Carlo Ancelotti expects to leave Chelsea this season, it has been revealed. The Mail on Sunday says Ancelotti's relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is said to have broken down irretrievably and the Chelsea manager still expects to depart the club at the end of the season, if not before.
Although Ancelotti spoke with the Russian owner by telephone on Wednesday night after the 1-0 defeat by Marseille and says that he was reassured by the conversation - claiming he trusts Abramovich and that their relationship remains 'constant' - those close to the Chelsea manager say they fear the bond between the two is irreparably broken.
Ancelotti now faces a 16-day spell which even he admits will define the club's season, with matches against Tottenham away today, Manchester United at home next weekend and Arsenal away on December 27.
It could result in his dismissal before the year is out if all three are lost.
