Bayern Munich, Clubs, German Bundesliga, Story


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MUNICH — Carlo Ancelotti has said he plans to see out his Bayern Munich contract, insisting “it’s not time to stop” despite increased speculation that he could leave the German champions.

On Wednesday, a source told ESPN FC that the 58-year-old would seek a return to the Premier League if Bayern triggered a break clause in his three-year contract next summer.

The break clause could prompt Bayern to make a change if Ancelotti fails to challenge for the Champions League title. Bayern went out in the quarterfinals to eventual winners Real Madrid last season.

But speaking at a news conference ahead of the Bundesliga game against Mainz, Ancelotti said he was happy to stay on for the full length of his deal.

“I prefer not to speak about my contract, but I can say my contract ends on June 30 2019,” he said.

Asked about the links to England, he added: “I want to say I am happy to be here and stay until the end of my contract.

“I hope to continue here but, after that, if I am not here I have to find another solution. I was in England for two years; I had a good experience and have good memories of this period.

“But I also can say I was in France [with PSG] too, with a good experience and good memories. And I was in Spain too with good experience and good memories — and I was also in Italy and Italy is my country.

Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti has given no clues on where he plans to continue his career after his Bayern contract ends.

After coming under increased pressure in recent weeks, Ancelotti had recently blasted rumours that he could leave for China in the winter as “a joke,” but would not rule out that country as an option.

“I have never been in China — just for a few days this summer [on Bayern’s preseason tour], so you never know what will happen in the future,” he said.

“I don’t know which [country] will be my future. At this moment, I am not worried about this; I want to continue to do my job for a long time. It’s not time to stop.”

Ancelotti also confirmed he had cleared the air with Bayern’s longest-serving player, Franck Ribery, who took his time leaving from the far end of the pitch after being substituted against Anderlect on Tuesday, avoiding Ancelotti before launching his shirt into the substitutes’ bench.

“I spoke with him — everything is fine and there’s no problem,” Ancelotti said. “There was an incident but I understand this. We spoke yesterday, no problem.”

Mark Lovell covers Bayern Munich for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter: @LovellLowdown.



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