Ancelotti Expects Jose To Stay  (Sky Sports)

Carlo Ancelotti expects Chelsea to keep faith in manager Jose Mourinho and the Italian has ruled out his own return to work before next season.

The 56-year-old, who was sacked by Real Madrid in the summer, distanced himself from the vacant Liverpool job on Tuesday after he and Jurgen Klopp were approached to succeed Brendan Rodgers.

But, on Wednesday, he was asked by Italian media about a return to Stamford Bridge to take over from the struggling Mourinho, who has won just two and lost four of his opening eight games of the season.

Ancelotti said: "Mourinho will continue to do his job. I don't think Chelsea want a change. In any case my idea continues to be to remain away from work for a year."

The Italian, who previously led Chelsea to a Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010 before being sacked in 2011, also turned down a return to AC Milan in the summer.

The former Juventus and PSG boss said he has been "without energy" after two arduous seasons at Real Madrid that included a Champions League triumph in 2014 but a trophyless campaign last year.

"Real is very consuming. Had it been another time, I would have returned to AC Milan," he said.

"After my cervical stenosis operation, I am enjoying my holidays. I am rediscovering the pleasures of being a normal person. You live better without pressure."

Ancelotti has also been linked with succeeding Antonio Conte as Italy coach after Euro 2016, but he said: "It's still not the time. What I do know is that when I return I will coach a club."