Carlo Ancelotti has left the Liverpool job to Jurgen Klopp after ruling himself out of a return to management this season.

The 56-year-old Italian is currently out of coaching work following his exit from Real Madrid last summer but was being linked with a possible move to Anfield in the wake of Brendan Rodgers' sacking.

Ancelotti had emerged as one of two prime candidates for the Reds job but he has effectively given former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp a clear pathway to the hot seat by revealing that he will not be back in the management game until next season.

"I enjoy my time now but, of course, I want to come back to manage - to work - because it is my passion," ex-Chelsea boss Ancelotti told the Associated Press at an event in London.

"I want to take my time to rest, but next season I am ready."