Ancelotti mulls future, praises Beckham

PARIS (AFP) –

Paris Saint-Germain’s coach Carlo Ancelotti claps during the French L1 football match between Paris St Germain and Brest on May 18, 2013 at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. As Ancelotti paid fulsome tribute to the retiring David Beckham, he revealed an announcement on his own future may be imminent.

As Carlo Ancelotti paid fulsome tribute to the retiring David Beckham the Paris Saint Germain manager revealed an announcement on his own future may be imminent.

The Italian’s name has been strongly linked to taking over the reins at Real Madrid if as has been widely documented Jose Mourinho leaves the Bernabeu for a second stint at Chelsea.

Ancelotti revealed he would be discussing his plans with PSG’s Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi.

“In the next few days we’ll be meeting to talk about the future,” revealed Ancelotti after Beckham’s emotional final home game for the French champions at the Parc des Princes on Saturday night.

The former Chelsea, AC Milan and Juventus manager is under contract with PSG until 2014, but has been courted by Real as successor to Mourinho.

He added: “If everything is clear we’ll be in a position to announce the news without any problem.

“As for now, I’m not thinking about it, I’m concentrating on celebrating the league title. When the party is over we’re going to think about the future.”

Last week Ancelotti, who has steered PSG to their first league title in 19 years, rated his chances of staying at the Ligue1 club as “50-50″.

“Everyone knows my situation: I’ve got a contract with PSG (until 2014). If I want to leave the club I’ve got to talk to the club. I do things properly and always have done,” he stated.

On Saturday Ancelotti handed Beckham the captain’s armband for his Parc des Princes swansong – the 38-year-old’s ageing joints are unlikely to be let loose on Lorient’s artificial pitch in PSG’s closing game next weekend.

Reflecting on that decision the PSG boss said: “It was the right thing to do to choose Beckham as captain for his last match.

“All the players backed the decision. Beckham will have a lovely memory of this night.”

After a tearful Beckham walked off to a standing ovation with 10 minutes of the 3-1 win over Brest Ancelotti commented: “There was high emotion because he’s a great player who is finishing his career.

“Today he finished as an old player, tomorrow he will be perhaps a young manager.

“I’m proud of having coached a great player and professional who gave a beautiful image to the game of football.

“I respect him.”