Carlo Ancelotti: Real Madrid boss ‘sad’ to see Chelsea struggling, rules out returning to Premier League club

Carlo Ancelotti says he is “sad” to see Chelsea’s recent difficulties but has backed Frank Lampard to succeed at the club.

The Real Madrid manager won the Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea in 2010, but will go up against his former club in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Chelsea hired Lampard, Ancelotti’s former vice-captain, on an interim basis last week following the departure of Graham Potter on April 2.

The London club have spent over £530m on players this season, but sit in 11th in the Premier League table and are unlikely to qualify for a European spot next season.

Ancelotti believes Lampard will do well as their manager, but has also ruled out returning to the club himself on a full-time basis.

“I am sad to see them [like this], of the people that are still working there,” he told reporters.

“I am a supporter of Chelsea, I spent two fantastic years there. Would I go back? No. I don’t think so. I think and I hope that Lampard will do a fantastic job.

“I have 20 more years of experience but this is not going to change what is to going influence what happens in the game.

“He is a fantastic manager, extraordinary professional and in this case I don’t think it [the experience] will be of much use.

“The truth is that he arrived a week ago and he is aware of how these games can go. He will do well in the time he stays at Chelsea.”

Ancelotti has previously stated he wants to finish his contract at Real Madrid which expires in 2024.

Real Madrid faced Chelsea in the Champions League at the same stage last year which the La Liga club won 5-4 on aggregate. However, Real did lose the second leg 3-2 at home.

Ancelotti says his side will be wary of the threat Chelsea pose.

“We had a very bad time here [last season] and we have to respect Chelsea,” he added.

“They’re not going through a good moment but they have a very good team. Sometimes when you’re [at your] worst, you bring out the best.”