Paul Clement Set To Link Up With Carlo Ancelotti Once More?

On the one hand, Paul Clement’s links to the biggest and best names in the football world could well play to Reading’s advantage in terms of bringing players in on loan from clubs such as Chelsea or Bayern Munich. Indeed, only last week the Reading boss returned to his former side Real Madrid, sparking rumours of the Royals signing Luka Modric up this summer.

However, his close relationship with Carlo Ancelotti does mean that he could just as easily be prised away from Berkshire to link up with the Italian coach at wherever he decides to go next. That is exactly what The Mirror have suggested today, claiming that if Ancelotti were to take the Napoli job this summer, he would be keen to hire Clement as his assistant.

Current Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri could be set to leave the Serie A side this summer after guiding them to second in the table, with Chelsea reportedly interested in bringing him to England should Antonio Conte depart.

The report suggests that Ancelotti, who has been out of work since being sacked by Bayern Munich last September, has already been approached by Napoli about the impending vacancy.

How much truth is in a) the Ancelotti to Napoli rumour, and b) the Clement to join him rumour, is pretty unclear. The Mirror may just be making the obvious link that the 58-year-old wants the Reading boss as his number two as the pair have worked together at Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern.

It is plausible, but that is because it’s an obvious link. If Clement were to make the move to Italy, he wouldn’t have an overhaul on his hands, would add to his ever-growing list of football contacts and would achieve more success. But as a number two. If he wants the opportunity to show that he has the skills to be a manager, and potentially earn more plaudits if takes Reading up the table, the Madejski Stadium is undoubtedly the place for him to be.