlo," he said. "Everyone loves it here, the players, the fans, myself, I love it. I have supported him since the day he arrived and I will support him until his last day here. I am very optimistic (he will stay)."

Such thoughts were echoed by striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who pledged his own future to PSG and called on the club to retain Ancelotti.

"He did a fantastic job this year," he said. "This is a very good coach who teaches us a lot.

"He has advanced us further during a season that has not been easy. We lost Nick Broad (the club's performance manager, killed in a car accident) in January, do not forget that.

"It was a very difficult time for the team, for everyone. It was tough mentally, he was very important to us. This victory is for him. To win after all we've been through, it's even harder."

Addressing questions about his own future, Ibrahimovic said: "I'm very happy here. My start here in Paris has been perfect. I could not ask for more.

"Now I'll do my best to defend the title. I have a two-year contract. I am a professional and I respect the contracts."

After the match, Ancelotti insisted his team were worthy champions and reflected on a job well done throughout the season.

"We have fulfilled the goal of winning Ligue 1 and going far in the Champions League," he said.

"The team did a good job. They were very professional, even the replacements.

"This is a title that has the same place in my heart as all the others I've earned. These are all great memories. I'm very happy."

PSG celebrated in Lyon on Sunday before returning to the capital on Monday, but they made the journey without sporting director
Leonardo, who was taken to hospital as a precaution after complaining of feeling ill shortly before the club plane was due to leave.