Carlo Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Endrick, Ronaldo, Real Madrid, future | OneFootball

Both of Carlo Ancelotti’s stints at Real Madrid have been special, to say the least, and the Italian gaffer has surely done enough to warrant a place in Los Blancos’ golden books.

Last campaign, the men in white dominated not only Spain but also the UEFA Champions League, winning both trophies and establishing themselves as the greatest team in today’s football.

Their start to the new season under Ancelotti however, has not been as impressive as they have recorded just two wins and two draws in their opening four games.

Speaking in an interview (h/t MARCA), the Real Madrid manager gave his thoughts on a number of club-related topics including the dynamics up front and his future as a manager.

The Italian gaffer began by explaining the pressure of working at Real Madrid and how the club always maintained the highest standards.

“Real Madrid have very high demands because they are the biggest club in the world. They have the biggest players.”

“You have to be able to put their quality at the service of the club, that’s what we try to do every year,” he added.

Commenting on the new arrivals of the summer, the manager provided a status update on how they were adapting to life in Madrid.

“Our new players Kylian and Endrick are adapting very well, we are very happy.”

Real Madrid’s start to the new season has not been up to the mark but Ancelotti was insistent that the men in white would end up coming around as the campaign progressed.

“We will have a great season in all competitions, but our duty is to compete in the matches as always, this club never gives up and fights until the end, that’s what you have to do when you wear the Real Madrid shirt.”

Ancelotti has enjoyed great success at Real Madrid. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)

Irrespective of the events on the field, Ancelotti is usually not associated with an animated character as he patiently soaks it all up and remains calm on the sidelines.

“I rarely get angry, but when I do I go pretty crazy,” he said when asked about his temperament.

“The horse has two ways to jump: with the whip or with the carrot. He jumps both ways. You have to choose. If you hit him with the whip he can throw you behind later, if you give him a carrot he will help you,” he added, metaphorically explaining the same.

As part of the interaction, he was asked to give his thoughts on Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo as well.

“He has been and continues to be a great professional. One of the best of all time. A legend, a great professional and an example. He has been a fantastic teammate, much appreciated by the rest of the players.”

Speaking on his beginnings as a manager, Ancelotti revealed the figures involved in his rise to fame.

“I didn’t always think about being a coach. One day at Milan, Sacchi told me ‘the day you stop playing I would like you to be my assistant’. He was a soccer genius. He changed the methodology.”

“The important thing is knowledge. When you start you have no experience. It cannot be bought. It comes with time, but not knowledge. Passion and curiosity are important. There’s always something you can learn,” he added.

Ancelotti then revealed the secret sauce to his success to be the manner in which he viewed and treated his players.

“I try to have a relationship on a personal level as well as a professional one because that way you can get better performance from the professional. I try to do it.”

“It’s not easy because the player always wants to play. And 11 do it, but 15 are going to watch the game. That’s the most complicated thing. But if you manage to have a good personal relationship, this helps you work better,” he added.

What separates the Italian coach from the rest is his ability to lead his side from the sidelines and not just command them. Elaborating on his definition of leadership, he said,

“It is much more important to convince than to impose. A leader must have the ability to listen to those who work with you. They can always give you ideas that can help you.”

“It’s important to listen and not think that you know everything because you’re the boss. You can always learn,” he continued.

He even added his thoughts on dealing with criticism and stress, especially ahead of games.

“A life without pressure or a little stress does not exist. Not too much stress, but a little is gasoline. The day I don’t have excitement before a game, is the day I have to stop.”

“Before a game there is concern, there is a negative feeling thinking that it will not go well, that they are going to score a goal. When the game starts, everything stops,” he added.

True to his word, he spoke like a leader defining success in very interesting terms.

“For me, success is giving everything you can. If you manage to get the most out of it mentally or physically.”

Finally, the Italian coach was asked about his managerial future, to which he said: “I see myself working for a long time. I will continue until the fire I have for football is over.”