Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti displayed his usual relaxed demeanor while addressing the media ahead of Tuesday’s La Liga match against Deportivo Alaves this week.
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching 300 games at the greatest club in the world,” Ancelotti remarked. “To be seated on this bench is truly something special. To have the opportunity to sit there 300 times… I wouldn’t call it a miracle, but it’s close.”
Achieving such a milestone at any top European club is a remarkable feat, especially at Real Madrid, where president Florentino Perez is known for frequently changing coaches. The only manager to oversee more games at Madrid is Miguel Munoz, who managed 605 matches between 1959 and 1974.
During both of Ancelotti’s managerial tenures at Madrid – first from 2013-2015 and then returning in 2021 – the team secured Champions League victories in 2014, 2022, and 2024. However, winning trophies alone often doesn’t guarantee job security at the Bernabeu.
Just a year after claiming Madrid’s tenth European Cup in 2014, Ancelotti was dismissed by Perez due to issues in their relationship. His second stint also had its challenges, despite bringing two more Champions League titles.
Surviving and thriving in arguably the most demanding football environment, as Ancelotti acknowledged, is almost miraculous.
Having managed for almost three decades, starting at Italian club Reggiana in 1995, Ancelotti has gathered extensive experience working under influential figures accustomed to giving directives.
At various clubs, including AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton, he navigated relationships with high-profile owners and directors.
Ancelotti’s book published in 2016, titled “Quiet Leadership: winning hearts, minds and matches,” delves into his experiences managing personalities like Berlusconi, Abramovich, and Al Khelaifi.
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Ancelotti’s ability to navigate complex relationships and challenging environments has been a key factor in his successful coaching career.