Carlo Ancelotti not ruling anything out as Bayern Munich boss receives criticism

Posted Saturday, September 16, 2017 by PA

Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti has refused to rule out leaving the club before the end of his current contract as speculation over his future intensifies ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Mainz.

Bayern have made a faltering start to the new season, losing 2-0 at Hoffenheim last weekend before their midweek Champions League win over Anderlecht was marred by Franck Ribery's angry reaction to being substituted late on.

Ancelotti, whose current deal expires in June 2019, said he had "no problem" with Ribery, who is expected to keep his place against Mainz, but was less clear on his own position.

Ancelotti told a press conference: "I am happy to be here and I hope to remain until the end of my contract, but if I do not, I have to find a different solution.

"I had a good time in England, but also in France, Spain and Italy. I've never been to China, so i do not know where my future is, but I'm not worried."

The Italian's position has come under increasing scrutiny after the loss at Hoffenheim and any slip against Mainz - the last team to win in Munich on March 2016 - would add to the pressure.

A combative Ancelotti admitted: "We are not at our top level but we have the chance to improve quickly. We have to gain intensity and when a number of players come back we will be on a good level.

"I do not have to answer to people who criticise our tactics and our philosophy. I thank them for the advice and I invite those people to come to a big party where we can talk extensively about tactical things."

Mainz, who shrugged off their poor start to the current campaign by gaining their first win 3-1 over Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday, have doubts over Yoshinori Muto and Danny Latza.

Mainz coach Sandro Schwarz told a press conference: We will have to wait and see (on the pair). If we want to get a result then we will have to produce a top performance and Bayern a less good one."