During a press conference before his team’s match against Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday night,
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts on Chelsea’s current situation and whether he would consider returning to the club as their next manager after the departure of Graham Potter.
At present, Frank Lampard, who was a player under Ancelotti during his time at Stamford Bridge, is temporarily managing the Blues as the club searches for a permanent replacement for Potter.
Frank Lampard is currently serving his second managerial stint at Chelsea, the club where he played for 12 years.
He previously managed the club from August 2019 to January 2021. However, Lampard’s return to Chelsea did not begin as he had hoped, as his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
This result has contributed to Chelsea’s poor form, with the team having won only three of their last ten games, which is hardly ideal form heading into a match against the current European champions.
The upcoming quarter-final will mark the third time that Real Madrid has faced Chelsea in the Champions League within the last three years.
Chelsea defeated the Spanish giants on their way to winning the tournament in 2021, but Real Madrid managed to exact revenge against the English club in the following year.
However, Real Madrid will face a significantly different Chelsea team this time around.
The club is currently in a state of upheaval, with Lampard being the third manager to take charge this season.
Chelsea is currently positioned at the 11th spot in the league table, and their only way to qualify for the Champions League next season is by winning this year’s competition.
In addition to their Champions League campaign, Chelsea is also seeking to appoint a new manager behind the scenes.
While Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique are reportedly the front-runners for the role, Ancelotti’s name has also been mentioned.
The Italian coach previously managed the west London club for two years from 2009 to 2011, during which time he led the team to a Premier League title.
ESPNreportedearlier this week that he was being considered for a return to the club, but Ancelotti dismissed these reports earlier today.
A reporter asked the coach at his press conference if he was sad to see his former club closer to the bottom of the table than the top.
He then followed up that question by asking if he would ever consider going back, a question that brought a smile to the Italian’s face.
“Again?” he said while chuckling.
“I am sad yes. I have fantastic memories of this club and the people that are still working there.
“I am a supporter of Chelsea, of course. Because I spent two really nice years there.
“Be back? No. I hope that Lampard is able to do a fantastic job with them.”
That being sai, Ancelotti will be hoping his former club aren’t so fantastic that they knock Madrid out of the competition entirely.
Ancelotti speaks about Chelsea’s situation
🗣️ “I am sad… I am a supporter of Chelsea!” 💙
Carlo Ancelotti is asked whether he would ever return to Stamford Bridge 👔 pic.twitter.com/ONU2zl6Jww
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 11, 2023
It will not just be Ancelotti coming up against his former team on Wednesday night, but also Germany centre-back Rudiger, who signed for Madrid from Chelsea in the summer.
The defender played for the Blues for five years, winning the Europa League, Champions League, and an FA Cup among other trophies.