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Friday Kickoff: Ancelotti rules out Man United move; Berlusconi denies Milan sale reports; and more

CarloAncelottiRealMadrid4-2014 (Getty)

By DAN KARELL

In the wake of David Moyes’ firing, Manchester United are scouring the land, searching for the next club manager.

On Friday, they learned they can cross off Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s name from the list. Speaking at a press conference, Ancelotti said that while he respects Man United, he’s more than happy at the Bernabeu.

“I’m very happy at Real Madrid at the moment and I’m privileged to work for the biggest club in the world,” Ancelotti said. “I have a lot of respect for Man United and I didn’t like what happened to Moyes, but my place is here.”

Ancelotti is in his first season at Real Madrid and is still in the running to win the treble. Real Madrid have already won the Copa Del Rey and are 90 minutes away from making the UEFA Champions League final. Madrid sit six points behind Atletico Madrid with four La Liga games remaining.

Here are some more stories to start off your weekend:

BERLUSCONI DENIES REPORTS OF MILAN SALE

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi labeled reports of him selling a piece of the club “a joke,” in an interview on Thursday evening.

Recently, reports out of Italy have stated that Singaporean businessman Peter Lim was willing to spend 500 million euros ($692 million) to acquire a majority share in the club. However, Berlusconi laughed off those reports.

“Milan is not for sale, not for 500 million euros and not for 510 million, it’s worth a lot more than that,” Berlusconi said. “Let’s not joke around here, certain things are sacred.”

Milan have won five straight games after a rough start to Clarence Seedorf’s tenure, but if he doesn’t qualify them for at least the Europa League, he reportedly could be fired. Vincenzo Montella, the Fiorentina head coach, ruled himself out of taking over at Milan if Seedorf is fired.

RAMIRES TO MISS REST OF SEASON

Chelsea will be without one of their key starters for the final month of the English Premier League season.

After accepting a charge of violent conduct, Chelsea midfielder Ramires was handed a four-match ban from the FA, which rules him out for the rest of the season of league matches. On the bright side for Chelsea, Ramires will be fresh for their European matches, the next one on Wednesday against Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge.

Ramires was charged after elbowing Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson in the face during the run of play.

QUICK KICKS

UEFA has revealed the match schedule for Euro 2016, with the Stade de France hosting both the opener and final. (REPORT)

The FA has submitted a bid to be one of the 13 UEFA Euro 2020 host cities. (REPORT)

Red Bull Salzburg manager Roger Schmidt is set to become the next coach of Bayer Leverkusen after Sami Hyppia was sacked. (REPORT)

Talks between Arsenal and right back Bakary Sagna are “not progressing,” making it likely that the Frenchman will leave the club this summer on a free transfer. (REPORT)

Ivica Olic has signed a contract extension through 2016 with VfL Wolfsburg. (REPORT)

Young Colombian defender Stefan Medina is likely out of the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury. (REPORT)

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What do you think of these reports? Did you expect Ancelotti to move to Man United? Do you see Berlusconi selling Milan some day? Do you think that Ramires deserved a four-match ban?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. If Sagna ends up leaving Arsenal, Wenger will no doubt be preparing a double-digit millions bid for Timothy Chandler. Would be great to see Timothy in the Champions League next year.

    Reply
  2. Was Ancelloti speaking in another language and was the “I didn’t like what happened to Moyes” more explanation than excuse? The way it’s worded in English it almost seems like the “and” and “but” should be flipped.

    Reply
  3. real madrid has 5 games remaining because one of the la liga matches was postponed due to the copa del rey final and champions league….

    Reply
    • thank you. i was going to post that as well. Real has a game in hand…

      Osasuna, Valencia, Valladolid, Celta Vigo, Espanyol

      senior editor needs to be edited himself!

      Reply

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