Carlo Ancelotti

Ancelotti hits back at Bayern: You're dead if the club doesn't support you

Carlo Ancelotti says a lack of support from the Bayern Munich board was a big factor in his sacking from the German club this season.

Despite guiding the Bavarian side to the Bundesliga title last term, Ancelotti was let go in October after a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

The 58-year-old was said to have lost the respect of his key players, and he has since been blamed for the team's problems in recent weeks. Successor Jupp Heynckes criticised him for failing to sign a backup striker, and Robert Lewandowski said he is responsible for recent muscle injuries

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The former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea boss has had his say on how things fell apart in Munich, pointing to demands to alter his style and losing the dressing room.

"I have a way of working that I do not change," he said on Italian TV show Domenica Sportiva. "It was demanded of me to do that, and I simply did not accept it. Whatever decision you make, if the club does not protect you, you're dead.

"If you sort out a player, he then goes to the club and is strengthened by them, then you lose face with him in front of the other players. You will not recover from that. 

"According to the media, I was fired at Bayern because I had five big players against me."

Bayern's situation has turned around since Heynckes replaced Ancelotti at the helm, losing just one game in all competitions under the 72-year-old.

Carlo Ancelotti Bayern Munich

And the Italian is pleased to see them sitting at the top of the Bundesliga again.

"Jupp has managed to lead the team on the right road," he said. "He brought order, discipline and structure. The mood is warm again and familiar. He's doing very well."

Ancelotti revealed he turned down the chance to take the vacant job as Italy coach, but would rather stay in club football.

He is looking to return to Italy, but distanced himself from a move to Juventus and even took a shoot at AC Milan's new president.

"My intention is to take a break until June 30," he added.

"I've been everywhere, from Milan to Croatia and Saudi Arabia, but I would like to work in my country again. 

"I like [Juventus president] Andrea Agnelli, but I can't go against my past. In Italy, I could only coach AC Milan or Roma.

"I didn't talk to the new president of AC Milan, I'm only talking to big presidents."

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