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August 8, 2024
With five Champions League titles as a coach, is Carlo Ancelotti the most excellent manager in football history? We look closer at the case he has built throughout his illustrious, trophy-laden career.
Much like during his glittering playing days, where he often stood back and let his teammates shine, Ancelotti has frequently allowed his coaching successes to speak for themselves, with his players usually receiving the praise. However, capturing his fifth Champions League title with Real Madrid in 2024 cemented his place among football’s greatest-ever tacticians.
While his recent triumphs with the Spanish giants would be enough to propel most managers into the conversation of the all-time greats, the 65-year-old’s unmatched success across Europe’s top leagues elevates Carletto to another level entirely.
Ancelotti has managed AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, respectively, and has won domestic league titles in Italy’s Serie A, France’s Ligue 1, England’s Premier League, and Germany’s Bundesliga. This is in addition to a pair of La Liga titles with Real Madrid, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile and successful coaches in the sport’s history.
While the lack of consecutive league titles or a sustained domestic legacy with one club might limit his position in some debates about football’s most excellent managers, Ancelotti’s unparalleled connection with the Champions League is a legacy.
He delivered AC Milan’s first Champions League victory in nearly a decade in 2003 and added another in 2007. Even the heartbreaking 2005 final, where his team surrendered a three-goal lead to Liverpool in Istanbul, only strengthened his myth in the competition.
Ancelotti’s first stint at Real Madrid broke a 12-year drought and lifted the club’s elusive La Decima in 2014. This victory laid the groundwork for Real Madrid’s historic hat-trick of Champions League titles under his then-assistant, Zinedine Zidane, starting in 2016. Ancelotti’s meticulous preparation, tactical understanding, and ability to get players to peak at crucial moments became defining traits passed down to his successor.
Ancelotti’s mastery of Europe’s most prestigious club competition is a testament to his strategic genius and calmness under immense pressure. This ability led to his return to Real Madrid, where Champions League success is paramount. The decision paid off, as he added two more Champions League titles in 2022 and 2024, further cementing his place as one of the finest managers in football history.
Beyond his impressive medal collection, a cornerstone of Ancelotti’s greatness lies in his exceptional man-management skills and strong relationships with his players. This foundation has been pivotal to his team’s success. Known for his calm demeanor, the former Parma coach fosters a positive and cohesive team environment.
As a former elite midfielder, Ancelotti has a unique ability to understand each player’s needs and personalities. This insight allows him to motivate them effectively and extract their best performances. Legendary talents such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrea Pirlo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have all thrived under his guidance.
Despite early successes leading some critics to dismiss his achievements due to having elite players at his disposal, Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility distinguishes him from his peers. He has evolved beyond the rigid 4-4-2 structure that marked the early part of his career.
Now, Ancelotti is remarkably adaptable. He seamlessly adjusts his tactics to outsmart opponents while aligning with his team’s strengths and the demands of various competitions. His ability to switch between multiple formations while balancing solid defensive structures and fluid attacking play has become a hallmark of his coaching style.
In an industry characterized by volatility and short-term thinking, Carlo Ancelotti’s success and longevity testify to his adaptability. For over two decades, he has thrived in diverse and ever-evolving football cultures, leading some of the world’s biggest clubs.
His extraordinary career, marked by tactical brilliance, Champions League dominance, and exceptional man-management skills, shows no signs of slowing down as Ancelotti enters his fourth decade in coaching. He has set a benchmark for future generations of coaches to aspire to.
Despite the Italy Men’s National Team’s lackluster tournament performances over the last 25 years, aside from Euro 2020, a fitting conclusion to Ancelotti’s career could involve guiding the Azzurri back to the pinnacle of international football.
If he doesn’t achieve the title of the greatest coach of all time by then, few will dispute Ancelotti’s place at the top table of football management should that dream come to fruition shortly.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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