Scolari Sacked: Chelsea want Carlo Ancelotti as Next Manager

Desperate Chelsea last night began a frantic search to find somebody willing to keep the manager’s seat warm for Carlo Ancelotti.

Luiz Felipe Scolari was sensationally sacked after just seven months by Roman Abramovich when the owner made a lunchtime visit to the club’s Cobham training headquarters.

And as Scolari cleared his desk and walked out, Chelsea were left seeking a caretaker to tide them over until the end of the season.

Former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini, ex-Barcelona chief Frank Rijkaard and Scolari’s predecessor Avram Grant are all understood to be on the shortlist to get the Blues through to the end of the campaign – alongside Russia coach Guus Hiddink.

But as the club admitted it was looking to make an “interim” appointment, AC Milan boss Ancelotti appeared to be Abramovich’s preferred option for the long-term role.

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Abramovich, accompanied by chief lieutenant Eugene Tenenbaum and chairman Bruce Buck, broke the news to Scolari in a brief meeting at Cobham.

Chelsea stated: “Felipe has brought many positives to the club since he joined and we all feel a sense of sadness that our relationship has ended so soon. Unfortunately, the results and performances appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.

“In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.”

Scolari said briefly: “I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked for Chelsea.

“I wish Chelsea luck in the three competitions they are participating in.”

Ancelotti, who was linked with Chelsea last summer, is understood to be ready to quit the San Siro after eight years at the end of the season.

( Martin Lipton Chief Football Writer / Mirror )