Thursday, 16th May, 2013
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Carlo Ancelotti has rebuffed talk that he was approached by retiring Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as his replacement at Old Trafford, adding that such speculation is a "joke".
The 71-year-old Glaswegian has decided to call time on his long and illustrious managerial career, announcing no more than eight days ago that he will be retiring at the end of the season, although he will stay at the club as ambassador and director.
The news sparked a media frenzy, not only because of the overwhelming response by various big names in football, but also because of much speculation as to who would replace him.
Indeed, Ancelotti is believed to have been one of the names on Ferguson’s shortlist of preferred successors. However, the Italian manager turned down the offer, forcing the Scotsman to suggest Everton boss David Moyes to the Old Trafford hierarchy instead.
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But Ancelotti believes the news has been written in bad taste, telling L’Equipe, "Ferguson has offered me a job in Manchester? That’s a joke."
The PSG boss also expressed his confusion at the report, adding, "I can’t understand these rumours. I can’t understand why anyone would think that Ferguson would actually call me personally to talk about taking over at Manchester United."
The Italian manager explained that while he did meet with Ferguson once in the past few weeks, it was to discuss some things involving the UEFA Elite Coaches’ Forum.
"I did speak with Ferguson but it was to organise a coaches’ meeting to be held on 24th May, before the final of the Champions League. It’s about the UEFA Elite Coaches’ Forum, which takes place once a year in Geneva", Ancelotti insisted.
The Italian manager, nevertheless, is also touted to replace wantaway Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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