Italy legend Franco Baresi urges Roman Abramovich to keep Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea

Franco Baresi (Getty Images)

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Italy legend Franco Baresi has praised his friend and countryman Carlo Ancelotti and urged Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to be patient as speculation continues to surround the manager’s future.

Manchester United’s wrapped up the title with a draw away at Blackburn on Saturday, providing the final confirmation of a trophyless end to a disappointing season at Stamford Bridge, and rumours are rife that Ancelotti will pay for the club’s poor performance with his job.

A number of top coaches have already been touted as possible replacements for Ancelotti, with Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten, Porto coach Andre Villas Boas and Turkey manager Guus Hiddink, who had a caretaker spell in charge of the Blues in 2009, all thought to be in the running.

But Baresi, who played alongside Ancelotti for five years at AC Milan, believes Chelsea already have the best man for the job.

Speaking at the launch of one of the Italian giants’ soccer schools in Hong Kong, the 50-year-old told Fifa.com: “If I was to give advice to Roman Abramovich, I’d say, ‘Keep Ancelotti’.”

“Ancelotti did a great job in the first season, winning the double. This year has been a bit up and down, but he’s a good coach.

“He’s got one more year on his contract left and I think he can finish the job well next season.”