Carlo Ancelotti will take year-long sabbatical if he is sacked by Real Madrid

The popular Italian has been linked with Manchester City

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he "tried to kill" one of his own players during his time at Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he will take a year-long sabbatical if he is sacked by the Spanish club.

The 55-year-old former AC Milan and Chelsea boss has just one season left on his three-year contract at the Bernabeu and has faced calls to be sacked after an indifferent campaign.

Ancelotti, who has been targeted by Manchester City, is expected to hold talks with the Madrid hierarchy in the coming weeks after Napoli manager Rafa Benitez was strongly linked with the role.

"My future is clear in my head. I will continue here at Real Madrid or I will stop for a year," Ancelotti said, speaking after the 7-3 victory over Getafe.

"I think we are going to meet next week to clarify the future of the club."

He guided the Spanish giants to a 10th Champion League success last season and ensured they will be in the European competition next term with a second-placed finish in La Liga.

The former Paris Saint-Germain manager is keen to remain with Real, but is becoming increasingly coy and pragmatic about his future.

"I want to stay. If the club says I can't continue I won't be happy but these things have happened many times in football." Ancelotti added.