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Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Arsenal and Manchester United are more motivated by making money than punishing coaches for not winning trophies.

The former Chelsea boss is now at Bayern Munich and will face the Gunners in the last 16 of the Champions League in February.

Arsenal are in the knockout stages for the 17th consecutive seasons but have never won the trophy – and Arsene Wenger has not lifted the Premier League title since 2004.

American Stan Kroenke is the majority shareholder while the Glazer family own Manchester United.

Ancelotti, who was sacked at Real Madrid the season after winning their 10th Champions League title, said: “I was fortunate to be able to coach Real Madrid, although then the club decided to change managers. That is part of the job, we are exposed to that.

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"In the big clubs it is difficult to stay a long time because the expectations of results are so high. Madrid’s history and demands mean that if a coach doesn’t win trophies, a change is made. You have to respect that.

"It’s true that there are other clubs like Manchester United, where [Alex] Ferguson was there many years, and now Wenger at Arsenal.

"These cases are different, as their owners are from the US and they are more interested in the financial aspect than in who is coach.”

Bayern Munich lost in the Champions League semi-finals in the last three seasons under Pep Guardiola. And among his picks for this year’s title, the Italian does not include Arsenal.

(Image: Reuters)

‘We’re hoping to win it and if not, at least get to the final,” Ancelotti said. “I can’t say I’m backing anyone else. There are seven sides this year who can win the trophy: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich. At the moment, all seven are among the 16 best.”

“It's true that there are other clubs like Manchester United, where [Alex] Ferguson was there many years, and now Wenger at Arsenal. These cases are different, as their owners are from the US and they are more interested in the financial aspect than in who is coach.”

It is not the first time Ancelotti has hit out at Kroenke, who he previously described as “not so passionate” about how the team did in terms of trophies.