Former Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his 'incredible admiration' for Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, whilst discussing his overall career.
Prior to signing for Real Madrid, Ancelotti's Rossonero path led him to several clashes with the Reds, whose captain at one point became a transfer target.
“I have an incredible admiration [for Gerrard],” he said, in an interview with Gazzetta TV. “When I was at Milan we tried signing him, but it was not possible.
Former Milan Coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his 'incredible admiration' for Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, whilst discussing his overall career.
Prior to signing for Real Madrid, Ancelotti's Rossonero path led him to several clashes with the Reds, whose captain at one point became a transfer target.
“I have an incredible admiration [for Gerrard],” he said, in an interview with Gazzetta TV. “When I was at Milan we tried signing him, but it was not possible.
“Still, our revenge against Liverpool [2-1 in the Champions League final in 2007, after losing on penalties in the 2005 final] was incredible.
“I was hoping they'd win against Chelsea [in the semi-finals]. We wanted them because I believe in destiny and you can't lose a final the way we did without being given a second chance.
“But I would change nothing about the 2005 final. I asked the lads to focus. The things I told them were correct.”
The 55-year-old was also asked about the genesis of his famous 'Christmas-tree' formation, the 4-3-2-1.
“The club inundated me with playmakers, so I tried to employ as many as I could.
“The first time was in La Coruna with Rivaldo, Rui Costa, [Clarence] Seedorf and [Andrea] Pirlo. The latter two did a lot of dirty work in the midfield.
“In the final played in Manchester [against Juventus, in 2003] we didn't use that set-up. Rather we used two strikers and two playmakers.
“That final was the victory that changed my career. But my life changed in Reggio [i.e., coaching Reggiana in 1995-96], before Parma and Juventus.”
In spite of having coached the Bianconeri, Ancelotti believes winning against them was always something special.
“Being tagged as the eternal second was beginning to get annoying for me, and for Milan too, a club I have strong ties to.
“As for the [May 2000] game against Perugia that cost us the Scudetto, I wouldn't have changed anything. There was nothing I could have done.”
Finally, the tactician spoke of his relationship with his players.
“I like to joke with them. It's important for a Coach to understand when's the right moment to fool around and when you've got to get to work.
“I respect the players and I demand respect, but I'm not a Mr Nice Guy.”