Lippi admits Chelsea appeal

Published Apr. 13, 2011 3:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

The odds have been slashed on Ancelotti leaving Stamford Bridge before the end of the season - Sky Bet are now offering 6/4, in from 5/1 - after Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday night. That has led to speculation as to who his successor could be, and Lippi has admitted that he would be interested in the role. The 63-year-old, who steered Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 and returned to the Azzurri helm for their unsuccessful defence of the tournament last summer, is currently out of work and admits he would like to get back into the game. "I would love to coach in the Premier League, English football fascinates me," Lippi told Radio Mana Mana. "I miss coaching, this is normal. My years have been intense and rewarding. "There were also disappointments, but this is absolutely normal, you cannot always win. "I can only be satisfied, but the desire to do my job is still there. "Me to Chelsea? It would be beautiful. But also to coach a national team would not be bad." Former Chelsea captain Paul Elliott believes Roman Abramovich should stick with Ancelotti, however. "Okay, he's picked up nothing this year, but they need to back their man," he said. "I think he's the best manager long-term. "He's got the ability to manage the egos, he can manage multi-million pound players." Elliott believes Abramovich's patience will ultimately hold. He added: "I'll tell you the reason I don't fear: I love the way Ancelotti handles the pressure. "I think he's got tremendous confidence and, be assured, if he left Chelsea, he's only going on to better things." There have been suggestions Ancelotti might jump before he is pushed but Blues legend Gianfranco Zola told talkSPORT: "He has always been a fighter. "I'm sure he will be thinking how he can come back stronger. "I'm sure that Ancelotti will know exactly what to do and stick to it."