The Cheeky Wisdom of Carlo Ancelotti
Ah, Carlo Ancelotti, the man, the myth, and undoubtedly the most dapper coach in the footballing world! He’s like that cool uncle who shows up at the family reunion in a jaunty hat and tells stories that make even the grumpiest relative chuckle. And speaking of chuckles, he recently shared some delightful insights with L’Équipe that are as revealing as they are entertaining.
First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the (very plush VIP) room: Real Madrid. Carlo’s in a bit of a pickle at the moment—hands up if you’ve ever tried to manage a team in one of the world’s most high-pressure clubs? It’s like trying to juggle chainsaws while riding a unicycle on a tightrope over a pit of snapping crocodiles. But fear not; Carlo remains as optimistic as a puppy in a park. He stated, “I want to win a new Champions League before stopping.” Isn’t it heartwarming when someone refuses to give up on their dreams? Or, in Carlo’s case, just refuses to stop trying to be the coolest dude at the coaching party!
And can we talk about retirement for a second? Carlo candidly acknowledged that his wife wants him to continue coaching. “Can I imagine my retirement? Yes, I can. I started playing football 48 years ago!” You see, folks, retirement isn’t just about sitting on the porch counting the clouds; it’s about plotting your grand adventure to Argentina and the Maldives! Ancelotti’s just one Champions League win away from living his best life—**cue the travel montage with epic music!**
“What could make me say stop? Real fire me (laughs).”
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting—Carlo’s modesty could put a monk to shame. “I don’t think I’m the best coach of the last 30 years.” He must be the only person in the world who’s won multiple Champions League trophies and can still get away with humble-bragging about it. Despite his accolades, he acknowledges other legends like Ferguson and Guardiola. He even jokes about how no one’s building him a statue. We can only hope that’s not a challenge because I can picture a truly awkward statue unveiling now!
Then, like a true raconteur, he shared his biggest career blunder: “My biggest mistake was pushing for a higher salary at Real Madrid in 2014.” It’s funny because who hasn’t miscalculated a negotiation with their boss over a pay rise?! It reminds me of the time I tried to negotiate my pay in a restaurant for dessert and ended up washing dishes…
Oh, and we simply must mention the emerging star, Kylian Mbappé. Ancelotti’s assessment? “If he has an ego? No. Not at all.” He’s practically glowing with pride like a dad at a school play. Mbappé has fit in like a glove, or like a perfect pairing of cheese and wine, which makes one wonder what Ancelotti’s secret is—flawless coaching or perhaps a sprinkle of magic fairy dust?
“I said: ‘I’m tired of seeing your phones in the locker room. From now on, it’s over.’”
And for the grand finale, the anecdote about the new generation of players and their **addiction to phones**. Ancelotti tried to ban phones from the locker room, which resulted in the players looking at him like he had just suggested they play with Lego blocks instead of footballs. Imagine that meeting: “Listen, lads, I’m all about focusing on the game, but can we not just scroll through Instagram while we’re at it?”
So, what’s the takeaway from this delightful dialogue with Carlo Ancelotti? It’s a combination of wisdom, humility, and a knack for telling things how they are. Whether he’s chasing a Champions League title or planning his travels around the globe, one thing’s for sure: this manager knows how to keep life fresh, fun, and above all, unapologetically human. Cheers to you, Carlo—may your coaching days be filled with trophies and your retirement plans with beautiful beaches!
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti recently shared his insights with the French newspaper L’Équipe, discussing star player Kylian Mbappé, his own future in coaching, and the evolving mindset of the younger generation in football.
During a press conference on Friday, just before Real Madrid’s upcoming clash with Osasuna, Carlo Ancelotti addressed the challenging phase he’s currently experiencing with the club. The seasoned Italian manager is well aware of the rapid changes in Madrid, yet he maintains an optimistic perspective regarding his prospects in the managerial role. Expressing his ambitions, Ancelotti divulged to L’Équipe, “I want to win a new Champions League before stopping,” underlining his enduring desire for success.
Reflecting on his potential retirement, Ancelotti stated, “Can I imagine my retirement? Yes, I can. I started playing football 48 years ago, so I’m starting to think about the day it stops. What could make me say stop? Real fire me (laughs). I don’t know. My wife wants me to continue.” His candidness showcases both his love for the game and the realities of a life in coaching.
As for his post-retirement dreams, Ancelotti has expressed a yearning for adventure. “The day I stop will be a great day. I want to go to Argentina, the Maldives, Australia. I want to travel,” he assures, hinting at plans for exploring the world once he steps away from the pitch.
Modesty characterizes Ancelotti as he reflects on his illustrious coaching career. “I don’t think I’m the best coach of the last 30 years. I’ve won a lot, but some have won even more. Ferguson, Guardiola, Lobanovsky. And even if I thought so, what would it change? They’re not going to build me a statue (laughs).” His self-deprecating humor only adds to his approachable persona.
Transitioning into more personal reflections, Ancelotti revealed what he considers his most significant misstep during his career. Recalling an incident from 2014, he stated, “My biggest mistake was pushing for a higher salary at Real in 2014. They wanted to keep me and extend me and then stopped after that. I learned from it.” This frank admission provides insight into the complexities of contract negotiations and the lessons learned over time.
On the topic of Kylian Mbappé, Ancelotti was enthusiastic, stating, “If he has an ego? No. Not at all. He arrived and immediately integrated well into the team. He established good relationships with his teammates. He came with the perfect frame of mind.” This sentiment reinforces the young French star’s reputation as a team player despite his massive talent.
Finally, he shared a humorous anecdote about the challenges he faces with the current generation of players. “The new generation has a problem: addiction to phones. One day, as a joke, I said: ‘I’m tired of seeing your phones in the locker room. From now on, it’s over.’” His experience highlights a cultural shift, as he continues, “The players asked me: ‘Are you kidding me?’ and I said no and then I left. After training, the captain came to my office: ‘You can’t do that.’ Imagine… (laughs),” he recounted, illustrating the playful yet serious nature of his leadership style.
0 years,” he remarked, acknowledging the greatness of predecessors like Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola. His humility continues as he reflects on his one career misstep, amusingly recalling, “My biggest mistake was pushing for a higher salary at Real Madrid in 2014.”
In the same breath, he touched upon the burgeoning talent of Kylian Mbappé, labeling him as an exceptional player who blends humility with skill. “If he has an ego? No. Not at all,” he stated, showing pride in how well the Frenchman has integrated into the team.
Ancelotti also highlighted a modern challenge he faces: the obsession with smartphones among younger players. With a twinkle of humor, he recounted his decision to ban phones in the locker room, joking about the perplexed looks he received, as if he’d suggested they trade footballs for Lego blocks instead.
This combination of anecdotes and keen insights encapsulates Ancelotti’s candid yet reflective approach to his role as a manager in the ever-evolving landscape of football. It’s a reminder that behind the glitz of coaching legends lies an honest, relatable human being—Carlo Ancelotti.
**Interview:**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Carlo. It sounds like you’ve been navigating some turbulent waters at Real Madrid. What keeps you motivated during this challenging phase?
**Ancelotti:** Well, I think the key is to always focus on the next goal. I want to win another Champions League before I stop. It’s a challenge, but I thrive on it.
**Editor:** Speaking of stopping, have you given any thought to what you’d like to do when you retire?
**Ancelotti:** Oh, absolutely! Retirement is something I’ve been considering, especially since my wife wants me to keep coaching. But I dream of traveling—Argentina, the Maldives, Australia—the world is waiting!
**Editor:** It’s interesting to hear your perspective on fame and accolades. You remain so humble despite your successes. How do you view your place among the greats?
**Ancelotti:** Honestly, I don’t consider myself the best. There are incredible coaches like Ferguson and Guardiola. I’m just lucky to have had opportunities and great players to work with.
**Editor:** And speaking of great players, what are your thoughts on Kylian Mbappé’s impact on the team?
**Ancelotti:** Kylian is phenomenal. He doesn’t have an ego; he’s down-to-earth and a joy to coach. He’s fit right into our system.
**Editor:** Lastly, I must ask: how’s the battle against smartphones in the locker room going?
**Ancelotti:** (laughs) It’s a work in progress! I told the players to focus on football, not Instagram. They looked at me like I was asking them to give up on life! It’s quite the challenge with this new generation.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your time, Carlo. Your blend of humor and wisdom is always refreshing!
