Carlo Ancelotti is refusing to take much notice of rumours in the Italian media suggesting Roberto Donadoni and Frank Rijkaard are waiting to take his seat at AC Milan.

Ancelotti is the longest-serving coach in Serie A but came in for some criticism last season, after the Rossoneri missed out on the UEFA Champions League with a fifth place finish. And although they have started this campaign with successive defeats, he insists he is not panicking.

“Looking at the table, there is precious little to be optimistic about,” said Ancelotti. “We have time to fix things and I am certain that we will. This is my Milan. I have nothing to clarify with the President or general manager, as the club is very close to me and is eager to be as reassuring as possible.”

Despite his refusal to panic there are whispers in the Italian press that former Azzurri boss Donadoni and ex-Barcelona coach Rijkaard have already been discussed at boardroom level if matters don’t improve. Both are Milan legends but despite the rumours, Ancelotti is not worried. 

“I carry on along my path and am not interested in what is written in the newspapers,” he added. “If you know something more than I do, then please go ahead and tell me. At Milan we are not accustomed to seeking out scapegoats. Instead we analyse our own situation and seek solutions.”