Five PL destinations for Carlo Ancelotti after revealing return date

Having been dismissed by Real Madrid this summer, Carlo Ancelotti has recently outlined his desire to return to management as early as January next year and reiterated his dream of working the Premier League once again.

The Italian is one of the finest coaches in world football, having also tasted huge success with other European giants PSG, AC Milan and Juventus during his managerial career, being one of only two bosses to have lifted the European Cup three times, alongside Bob Paisley.

Liverpool looked at the possibility of hiring the esteemed leader before eventually acquiring Jurgen Klopp as Brendan Rodgers’ successor, but Ancelotti revealed his hope of swiftly returning to England, potentially in January.

“I would like to go back to the Premier League. It is the ideal environment not for football, but for the ‘game’ around football,” he revealed.

“You can work there with the right amount of pressure and with the necessary detachment and calm. Before I retire, I’d like to have another experience in England.

“The vacation continues at least until the end of the year, then I’ll start again. Where will I go? Where they call me. I will talk, evaluate and then decide. Up until a few weeks ago I was scared someone would call, but now the return is getting closer.

“Unless something strange happens. I am ready to get back on the bike in January.”

Following his comments, here are five possible destinations in England for the talented coach next year.

Arsenal
Arsene Wenger is the longest serving manager currently still in England’s top-flight, but many fans have called for the Frenchman to finally step aside, so could Ancelotti be the Gunners’ new man in their dug-out next year?

However, it would likely take a mammoth collapse in form and fortunes for Wenger to be dismissed before then, as they currently sit in second position behind leaders Manchester City and are 9/4 with Coral for a title triumph.

Chelsea
Between 2009 and 2011, Ancelotti led reigning Premier League champions Chelsea to a title victory and an FA Cup coup, winning over the admiration of both players and fans.

With the Stamford Bridge faithful having truly respected the Italian during his reign, and current boss Jose Mourinho currently struggling, this out-of-work coach could sensationally return to north London to revive the Blues’ bid to reclaim their domestic crown.

Man City
When asked who he thought would win the Premier League this season, Ancelotti answered: “Manchester City, because they have the strongest team, they have exceptional quality.” Such a comment could be interpreted differently, but clearly the former Chelsea boss likes the look of the Sky Blues set-up.

Manuel Pellegrini recently penned a new deal at the Etihad, but the chance to acquire Ancelotti may be too good to turn down in January, if that opportunity came along, for a club that usually holds a revolving door policy when it comes to managerial appointments.

Man Utd
Louis van Gaal has categorically stated that he will depart his role at Old Trafford in 2017 to spend time with his family, after a long and successful career, but the entertaining Dutchman is a complex character that could just as easily depart a lot earlier than expected.

The Red Devils are 8/1 to lift the Premier League trophy this season, but could it actually be Ancelotti leading United towards silverware success in the coming months rather than Van Gaal?

Southampton
Since being re-established as a top-flight outfit, Southampton have gone from strength to strength, with Ronald Koeman the latest high-profile ex-player to have taken charge at St Mary’s on the south coast.

Ancelotti likes a challenge, and what bigger one than to turn a side presently searching for European places into one targeting the title itself?

There’s also the increased speculation that Koeman will soon take charge of the Dutch national side, after their recent struggles in Euro 2016 qualifying, potentially leaving the door open for Ancelotti.

Watch this space, as the prestigious Italian boss prepares to embark on another stint in England.