Carlo Ancelotti reflected on his 2022, the 900 days between his Napoli dismissal to Champions League triumph and his childhood support of Inter.
The 63-year-old Italian is one of the most successful coaches in history, becoming the first to win all of Europe’s top five leagues and picking up four Champions League titles. Ancelotti was heavily linked with the Brazil job following Tite’s departure earlier this month and many expect him to move into international management in the coming years.
Speaking to Il Foglio, Ancelotti first reflected on his 2022 and what he achieved.
“This is a special year that came after a fairly troubled period. It was thought that my career was coming to an end. A unique season because of how we won, especially in the Champions League.
“Spectacular comebacks, overturning all predictions with a thousand difficulties to overcome. I consider this 2022 among the most special years in my life. Yes, just twelve months to remember.”
He commented on the 900-day gap between his Napoli dismissal and Champions League win with Real Madrid.
“It’s the history of football, it’s a good movie because sometimes it happens that things don’t go right. However, the experience with Napoli was positive. I wanted to return to Italy, I did it in a warm, passionate piazza.
“The one at Everton the same, it was a good adventure because we did important things like winning the Liverpool derby at Anfield after 22 years. When I was looking around, the call from Madrid came as a surprise. An unhoped-for, unexpected return.”
The 63-year-old Italian coach spoke about his son Davide and if he took revenge after all the criticisms received in recent years.
“Davide does not need revenge. He has been appreciated in all the places he has been: at Bayern Munich, on his first adventure at Real, at Napoli. The story of being recommended is bullsh*t. Davide is a capable coach, serious, he is getting great experience, he is very prepared and competent.
“He is from the young part of my group of assistants, composed only of Italians. The two who have the most experience are me and the athletic trainer Antonio Pintus, who arrived at Real after the Nerazzurri scudetto with Conte.”
He gave his thoughts on his Champions League success as both a player and coach.
“Because my football history was built in the two teams that have the most tradition in the Champions League, Real Madrid and Milan. Those are the two clubs that have characterized, Milan as a player and coach and Real Madrid only as a coach, my career.”
Finally, Ancelotti discussed his boyhood support of Inter.
“Yes, it’s true! For me it always remains, for what it was, the sympathy for Inter because it was the team of my childhood. From the age of 6 to 15 I was an Inter fan and after that, slowly, my ideas changed. Now I can say that I am 100% Milanista.”
Hahaha 🤣
100% Milanista. I love that.