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David Beckham pleads with Carlo Ancelotti to snub Chelsea
Simon Johnson19 May 2009
DAVID BECKHAM says Carlo Ancelotti is one of the best managers he has ever worked with and is desperate for him not to leave AC Milan for Chelsea.
Ancelotti is Chelsea's first choice to become their next permanent manager but has yet to confirm if he will move to Stamford Bridge.
Fresh doubts over the switch emerged today with reports that Chelsea are reluctant to recruit assistant coaches Mauro Tassotti and Filippo Galli alongside the Italian.
And Beckham, whose career has been rejuvenated since joining AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in January, is still hopeful that the 49-year-old will remain in charge at the San Siro.
The England star may be returning to LA Galaxy at the end of the Serie A season but will look to rejoin Milan on loan again in eight months' time.
Beckham said: "Carlo Ancelotti's man-management skills are absolutely exceptional and he is a brilliant coach. To have played under a manager of his quality is a real privilege. He is one of the greats of the game. I have been lucky in my career to play under a few of the best in the business and he certainly comes into that category.
"I just wish I had been able to play for him for many more years - it's been a lot of fun. That's not just me saying that, that's not just my opinion. Every one of the Milan players loves him, adores him and doesn't want him to go. They are pleading with him to stay.
"I know wherever he goes and whatever he does he will always have my admiration and respect. For me he is simply unbelievable, a great man and a great manager.”
However, if Chelsea do succeed in appointing Ancelotti at the club, Beckham has warned their players not to take him lightly.
He added in the Sun: “He is a low key, private person but there is another side to him. While I have never had the hairdryer' type treatment from him I have seen it from him. When he wants to get his point across, believe me, he does it in no uncertain terms.
“He is a manager who commands and demands respect.”
Chelsea may have to wait until next month to secure Ancelotti's signature, given the ongoing issue over backroom staff.
While Ancelotti would be keen for first-team coach Galli and fellow trusted assistant Tassotti to join him from Milan, Chelsea would prefer him to work with existing coaches Ray Wilkins and Paul Clement.
Tassotti, a former Milan defender, has worked with Ancelotti since he began his reign in Milan eight years ago. Another ex-Milan player, Galli started his coaching his career with the club's youth team before being promoted to a first-team role this season.
Reader views (12)
As England captain this preening celebrity did not win one piece of silverware for our country. He exemplifies everything that went wrong with our national game under Sven and the subsequent WAGs culture. Now he is our front man trying to help bring the World Cup to the UK in 2018. His loyalty to his home country was shattered when he went to the USA and now he's trying to stop a top manager going to an English club. Speaks volumes.
- Ricky, Hackney, London, 19/05/2009 21:01
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#Barry Chapman
You wish. Beckham is fed up, not hard up!
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 19/05/2009 17:17
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Kerry, you have just said exactly what I would have written. Well done mate
- Jaberwokie3, switzerland, 19/05/2009 16:39
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Beckham says the same about everyone.
- Ted, London, 19/05/2009 16:20
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Beckham only wants Ancelotti to stay at ACM because it's the only place that will give the washed up has been a game. Poor old Becks has one season at most, then it's the dreaded League one to see out his twilight years, that or back to the USA pub team league.
- Kerry, Purley, 19/05/2009 14:55
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My worry is, if he was daft enough to take Beckham to Milan, he might be daft enough to bring him to Chelsea.
- Barry Chapman, Welwyn England, 19/05/2009 14:07
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Beckham is better than most, when he plays on one leg.
How short the memories of some people are?
How many others put back into youth football, that Beckham has; and with his own money etc.
He has been a credit to English football; plus he is actually English; well a Londoner at least; which is not quiet the same thing today.
- Mickyinlondon, london, 19/05/2009 13:51
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Beckham would be a nodding dog. He could use Vicky Beckham as the corner flag.
- Maureen Turner, chelmsford essex, 19/05/2009 13:10
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Ancelotti don't go to Chelsea,but come to Juventus so we can win somethings next year!
- Andrea, Santa Giustina in colle (PD Italy), 19/05/2009 12:25
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Beckham is over the hill and as for the England manager job for a world cup that is a better joke than the fools in the house of commons
- Terry Chambers, London, 19/05/2009 12:17
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fresh - hit the nail on the head..
- Joanna, london, 19/05/2009 11:47
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Of course he wouldn't want him to go. With Ancelotti there Beckham can probably still get a game for Milan, and then be in the frame for an England World Cup place.
With him gome, he can't be certain to figure, and then his England place would be very doubtful.
- Fresh, LONDON, 19/05/2009 10:56
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