Shev ‘clashes’ with Ancelotti

Tuesday 19 July, 2005

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It’s not all smiles at Milan following the arrival of Alberto Gilardino, after reports of a training ground disagreement between boss Carlo Ancelotti and Andriy Shevchenko.

The two men had a lengthy and heated discussion during training on Monday, even if their debate did end with a handshake.

It’s unclear about exactly what the two men talked about, even if there are some ‘informed’ theories being reported in the Italian media on Tuesday.

It’s alleged that Ancelotti was unhappy with Shevchenko’s decision to have surgery last week which has subsequently ruled him out of the club’s tour of America.

The striker had small metal plates removed from his face, after they were inserted by doctors following the horrific injury sustained in the match against Cagliari in February.

Shevchenko then left the club’s Milanello training base following the surgery, two decisions which Ancelotti was supposedly unaware of.

It seems that the former Dynamo Kiev ace, and Chelsea target, has defended his exit by stating he informed captain Paolo Maldini of his departure from the training camp.

Milan are seemingly passing the incident off as a lack of communication but there are some in Italy who believe Shev could be seriously considering an exit.

Chelsea would happily make a bid for the player if Milan decide to make him available for transfer, even if that is unlikely.

Shevchenko also faces stiff competition for a first team shirt this term after the club signed Italian international strikers Christian Vieri and Alberto Gilardino.

國米~魂

Chelsea's interest in AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko could be revived amid reports of a row between him and manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Shevchenko and Ancelotti are believed to have had a bust-up at the Serie A team's Milanello training ground which was captured by Italian television.

Shevchenko, 29, apparently said to Ancelotti: "If you want me here fine but if not I'll leave."

Chelsea reportedly had a £57m bid for the forward turned down this summer.

But Milan have bought strikers Christian Vieri and Alberto Gilardino and they may now be prepared to offload Ukraine international Shevchenko.

The row is understood to have started as a result of Shevchenko preferring not to go on Milan's tour of the US and stay in Italy as he recovers from an injury.

Siu_Boo

Chelsea reportedly had a £57m bid for the forward turned down this summer

國米~魂

Sheva spat played down

Piersilvio Berlusconi, son of Milan owner Silvio, has played down the spat between Andrei Shevchenko and Carlo Ancelotti.

Milan's star striker, a long-term target for Chelsea, had a furious bust-up with his coach with the row caught on Sky Italia cameras.

Berlusconi did cheekily counter his comments by admitting he rubbished the idea of signing Christian Vieri from city rivals Internazionale recently, but the emphasis was to play down any likelihood of 'Sheva' departing for Stamford Bridge.

"Did we clinch his [Alberto Gilardino]'s signature? I really didn't know as I have been in my office until late on Monday," declared Berlusconi.

"Anyway, I'm happy because Gilardino is the player we needed to complete our squad and also a very good boy from a personal point of view.

"My job is television and I do not make decisions about Milan but I don't think Gilardino's arrival can be linked to Sheva's departure.

"In my opinion, he has been extraordinary since he joined in 1999 and his commitment to the club makes him a true Rossoneri legend.

"Anyway, that's the same thing I said when asked about the possibility of signing Vieri from Inter!"

Television pictures showed the Ukrainian hit-man arguing with Ancelotti, reportedly because the two disagree over the operation he had to undergo before the start of Milan's summer tour.

國米~魂

Milan : Shev staying

Andriy Shevchenko's camp have played down reports in Italy suggesting the Ukrainian striker has fallen out with AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

It was thought Chelsea's interest in the 29-year-old could be revived after Italian television cameras caught Shevchenko arguing with Ancelotti.

He is reported to have told Ancelotti during training: "If you want me here fine but if not I'll leave."

But Shevchenko's spokesman told BBC Sport the player was staying at Milan.

He said neither the player nor the club was taking the incident too seriously, and that Shevchenko was happy at the San Siro.

Chelsea reportedly had a £57m bid for the forward turned down this summer.

At the time Shevchenko said he was happy to stay - but then Milan bought strikers Christian Vieri and Alberto Gilardino.

However, it appears the former Dynamo Kiev star is prepared to stay and fight for his place.