Thaw in Relations Between Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho Unlikely

Chelsea-Inter Milan. A game laced with subplots. Ever since the draw for the first knockout phase of the Champions League was made back in December mouths have been watering at the prospect of these two European giants colliding.

The two-legged clash will be the latest chapter in a rather tense relationship between the opposing managers: Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti.

The Special One will return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he left in 2007 and is sure to receive a rapturous reception from the Blues fans.

The relationship between the two coaches, by contrast, is far frostier. The pair only locked horns for one season in Italy, but the mutual enmity was there for all to see.

Mourinho said Ancelotti was “not a friend of his” and highlighted the fact that he is the only manager to have lost a Champions League final after being 3-0 up at half time. Upon taking the reigns at Stamford Bridge Ancelotti professed his doubt at Mourinho’s label as “The Special One.”

Given they were the managers of two of Italy’s great rivals, this is hardly surprising.

However, Ancelotti sees the match up as a chance to repair their relationship and says he will only be focused on the game.

"If we don't have a good relationship, this game can be a good opportunity to return to a good relationship," he said after the draw was made.

"There were some problems, some questions and discussions in the papers. Only this. Nothing important.

"I'm not ready to play mind games. I never will be ready to play these games. I prefer to play football matches. I have experience of what he'll do.

He added: "I think the match is Chelsea versus Inter, nothing else."

Both Ancelotti and Mourinho are highly successful and driven individuals—with varying managerial styles—and something will have to give when they meet. The pressure will be intense and emotions will run high.

Ancelotti is not one to indulge in bouts of psychological warfare so any histrionics are unlikely to come from him.

Mourinho, on the other hand, is all too happy to tread that path. During his time in West London he reveled in such antics and seemed all too happy to seek out controversy.

Just ask Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Rafael Benitez. If ruffling a few feathers is required to triumph, you can bet he will do it.

And it works. The focus and pressure is on him, not his players. Six trophies in three years at Chelsea tells its own story. He has settled well in Italy and appears on course for back to back Scudettos.

Given these ingredients, I find it hard to envisage the tie passing off without incident. Expect fireworks both on and off the pitch.