The Italian Job

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It wasn't exactly a surprise but Carlo Ancelotti was yesterday unveiled as the new Chelsea manager. Ancelotti replaces Russia coach Guus Hiddink, who ended his three month reign winning the FA Cup Saturday. Hiddink had become a popular figure at the Bridge so incoming manager Ancelotti has a big act to follow!

Ancelotti has stated that winning the Champions League will be his priority, he has an impressive record in the competition so hopefully he will succeed. As a manager he guided AC Milan to Champions League final victories in 2003 and 2007, as well as winning it twice as a player. Ancelotti has been given a three year contract and formally starts as manager on July 1st. He becomes the club's fifth manager in 21 months following Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink. Hopefully he will be given the time to build a team capable of challenging in all competitions although I feel we are almost there now!

Manager

Club honours

Juventus

• Intertoto Cup: 1999

Milan

• Coppa Italia: 2002–03
• Serie A: 2003–04
• Italian Supercup: 2004
• UEFA Champions League: 2002–03, 2006–07
• UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2007
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2007

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