YOKOHAMA - AC Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he remains focused on leading the club to success at the FIFA Club World Cup despite reports linking Jose Mourinho with his post at the Serie A club.
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho this week ruled himself out of the running for the vacant England manager's position and has reportedly been approached by Milan to take over at the end of the season.
But despite the speculation, Ancelotti is not shifting his focus from leading his side into Thursday's Club World Cup semi-final against Japan's Urawa Reds.
"I'm concentrating on this season right now so I'm not distracted by such rumours," he said. "Tomorrow, I hope I can proceed as I am right now."
The former Juventus coach has twice won the Champions League since taking over at Milan in 2001 while also leading the club to the Serie A title in 2004.
However, he has come under pressure this term with Milan languishing in 10th place, 19 points behind league leaders and bitter rivals Internazionale.
"There was an article in the Italian press about Mourinho, so the club may want Mourinho to be head coach," Ancelotti continued.
"But I have not heard anything from the club that there is an official offer to Mourinho to become coach."
Meanwhile, Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has come out in support of Ancelotti.
"I have been with him many years now and I think I have been able to build up a very good relationship with him," said the World Cup-winner.
"It's the same for the other players. He makes us relaxed and confident so all the Milan players want Ancelotti to remain as our coach.
"All the players feel secure with Ancelotti's coaching. He has brought us up to a level where we can win trophies."
Ancelotti claims he is using the Mourinho speculation as added motivation for Thursday's match.
"I am thinking about tomorrow's match and I don't think about what is going on externally," he said.
"If there is an offer to Mourinho or if Mourinho wants to be the head coach of AC Milan that's good pressure for me.
"I want to win the game tomorrow. There are many difficulties and a lot of pressure. There are two games and we have to compete and this is really different from our conventional games."
