Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti says he'll promote from within to replace Ray Wilkins.

The 54-year-old was given his marching orders by chief executive Ron Gourlay in a meeting that had been organised earlier that morning.

But as the focus switched to a replacement for Wilkins, the Italian coach confirmed the club are not looking to appoint anyone from outside the club.

"I read in the Italian papers that I want to take Italian assistants, but this is not true," confirmed Ancelotti.

"I have fantastic assistants in Paul Clement and Steve Holland. I have a lot of assistants within the club. It will be someone from within, not from outside. I'm sure it won't be an Italian.

"I have a fantastic relationship with Ray and I'll maintain that. I don't have a problem. He doesn't have a problem. The club has made a decision.

"We will maintain the same kind of training at the club. We don't want to change it. We have a possibility to continue to work how we worked last season. I think the staff are able to maintain the same job without Ray.

"Nobody will forget what Ray did for this club. No one would. I don't think this decision shows disrespect for Ray. Everyone has respect for Ray."