Ancelotti appearance sparks rumours

The presence of ex-Juventus coach Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu on Wednesday has fuelled rumours that he could replace Vicente del Bosque.

Ancelotti, under whom Zinedine Zidane played for two-and-a-half years in Turin, was attending Real's Champions League match with Lokomotiv in his capacity as a radio commentator. With del Bosque apparently finding it difficult to fit 'Zizou' into his side –and in view of the Whites' poor league run – it has been suggested that the Italian may be in line to take over from del Bosque at the Bernabeu.

On the subject of Zidane, Ancelotti told Libredirecto's website that he did not think Zidane was the problem. And he added that as soon as the French ace strikes up an understanding with Luis Figo and Raul, Real will be "the strongest team in the world."

Talk of Ancelotti signing for Real has been refused by the man himself, with him stating that he has had absolutely no contact with the Spanish giants, despite him wanting the job.

Ancelotti said: "Unfortunately, I’ve had no meeting with Real. But obviously it's every manager’s dream to work for them."