Berlusconi backs Ancelotti

AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has backed coach Carlo Ancelotti despite the club's problems and has reiterated his desire…

AC Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has backed coach Carlo Ancelotti despite the club's problems and has reiterated his desire to bring back Andriy Shevchenko.

Milan were dumped out of the Champions League by Arsenal last month and are sixth in Serie A, four points adrift of a European Cup spot for next season.

"Carletto is going very well," Berlusconi told Tuesday's Gazzetta dello Sport, referring to Ancelotti by his nickname. "You change in order to improve. For Milan who could I find better?"

Ukraine striker Shevchenko had seven successful seasons at Milan before leaving for Chelsea in 2006 but he has struggled in English soccer.

"It would be good for Shevchenko to return to us," he said.

Milan have lacked a cutting edge up front this term with Ronaldo being ruled out with a long-term knee injury that may threaten his career. The Brazilian's deal runs out in June but Berlusconi said he was ready to offer him a new contract.

"If he has the will, he will return. I would like to give him a performance-related contract in order to motivate him," he said.