Ancelotti refuses to rule out Bayern departure

Speculation over Ancelotti's Bayern future has intensified ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Mainz as he refused to rule out leaving the club before the end of his current contract.

Bayern have made a faltering start to the season, losing 2-0 at Hoffenheim last weekend and even their midweek Champions League win over Anderlecht was overshadowed by Franck Ribery's angry reaction to being substituted late on.

Ancelotti, whose current deal runs until June 2019, insisted he had "no problem" with Ribery, who is expected to keep his place against Mainz, but the Italian coach was less clear on his own position.

Ancelotti told a press conference: "I am happy to be here and I hope to remain until the end of my contract, but if I do not, I have to find a different solution.

"I had a good time in England, but also in France, Spain and Italy. I've never been to China, so i do not know where my future is, but I'm not worried."

Ancelotti is under increasing pressure at Bayern after the loss at Hoffenheim and any slip-up against Mainz would add to that pressure.

A defiant Ancelotti admitted: "We are not at our top level but we have the chance to improve quickly. We have to gain intensity and when a number of players come back we will be on a good level.

"I do not have to answer to people who criticise our tactics and our philosophy. I thank them for the advice and I invite those people to come to a big party where we can talk extensively about tactical things."