Shevchenko: This is why Chelsea managerial candidate is better than Mourinho

Carlo Ancelotti (right) managed Andriy Shevchenko at Milan

CARLO ANCELOTTI'S ability to forge long-lasting relationships with players sets him apart from Jose Mourinho, claims Andriy Shevchenko.

 

Ancelotti is one of the frontrunners to take over from Mourinho at Chelsea, should the Blues boss be sacked.

Former Ukraine international Shevchenko played under both managers during his playing career.

And the 39-year-old likened Italian Ancelotti to his Portuguese counterpart, earmarking the key differences between the two.

“All coaches are winners," he told Marca. "They have similarities, but also differences.

“Ancelotti has a distinct personality. Carlo was a player, with a great career that Mourinho didn’t have.

“Carlo won a lot of trophies and then became a coach and has won three Champions Leagues with two different teams.

“He’s a great coach and a great person. The players have a great relationship with him. I did, personally.”

Shevchenko endured an infamous nightmare spell at Chelsea after signing from Milan in a £30.8million deal in 2006 - an English record transfer fee at the time.

 

Shevchenko reportedly had a frosty relationship with Mourinho while at Chelsea

But his arrival coincided with the downfall of Mourinho, with many believing the boss was pressured to field Shevchenko by owner Roman Abramovich.

Mourinho was fired a year later but went on to win the Champions League with Inter in 2010 before eventually finding himself back at Stamford Bridge.

After winning the title last season, the 52-year-old has overseen a disastrous start to this campaign.

Chelsea languish 15th in the Premier League, having lost six of 11 top-flight games this season already and there are reports of a player revolt.

Ancelotti, along with a number of big names, has been tipped to replace Mourinho in west London should Abramovich once again lose patience with the 'Special One'.

He has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in the summer, a year on from winning his third Champions League crown after triumphs at Milan in 2003 and 2007.