At a gala event in Mexico, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke in-depth with the media, sharing his coaching experience, his insights on players, his boundless love for soccer, and his outlook on retirement.
Looking back at his coaching beginnings, Ancelotti confessed that he did not dream of becoming a coach right from the start. "When I was at Milan, Coach Sacchi once said to me, 'The day you retire, I want you to be my assistant.' That statement deeply affected me." He referred to the invaluable knowledge and experience given to him by his two mentors, Sacchi and Eriksson, and emphasized that knowledge and passion are equally important in the coaching profession. "Experience is different from knowledge; experience can be accumulated over time, but knowledge needs to be constantly learned and absorbed. I always keep my passion and curiosity for soccer because I know there is always something new to learn."
Ancelotti has shown his unique way of dealing with the difficulties of coaching. "The job of coach is full of power and responsibility, and there are challenges every day." He specifically mentioned the importance of building personal relationships with his players, "I try to get to know each player's true self, not just their role on the pitch. This helps me to better motivate their professional potential and create a positive atmosphere in the team." Ancelotti admits that the challenge of managing players' playing time is particularly daunting, but he firmly believes that honesty and respect are the keys to solving the problem.
Speaking about the big names in the Real Madrid squad, including newcomer Mbappe, Ancelotti said, "Real Madrid, as one of the biggest clubs in the world, naturally demands a lot from its players. Our task is to make every player's talent available to the club. This year, new recruits such as Mbappe and N'Derrick have shown great adaptability and athleticism, and we are confident in the future of the team." He emphasized that Real Madrid players must remain competitive and never give up, no matter how strong their opponents are.
For Cristiano Ronaldo (Crow), Carlo Ancelotti gave a very high rating: "Crow is not only a great professional, but one of the best players of all times. His professionalism, technical ability and leadership are exemplary. Working with him was an unforgettable experience, and he is a legend in my heart."
When asked about Mexican national team boss Javier Aguirre, Ancelotti laughed and said, "Playing against Aguirre's team is always a challenge, it's like going to the dentist, the process may not be so pleasant, but the result is always impressive. His teams are always full of fighting spirit and put up a good fight until the very end."
As for the retirement plan, Ancelotti said: "As long as my passion for soccer has not faded, I will continue to coach. Soccer has given me so much, and I am grateful for everything this career has brought me. As long as I can still feel the tension and pressure in the game, I will continue to stand on the sidelines and contribute to the team. I'm sure I'll be coaching for a long time."
