Football
Mark Lovell, Bayern Munich blogger 7y

I think Robert Lewandowski will end his career at Bayern - Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti says he thinks Robert Lewandowski will end his career at Bayern Munich.

Lewandowski, 29, is under contract with the German champions until 2021, but has been a reported target for Real Madrid for some time, with one of his agents confirming in May 2016 that talks had taken place with the Spanish champions.

Bayern have been adamant that Lewandowski is not for sale, but his recent criticism of the German champions' lack of ambition in the transfer market has revived speculation that the prolific goal scorer could be open to a move. However, Ancelotti backed his board's firm stance on Lewandowski and believes he will stay at the club.

"He still has four more years on his contract. I think he will end his career at Bayern," Ancelotti said at his Champions League news conference on Tuesday ahead of the game against Paris Saint-Germain.

Meanwhile, the Italian coach also laughed off speculation over his future. After their worst start to a Bundesliga season since 2010, Bayern sit in third place, having lost 2-0 to Hoffenheim and squandered a two-goal lead in a disappointing 2-2 draw against Wolfsburg on Friday.

Ancelotti was asked by a Nigerian journalist if he was concerned about losing his job at his news conference in Paris, but brushed off the speculation.

"I am happy that the people in Nigeria are worried about me, but don't worry," he said. "It's true that we haven't had a perfect start to the season. Tomorrow is an important, prestigious match for us, but it is not decisive. Obviously, we want to win and finish top of the group -- that's our objective."

Asked for his tactical thoughts as his side prepare to face Neymar and company, he said: "In this kind of match, you need to start by defending well but also by attacking well. Having balance is important in terms of avoiding any Paris counterattacks.

"Pressing is one of the qualities that you need to have when you defend. It's really important to stay compact for the game tomorrow and don't give space to the quality of [Kylian] Mbappe, [Edinson] Cavani, Neymar."

Bayern saw off Anderlecht 3-0 on matchday one, their 14th consecutive opening Champions League match win, while PSG swept past Scottish champions Celtic 5-0.

Ancelotti, PSG coach between January 2012 and June 2013, confirmed Juan Bernat and captain Manuel Neuer are the only definite absentees, with both Thiago Alcantara and David Alaba set to return to the squad after injury.

"All players are available. It will be a very difficult decision to take," he said.

^ Back to Top ^