Ancelloti signed new deal with Chelsea. Photograph: Chelsea FC

As expected, Chelsea on Monday announced that Carlo Ancelotti, long-time player and manager of AC Milan, will be its new manager from July 1.

Ancelotti inked a three-year contract with the team, but the Italian will have to find European success before that if he is to see the end of that deal.

The 49-year-old Ancelotti played for Italy and Milan before enjoying a highly successful 8-year stint as the team’s manager, guiding them to a Serie A title, a FIFA Club World Cup trophy, and – most important to Chelsea – two Champions League trophies in recent years.

Perhaps knowing the importance of the elusive European cup to the tempestuous Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Ancelotti spoke directly in his first English interview about his aspirations for the Blues.

“Chelsea have a great record – five semi-finals in six years is a beautiful score – but now we have to win,” Ancelotti told the team’s website. “Chelsea is a great team and a great opportunity. The right way is to create a group of people that work well together.”

Rob Facey, a columnist for Football Fancast , told the London File he’s not sure Ancelotti is the best man for the job.
“From an outsider's point of view it seems a good appointment – but so did Scolari's last summer,” says Facey. “Ancelotti has only won one Serie A title in eight years, and Milan struggled to finish third this season.”

“He has done no better in the Champions League than Rafa Benitez, and some will question whether this is good enough for Chelsea's high expectations.”
A relatively poor season for the London side ended with an FA Cup trophy and the confidence that will bring for next year, but the void left by ‘caretaker’ manager Guus Hiddink won’t be easy to fill.

“There were other options, but Abramovich clearly had his sights set on Ancelotti. His biggest task will be keeping morale high and proving to the players that he can improve their game,” says Facey.

At the end of the day, success in the Premier League often only comes with time – a resource Abramovich has thus far been reluctant to extend to his managers.
“I would not be surprised if Ancelotti was sacked if the team has not topped the Premier League by Christmas,” warned Facey.