Ancelotti hints at possible San Siro exit

Ancelotti hints at possible San Siro exit

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has sparked fresh speculation over his future by hinting he is unlikely to remain at the San Siro indefinitely.

Ancelotti is expected to be a Chelsea target in the summer when Dutch coach Guus Hiddink departs to concentrate on his full-time role with the Russia national side.

Hiddink agreed to take on the role of temporary coach at Stamford Bridge until the summer and Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has already made it clear the club are planning for life without the Dutchman.

Hiddink has made a massive impact at Stamford Bridge since taking over from sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari in February.

The Blues have lost just one game under his managerial tenure but the Dutchman has always maintained he will leave in the summer despite numerous players urging him to stay.

Ancelotti was linked with the post on a permanent basis before Chelsea opted to appoint Hiddink as a stop-gap measure.

However, the AC Milan coach is expected to top the West London club's hit list in the summer.

Speaking to Il Corriere dello Sport, Ancelotti said: ''Of course, I will not coach Milan forever... anything is possible.

''I would like to say goodbye with a hug, but now is not the time and our working relationship is completely in tune.''

But in another twist, Ancelotti then named Hiddink as his managerial idol.

''I have always said that my foreign idol is Guus Hiddink, who has done well wherever he has gone.''

Meanwhile Buck insists the club are already looking beyond Hiddink because they cannot afford to wait until November to see if Russia qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Hiddink has a clause in his contract that allows him to walk away from the national job if they fail to reach the finals. They are currently second in group four behind leaders Germany.

The Dutchman is expected to meet officials in Moscow tomorrow to discuss matters but Buck said: ''The situation is the same as it was when he came. We are planning on that basis.''

Soccernet.