Abramovich brings Ancelotti back from the brink

London: Carlo Ancelotti held a two-hour meeting with Roman Abramovich on Thursday night at which he was reassured his position as Chelsea manager was safe and that substantial funds would be available to strengthen the squad next month.

It is understood that Chelsea will now pursue a big-name signing for January as a mark of intent and a tangible sign to Ancelotti that not only do the club want him to stay but Abramovich has finally acknowledged that he needs more support on and off the pitch with resources stretched.

The meeting came the day after Chelsea's Champions League defeat to Marseilles but rather than speak to Ancelotti on the phone, Abramovich felt moved to talk face-to-face. The owner accepts that the Italian has been working under difficult circumstances and has also been contemplating his future at the club at the end of this season.

The Daily Telegraph revealed three weeks ago Ancelotti's unhappiness at Chelsea following the sacking of assistant manager Ray Wilkins and imposition of Michael Emenalo which enveloped the club in crisis.