Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to resign from his job at Everton in order to re-join Real Madrid was born from an off-hand phone call with CEO Jose Ángel Sánchez.
As detailed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian coach phoned the Real Madrid CEO on a late May afternoon, wanting to catch up and have a friendly chat. The pair have a very cordial relationship and they discussed many things on the call, such as the availability of Los Blancos’ many surplus players and any transfer market opportunities.
Ancelotti wanted to pick up some players to strengthen his Everton side, who finished 10th in the Premier League that year. At the end of the call, the Italian asked Sánchez how the search for a new coach was going, following the departure of Zinedine Zidane.
The Real Madrid CEO did not hide his frustration, noting the difficulties of the search and concern present in the Spanish capital. This is when Ancelotti offered to come back, surprising Sánchez, who promptly asked for a few minutes in order to discuss the idea with Florentino Perez.
Within three days, Ancelotti was presented as the new Real Madrid coach, starting his second term at la Casa Blanca.
The Italian coach is doing an incredible job with Los Blancos, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a difficult tie with PSG and securing the top spot in the league table, giving them a concrete chance of winning yet another La Liga title.
And all that despite letting some important players go and spending almost nothing. Respect.
I’m sure Real is happier with Alaba than PSG is with Sergio Ramos.