Ancelotti one of several candidates to succeed Mourinho, says Perez

Ancelotti one of several candidates to succeed Mourinho, says Perez

By Alex Moretto

May 20, 2013 8:51:00 PM

The Real Madrid president has confirmed the club approached Paris Saint-Germain to poach Carlo Ancelotti and says that no compensation will be given to the outgoing Portuguese boss

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed that the club are targeting Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti as one of "several candidates" to replace the outgoing Jose Mourinho.

The club revealed on Monday that the Portuguese trainer will leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and the search for his successor has already begun.

Perez confirmed that an approach had been made for Ancelotti - who has expressed his desire to leave Parc des Princes for the Liga giants - but that les Parisiens are keen to hold on to the Italian.

"I want to express my utmost respect for the PSG and their owner," he said in a press conference on Monday, after revealing that Mourinho was set to leave.

"A few days ago, the club's director general spoke to PSG to see whether it was possible that he could come and they told us no.

"That is an issue that we will address tomorrow, we have a few days to think about it. There are several candidates [not just Ancelotti]."

PSG sporting director Leonardo resisted any temptation to attack the Blancos for their pursuit of the former AC Milan coach, who led the French club to their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years this season.

"We do want to condemn anyone," he told French radio station RTL, when asked about Madrid's approach for Ancelotti. "The best way forwards is always to speak [to each other]."

Madrid president Perez also confirmed that no pay-off will be given to Mourinho upon his exit, with the club and the coach - whom it is believed will return to Chelsea - having agreed to part ways amicably.

"No compensation will be given [to Mourinho] upon his departure from the club," he added.

The mutual agreement between the club and Mourinho suggests he likely has another job lined up, as there was a clause in the former Inter boss' contract which stated that whoever broke the agreement would have to pay €10 million to the other party. ------------------ goal.com