Carlo Ancelotti laughs off the idea of managing Chelsea 'again' ahead of Champions League clash

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has laughed off the suggestion that he may return to manage Chelsea, in his recent press conference.

The Italian head coach is preparing to take on his former side in their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday night, at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And, ahead of the clash, Ancelotti asked whether there was any scope for him to return to Stamford Bridge in the future - given their recent change in management.

The Blues parted ways with first-team coach Graham Potter last week and turned their attention to club legend Frank Lampard, who is now caretaker manager.

And, despite a rocky tenure in charge of the Blues first-time round, Ancelotti has backed Lampard to have success in the west London dugout.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti was asked for his views on Chelsea's current situation, to which he said: 'I am sad, yes. I have a fantastic memory 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.'

Ancelotti then addressed the suggestion that he could return to west London at some point. 'Be back? No. I hope Lampard is able to do a fantastic job with them.'

Chelsea legend Lampard spent a year-and-a-half in charge of the Blues from July 2019 until January 2021, before taking over on an interim basis last week.

The 44-year-old has been called upon to help steady Chelsea's rocky form of late, with their crucial clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League coming up.

However, Lampard did not get off to the start that he would've desired, after his side were beaten 1-0 by Wolves on the weekend.

Matheus Nunes' first-half strike was enough to separate the two sides and earn Julen Lopetegui's team all three points on the afternoon.

Ancelotti, on the other hand, spent two years at Chelsea between July 2009 and May 2011 before leaving for other ventures.

During that time, he won a Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield with the west London outfit.

Since leaving the Blues in 2011, Ancelotti has gone on to manage PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid (twice).

This season, he's helped his side climb to second in the LaLiga table and will be looking to build on that with a win over Chelsea in Europe.