Carlo Ancelotti won the UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year award for the 2021-22 season after his incredible work with Real Madrid.
The Italian coach left Everton for Los Blancos last year, returning to the Spanish capital after six years away. Ancelotti clearly had unfinished business in Madrid, something he rectified last season as he guided the team to both the La Liga and Champions League titles.
Ancelotti was a deserved winner of the award and he took the opportunity to thanks his former teacher and mentor, Arrigo Sacchi.
“He was an extraordinary teacher. Thanks to the Real Madrid fans for the fantastic evenings at the Bernabeu and to the President who gave me the chance to come back to Real Madrid last year.”
The Italian coach also spoke highly about star striker Karim Benzema, who netted 44 goals in 46 games last season, including 15 in 12 in the Champions League.
“Everyone in the world was impressed by his performance. He’s not only a great striker, but an extraordinary football player who sews the game, he knows how to manage the timing of the game, he has leadership and he’s also a friend of mine.
“But that’s not why I play him, he’s the best. We are lucky to have Karim, football is lucky to have him.”
Ancelotti’s incredible work last season saw him become the first coach to win all of Europe’s top five leagues, further writing his name into the history books.
The Italian coach has won the predecessor to UEFA’s award, the European Football Coach of the Season title, twice before after his work in the 2002-03 and 2006-07 seasons with Milan.
Surprised it wasn’t allegri with his octagon football terrorism formation.
Well done Carlo – thoroughly deserved.