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Carlo Ancelotti, known for his successful coaching stints with top clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, highlights the importance of being a good person first and a coach second. His leadership style is marked by calmness and humility, earning him respect from players and fans alike.
Ancelotti believes that building strong relationships with players is key to success. He listens to them and values their input, seeing this as essential for effective leadership. His approach involves leading with quiet authority and effective communication, helping his team navigate both wins and losses.
Carlo Ancelotti discusses the challenges of his role, emphasizing that despite having the power to make decisions like training schedules and team selection, the nature of his job lies in managing relationships. He often reminds his players that they are individuals first, who happen to play football, and that professionalism comes from being genuine. By surrounding himself with calm individuals, Ancelotti has shaped his leadership style, focusing on honesty and understanding to achieve the best results.
He acknowledges the stress that comes with high-level football but views it as a normal part of the job. Ancelotti manages this pressure by staying composed and adapting his methods to fit his players' needs and the demands of the game.
Stress is a natural part of football, especially at the highest level. Real Madrid, with its constant drive to win the Champions League, faces immense pressure every season. As the club with the most Champions League titles, it's often seen as the top team in the competition. Despite the high stakes, Ancelotti uses his experience to keep players calm and remind them of the importance of representing such a prestigious club.
"You need to have a clear idea of what to do in critical situations. It's important to listen to your colleagues and players... There is no life without pressure or a bit of stress. Too much stress isn't good, but in small amounts, it acts as fuel. When the match starts, everything stops; you need to find peace to handle situations on the field. Three to four hours before a game, I start sweating, my heart races, and I think negatively. It's always the same... At that point, the coach is alone and needs individuality. I can't share it with anyone, but those around me understand and support me."
The Italian coach reflected on the Spanish team, considering Real Madrid to be the biggest club in the world. Leading such a club is not easy, especially with a lot of talented and amazing players on the team. Real Madrid's success speaks for itself and highlights the greatness of the club. Ancelotti mentioned players like Mbappé and Endrick as key to the team and fitting into his system. His goal is to instill in them the DNA of Real Madrid, to familiarize them with the club's greatness, and to emphasize the importance of representing the club's colors. Mbappé and Endrick are players from whom Real's fans have high expectations.
"Real Madrid has very high standards because it is the biggest club in the world. That’s why it attracts the best players. You must be able to harness their qualities for the benefit of the team. We try to do this every season, including this one with the additions of Kylian and Endrick. They are adapting well, and my job is to explain to them that they should never give up and to compete until the end."- he said.
Carlo Ancelotti on success and failure
For Ancelotti, success and failure are about perspective. He sees victories more as moments of relief than pure joy, while he views defeats as opportunities to learn and grow. This balanced approach to handling pressure and self-criticism is a big part of his long-term success in football.
Ancelotti also views defeat as a moment of sadness but also as an opportunity to address what went wrong. He stresss that just like in life, you need to get back up after setbacks. He feels that criticism only affects you if you're not able to self-reflect and improve. Success, according to Ancelotti, isn't just about winning titles or staying in the league; it's about giving your best and maximizing your potential, both mentally and physically.
The Italian coach is known for being more than just a great strategist and coach" he’s also a psychologist who understands every part of the game. To his players, he’s not just a coach but also a father figure and mentor, guiding them through both their professional and personal challenges.
Despite being 66, Ancelotti shows no signs of retiring anytime soon. He sees himself continuing in his role as a coach for as long as he remains passionate about football.
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