Davide Ancelotti has rejoined his father, Carlo Ancelotti, in the Brazil national team camp following a surprising early exit from Botafogo, a club he managed for just five months.

Davide was rated highly at Real Madrid due to his tactical acumen. He was even linked with a potential return to Real Madrid when Xabi Alonso was facing an uncertain future at the end of last year.

Now working with the Brazilian national team alongside his father, Carlo, Davide has recently sat down with DAZN for an interview (h/t Mundo Deportivo), where he talks about Real Madrid, Vinicius and more.

Davide Ancelotti on Carlo, Vinicius and Xabi

First and foremost, Davide revealed his experience of trying to emulate his father, only to realise he is much different.

“It’s true that we are similar in character. At first, I tended to imitate him a bit because he is my role model, and I’ve also had to learn that I’m different, that I’m not the same, and that I don’t have the aura he has, he has won five Champions League titles,” he said.

The former Real Madrid assistant coach went on to highlight the importance of managing a dressing room, particularly when the team is loaded with stars such as those at the Bernabeu.

“When a player is a star, he’s alone. I always think my father was very good at this, at getting especially close to the star. Because he understands that’s his role within the team.

“A true star is someone who has to give to others, who makes others better, and who has a lot of responsibility, not only from the outside, but also from within. Everyone inside expects him to win the game,” he said.

Failing to manage this dressing room atmosphere was one of the primary reasons why Xabi Alonso was let go.

Talking about Alonso, Davide said being sacked by your club is part and parcel of being a coach, adding that the incident won’t impact Alonso’s legacy.

“Coaches change. Xabi is a young coach who is going to have an extraordinary career, and surely, this won’t affect him. These things happen.

“I, who experience it every day as a coach, understand it. Perhaps, from the outside, it might seem like a bigger shock. But, in the end, being fired is part of life, and we have to accept it,” he said.

Finally, Davide Ancelotti offered his thoughts on Vinicius Jr., praising the Brazilian international for his ability to change the complexion of matches.

“Vini has an eye for goal, he dribbles, he provides assists… As a player, I don’t think Vinicius can be questioned (…)

“From the outside, his personality is a topic of discussion, but I don’t think that should distract from how decisive and game-changing he is. In the end, teams plan their matches with him in mind,” he concluded.