Ancelotti fearful of second-place hoodoo

Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti says there would be no shame in his side being pipped to the Ligue 1 title by Montpellier.

However, Ancelotti also acknowledged that his most recent second-placed finish resulted in him getting the sack.

The Italian coach was dismissed by Chelsea last summer after they finished runners-up to Manchester United.

With PSG currently three points behind leaders Montpellier in the battle for the French title, there is every chance that Ancelotti will be forced to settle for second best once again this year.

But the former AC Milan manager, who arrived at the Parc des Princes in January, is not expecting the axe this time around.

“It’s better to finish first, as the last time I finished second, I was fired,” he said.

“But it would be a different story.

“Montpellier has had very good results; they have only lost against Lorient. We lost a few points to Auxerre and Lille and this is what makes the difference at this level.

“If Montpellier win the title, I hope we finish second. But it’s not over.”

Montpellier host third-placed Lille on Sunday, while PSG, who are currently just two points above the reigning champions, welcome fifth-placed Rennes to the French capital.