Ancelotti close to Aston Villa appointment

[emezico]

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti could become the next Aston Villa boss on Friday, according to reports.

Ancelotti was appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2009, succeeding Guus Hiddink as the Dutchman decided against extending his six-month spell at the club.

In his first season in the Premier League, Chelsea won the Premier League and the FA Cup, the club's first ever domestic double, whilst the FA Cup victory equalled the record of winning it three times in four years.

Ancelotti lost his job, however, after the final game of last season as the team finished in second place, nine points behind leaders and league-winners Manchester United.

During this season, Chelsea went on a run that saw them fail to win in 10 matches, a run that was the club's worst since Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003.

However, the Daily Mail have reported that the Italian could be headed to Villa Park as Aston Villa owner, Randy Lerner, has apparently named Ancelotti as the man he wants.

Should Ancelotti take the Villa job, it would certainly be a very ambitious move and could be used to persuade the likes of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to stay at the club.

It is understood that Lerner will fly to Birmingham this week in order to finalize the deal that will see the former AC Milan boss succeed the unpopular Gerard Houllier.

Houllier was forced to stand down from management of the club after a health scare that saw him spend an extended period in hospital.


Source: Goal