In an exclusive interview with The Times, Real Madrid Coach, Carlo Ancelotti shared insights that transcend football, offering valuable lessons for life.
Team Unity Over Ego
Ancelotti attributes Real Madrid’s recent league triumph to the absence of ego within the squad. He praised players like Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo for their humility, alongside seasoned stalwarts such as Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Luka Modric. “Humility is important,” Ancelotti emphasized. “There is no jealousy among the young players. You must have that.”
The Divine Standards of the Bernabéu
Reflecting on the storied history of Real Madrid, Ancelotti noted, “They say at the Bernabéu there is a God and he wears a white shirt. This God punishes mistakes. If you make a mistake, the God in white punishes you.”
Flexible Tactics
Ancelotti rejected the notion of a single team identity. He recounted a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, coached by Roberto De Zerbi. Despite De Zerbi’s tactical prowess, Ancelotti instructed his players not to press, leading to a 5-0 victory. “To try and have one identity for your team is a limit,” he said.
Coaching Philosophy
On his coaching style, Ancelotti remarked, “The more you shout, the less they listen.” His approach is rooted in passion, not obsession. Despite pre-game nerves, he finds calm once the match begins. “When the referee blows his whistle, calm. The fear is before and when it starts—optimistic.”
Adaptive Strategy
Ancelotti prides himself on adaptability, tailoring his strategies to suit each opponent. “You see, there is no ‘Ancelotti style’ because I change,” he stated. He cited their tactical shift in the Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City, opting for a defensive approach that deviated from their usual attacking play.
Adapting to Player Strengths
Following Karim Benzema’s departure, Ancelotti restructured the team with Bellingham playing behind strikers Vinícius and Rodrygo in a 4-3-1-2 formation. He adjusted tactics mid-season to strengthen their defense, demonstrating his flexibility. “We adapt without making the players uncomfortable,” he explained.
Learning from the Past
Ancelotti reflected on his early managerial career at AC Milan, where he rigidly adhered to a 4-4-2 system, even at the cost of not signing Roberto Baggio. He later embraced adaptability at Juventus, building systems around key players like Zinedine Zidane. “Today, I would say, ‘Baggio, come to Parma, and we’ll arrange the situation,’” he admitted, highlighting his growth as a manager.
Legacy and Evolution
Known affectionately as “Don Carlo” or “Maestro,” Ancelotti cherishes these titles. His evolution from a rigid tactician to a flexible strategist underscores his ability to learn and adapt, making him one of football’s most respected figures.
Carlo Ancelotti’s insights offer a masterclass in leadership, humility, and adaptability, lessons that extend well beyond the football pitch.
Credit: Madridista NG
