Ancelotti was booed at the San Siro during Sunday's 1-0 win against Cagliari, increasing speculation that Milan team manager Leonardo could take over the club in May.

However, vice president Adriano Galliani has vehemently denied those rumours and said that Ancelotti, who is the longest serving coach in Italy's top flight, has the full backing of the club.

Galliani said: "As a club, we have done a good job in not making a coaching change in the past few years.

"The boos directed at Ancelotti cannot be justified considering the team's achievements in recent times.

"The affection and respect for Ancelotti remains unchanged.

"Leonardo wants to become a coach in the future but he has never considered becoming coach of Milan for the 2009-10 campaign.

"One day he will become coach and, like him, others will fit the requirements to be coach of Milan the day we decide to change Ancelotti."

Ancelotti, who joined Milan in 2001, guided the Rossoneri to Champions League success in 2003 and 2007 but has only managed to clinch one Scudetto in his seven-year spell with the Rossoneri.

AC Milan had to settle for UEFA Cup football this season having finished a disappointing fifth in Serie A last term.

Ancelotti, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer, has every intention of remaining at the club.

"I understand that after seeing the same face on the bench for seven years, the criticism from the fans can increase," said Ancelotti.

"But I am very attached to the fans and to these colours and I calmly accept the criticism, which I believe is temporary."

Ancelotti is under contract with the Rossoneri club until June 2010.

AC Milan, who are third in the league standings, 11 points behind league leaders Inter Milan, host Werder Bremen on Thursday in the return leg of their UEFA Cup clash.